Microsoft has finally announced the release date for Windows 11. It will mark the first major operating system update in the last 6-years of the company. The existing Windows users can download the new version of the Windows operating system for free. Microsoft said in a blog post on Tuesday that the new OS won’t roll out to every compatible Windows device at once. Windows 11 will be released on 5^th October 2021. However, the first general release of Windows 11 will include features like a more streamlined, Mac-like design, an updated Start menu, new multitasking tools, and integrated Microsoft Teams. But it will not include support for Android mobile apps in its new app store. Microsoft hasn’t yet offered a specific date for Android apps instead of said they would roll out in a preview test over the coming months.

Moreover, every user will not be able to run Windows 11 on 5^th October whether they have a compatible Windows device. The launch will be phased and measured with new eligible devices getting the upgrade first, and the rest getting offered the free upgrade sometime between October and mid-2022, depending on your hardware, age of the device, and other factors. You’ll get a notification from Windows Update letting you know when Windows 11 is available to you, or you can check manually. Microsoft announced Windows 11 in June and said the OS will start rolling out around the holiday season and continue into 2022. A message from Microsoft Teams popped up on the demo screen during the announcement event. It said, “Excited to turn it up to 11; can’t wait for October”.

Various published images for Windows 11 include a date of 20^th October. The website of Walmart listed a “Free upgrade to Windows October 2021 when available” on specific devices. However, you can download an early preview of Windows 11 now, if you’re part of the Windows Insider program. You can also check to see if your computer has the capability to automatically update to Windows 11. You will need to run Windows 10 first to do the task. But even if it isn’t deemed compatible, there will be a way to manually download a version that is not supported by Microsoft. You also don’t have to upgrade to Windows 11 right away if you don’t want to. Microsoft will still support Windows 10 through October 2025.