Surprise: Windows 11 is available a day early
TL; DR
- Microsoft just made the official Windows 11 downloads available.
- That is a day earlier than expected. The originally announced start date was October 5, 2021.
- If you have newer hardware, the update may be available very soon. Older hardware can take a while.
Months ago, Microsoft officially announced that the latest version of Windows would hit the market on October 5, 2021. Two weeks ago Microsoft launched a range of new hardware that supports the new Windows, which is also due to be released on October 5th.
If you have a newer Windows 10 PC, you might be able to check Windows Update and see if Windows 11 is waiting for you there. If you can’t find it – or have an older PC – you can try using the installation wizard to update manually.
Unfortunately, those of you who have older PCs and don’t want to manually upgrade will have to wait a while. Although Microsoft plans to offer as many people as possible a free upgrade to the new Windows, there is time until the second half of 2022 to complete the rollout. As a result, it may take a year or even more for some people to be able to update automatically.
Note that this surprise launch of the software has no impact on the previously announced Microsoft hardware. The new Surface tablets and laptops will land tomorrow.
