Microsoft justtook the wrapper off Windows 11 , its long - awaited visual overhaul of the PC operating system used by more than a billion people . But now that we know what Windows 11 looks like , how can you start using it ?
First , know that the final translation of the novel OS wo n’t be uncommitted to install until closer to the holiday , unless you sign up for the Windows Insider Program . If you like to live on the border and your PC meets theWindows 11 arrangement requirement , you could jump in start today .
What are those system requirement , you ask ? rent ’s contain ‘ em out :
Windows 11’s new Snap Layouts feature is designed to boost productivity.Screenshot: Microsoft
Processor : 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64 - bit processor or SoC ( system of rules - on - chip )
Graphics card : compatible with DirectX 12 or by and by with WDDM 2.0 driver
RAM : 4 GB or more
Storage : 64 gigabit or larger storage gadget
video display : HD ( 720p ) show that is majuscule than 9 inch diagonally , 8 bits per semblance channel
System firmware : UEFI , Secure Boot capable
TPM : Trusted Platform Module ( TPM ) interlingual rendition 2.0
Microsoft on June 28 announced that it ’s waiving the TPM and mainframe requirements for insider after a gross ton of confusion around what devices would be supported .
“ By providing preview build to the diverse systems in our Windows Insider Program , we will learn how Windows 11 do across CPU models more comprehensively , informing any accommodation we should make to our minimum scheme demand in the future , ” the company said in ablog post .
If you require to get started with Windows 11 as an Insider , here ’s how :
Sign up for the programthrough your browseror by click through configurations , Update & Security , then Windows Insider Program . If your machine does n’t suffer the system necessary for Windows 11 , you ’ll see an alarum and Microsoft cautions against proceeding with the Insider builds . If you ’re already part of the Insider Program and your microcomputer does n’t fulfil the minimum requirements , you’re able to give it a shooting , but then Microsoft advisesdowngrading to Windows 10if you operate into offspring . For more entropy on the Insider Preview build process , moderate outMicrosoft ’s elaborate web log post here .
If you ’d prefer to hold back for the final release , Windows 11 will be available as a free upgrade for Windows 10 users through 2022 . you’re able to suss out to see if your Windows 10 PC is eligible by downloadingMicrosoft ’s PC Health Check app . [ Update : Microsoft haspulled its PC Health Check appto direct its confusing electronic messaging . The app will be back online sometime before Windows 11 ’s public availableness . ] If you ’re still course Windows 7 or 8 , well , RIP .
And if you have no interest in trying out Windows 11 whatsoever , just know that Microsoft willstop supporting Windows 10 in 2025 , so you have four years to derive to term with it .
06/28/21 , 1:20 p.m. ET : This story has been updated to reflect the tidings that the Windows 11 preview build is now available to download and that Microsoft has rend its PC Health Check app after it conduct to mental confusion about which devices support Windows 11 .
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