Soon, some PCs will be able to upgrade to the latest Windows 11 OS and Microsoft stated it will make a long list of eligible devices by Oct. 5th which is just Tuesday.
The upgrade will also be free especially for existing Windows 10 users but the release will not be made global all at once. The release will be made in batches which translates to some users getting their updates while others will have to wait for a couple of months to get an official update sent to their computer.
Microsoft also stated clearly that all the eligible devices will have the opportunity of freely upgrading to the new Windows 11 OS by mid-2022 in a blog post.
However, so much has been promised about the Windows 11 update and some of us can’t just wait to get our hands on the device and test things out to experience it in its entirety.
For those that will be in line for the first batch of updates, the upgrade will be as simple as a common Windows 10 update in as much as your PC is compatible with the OS nothing should go wrong with the upgrade.
There is in fact a list of minimum requirements and Microsoft will also offer a workaround for this even though there is a report that the company won’t offer support for this.
So if you’re among those that don’t want to wait until the year 2022 before getting their hands on the new Windows 11 update then one way is to join up with the Windows 11 Insider Preview build and get the chance to test out new features coming to the update such as widgets, snap layouts, virtual desktops, and new Microsoft Store where you can also get Amazon app store apps (basically Android apps) that can run on Windows 11.
One thing to know is that you can check if your computer will be eligible for the free upgrade and this can be done in different ways.
Here is how to download the Windows 11 Insider Preview build
If you’ve joined up with the Windows Insider Program which is free to join, then you can basically download a preview build of the Windows 11 update now easily but it’s also important to note that the beta versions are quite buggy which is why it’s advisable to not install the update on your main machine as it could break things.
Also, note that the first build doesn’t include every new feature that will eventually arrive with the general release. But if you’re adamant like me and just want to try out the new Windows 11 update then let’s hit it head-on.c
First, ensure that your current Windows 10 OS is licensed and also make sure you’re an administrator on your PC.
The next thing to do is to register to join the Windows Insider Program by clicking here or just sign in to your account to start the process.
- Next is to head to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program and click “Get Started”.
- Under the “Pick an account to get started”, click on the “+” icon which will connect your Microsoft account and then continue.
- Then follow through with the instructions to pick the experience and channel you want to get Insider Preview builds through. There is Dev Channel (for developers), the beta channel (for early adopters) or the release preview channel (for those who want to get the latest version just before it’s generally released). Note that this build is coming to the Dev channel.
- Afterwars, review the Privacy Statement and terms, and click confirm. Click Restart Now.
- After your system is done restarting, enter the correct data so you can download the preview builds. To do so, head back to the Settings page then Privacy > Diagnostics & Feeedback and ensure you make the Optional Diagnostic Data is switched on.
- Then head back to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and then click on the “Check for Updates” button where you should be able to see the latest Insider Preview build based on your pre-selected settings.
Newest computers will get Windows 11 while older will get it last
Windows 11 will become globally available (in batches) to users this month of October to those with compatible machines and getting it will be as easy as updating your current Windows 10 security builds which means you’ll get the update at the same location which is the Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and then click on the “Check for Updates” button.
If the new OS is available for your computer, you should get it and you should be able to download and install it right away with no hassle.
But in case you’re not fortunate enough to be among those to receive the first rollout with batches taking months apart, you might want to take some other routes.
If you’re purchasing a new computer made in 2021, they’ll be among the first to receive the upgrade and all compatible devices are expected to have received the update by mid-2022.
So it’s basically the youngest first while the oldest last.
There have been funny rounds across the internet about the fact that Microsoft basically stole the design aesthetics of the macOS to create Windows 11. Also, there is this circle on Windows whereby one major update is always horrible while the next is then great.
For example, Windows 7 was a great operating system that many didn’t want to let go of because of the horribly designed Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 updates. Then came Windows 10 which is amazing and a great leap from Windows 7. Many now wonder if Windows 11 will suffer the same fate as Windows 8.
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