Windows 11. Coming Soon to Your Computer?

Are you one who always wants the latest and greatest? I know a lot of people who stand in line (sometime over many nights) to get the latest gadget, but I can't help but wonder what their approach will be to upgrading to Windows 11? 

Windows 10 was a significant update of the Microsoft operating system released in 2015 and has been powering many computers ever since. Microsoft provides regular updates to Windows 10 so that you can ensure that you are running with the latest and greatest. Note: We will provide steps at the bottom of this article to help you determine if you are running the most recent version.

Today's big questions are:

1) When is Windows 11 coming?

2) Can you install it on your computer?

3) And, will you install it on your computer?

The answer to the first question is simple. Microsoft will begin shipping PCs with Windows 11 this fall. At the same time, Windows 11 will be rolled out as a free upgrade to current Windows 10 users in waves.

The answer to the third question is simple - you choose. You will have the option of whether or not you would like to upgrade to Windows 11 and when you would like to do so. Microsoft is currently planning on supporting Windows 10 until 2025. 

In terms of can you install it on your computer, that is a little more complicated. It turns out that many of Microsoft's own Surface devices won't be able to run Windows 11. In fact, When PC World first reported the issue with the Surface devices, they included a link back to Microsoft's app "PC Health Check" which was supposed to tell you if your laptop (whether or not it was a Surface device) could run Windows 11. However, when clicking on that link as of this writing and scrolling to the very bottom of the page, the app is gone and a "Coming Soon" notice is there.  

According to CNET, you can use an open-source app called WhyNotWin11 to check your laptop. Alternatively, you can read this list of specs, features and requirements at Microsoft's website. 

So, don't make a decision on upgrading yet. Instead, take some time to watch this video about Windows 11 and learn about the new features. That information will help you choose, but keep in mind it isn't a choice you will make soon.

In the meantime, you should see if you have the most recent version of Windows 10 and upgrade if you don't. Follow these steps.

1. Click the Windows 10 start button (flag icon) in the lower left of your taskbar

2. Click the gear icon in the left column to open the settings

3. Click on "Updates and Security" and then "Windows Updates"

4. Select "Check for Updates"

The most current version of Windows 10 is 21H1 which provides new features and security improvements.

If you are not running 21H1, select "Download and install". The update will begin after other updates in your queue have completed. Your device may need to restart.

Happy computing!