Windows 11 has been around for a while, but only now has Microsoft released it without any artificial brakes. If you want, you can now get the new operating system in several ways. We show you how to get Windows 11 right out of the box, have the right tools ready to download, and explain who can switch right away and which users are still left out.
Windows 11 is now for (almost) everyone, at least Microsoft shares that in the so-called Windows Health Dashboard With. There you can read that Windows 11 is now intended for wide distribution. In other words, there are no artificial upgrade brakes anymore, anyone with the right hardware can get Windows 11. However, there is no forced upgrade, users need to take steps themselves to get Windows 11.
This also explains why only “almost” everyone gets Windows 11. As is well known, Microsoft has increased the hardware requirements, which means that: Not all systems running Windows 10 are also suitable for Windows 11. Therefore, the first step is to check your own hardware. Only when your system has passed the test, we recommend that you upgrade. Otherwise, you’d better keep using Windows 10. Microsoft still offers support until October 2025.
Important: Large feature updates can cause bugs. Prepare your system accordingly. At least one backup is needed so that you can return to a working system in the event of an error. After you install Windows 11, you can also use a system feature to roll back the upgrade for 10 days.
Hardware check for Windows 11
Windows 11 requires more powerful hardware than Windows 10. Although there are ways to get around the requirements, we currently only recommend upgrading to Windows 11 if your system is eligible for the new operating system. Therefore, please test beforehand whether Windows 11 runs on the intended system. Microsoft provides PC Health Check for this. Alternatively, you can also test your system with the portable open source tool Check why you don’t win11.
The easy way: Windows Update
You can only speculate that you can upgrade to Windows 11 through Windows Update if your PC is certified as compatible with Windows 11. On Windows 10 (at least version 2004 required), open Windows Update and actively check for updates.
If they offer you Windows 11 as an option, congratulations. Then you can import Windows 11 this way. The installation files are loaded first, then it reboots and Windows 11 is installed.
What is Windows 11?
Windows 11 was just a rumor for a long time, until recently it was unclear if there would ever be a successor to Windows 10. Microsoft has officially announced Windows 11. In concrete terms, this means that Windows 11 is a comprehensive update to Windows 10, that sets new visual accents. For example, it puts the reduced start menu in the middle of the taskbar, brings in desktop widgets, and improves window control.
Is Windows 11 free?
It’s as “free” as Windows 10. Microsoft isn’t giving away the current OS either, but the corresponding Windows 7 upgrade paths still work. We see Windows 11 more as a visual upgrade to Windows 10, so we don’t expect pricing and upgrade options to change much. Rather, Microsoft may even launch another major upgrade campaign with Windows 11 to convince users of older versions of Windows to switch.
Anyone using a current version of Windows 10 can upgrade to Windows 11 for free if the hardware requirements are met.
Windows 11 free: How to get the free upgrade for Windows 10
Where can I download Windows 11?
In late June, Microsoft began testing builds through the Windows Insider program. The final version is distributed from October 5, 2021.
When is Windows 11 released?
The final version of Windows 11 is available from October 5, 2021.
Where is Microsoft’s information on Windows 11?
Microsoft provides the most important information about Windows 11 in a own website together.
What are the hardware requirements for Windows 11?
Express Upgrade – Windows 11 Setup Wizard
If all you need is a quick upgrade to Windows 11, the Windows 11 Setup Wizard is a good option. In Windows 10, the tool was still called Update Assistant, but the functionality remains the same. Launches the tool and performs a brief hardware inventory or, in the case of Windows 11, sends it to the PC Health Check tool.
If your system is not ready for Windows 11, the installation wizard will decline the service. Otherwise, it gets the update directly from Microsoft, and after a reboot, the installation begins.
All Possibilities: Windows 11 Media Creation Tool
By far the most flexible way to get Windows 11 is with the Media Creation Tool. You can also use it to update, but its main task is to create a bootable USB stick. You can then completely reinstall Windows 11.
Alternatively, the media creation tool just loads an ISO file. You can then use this for an in-place update or process the file with other tools.
For professionals: ISO image for Windows 11
Initially, Microsoft had not yet provided an official Windows 11 ISO image for download. That has changed and there is also a final Windows 11 ISO file. This is a way for power users who want to do an in-place upgrade or plan to set up Windows 11 from scratch. You can use free tools like Rufus to write the ISO file to a USB stick.
Fit for Windows 11: You’re on the safe side with these computers (Ad)
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Source: Lenovo All-in-One PC: Lenovo IdeaCentre 3i
A screen with an integrated computer, or is it the other way around? In any case, Lenovo’s all-in-one PC meets all the requirements of Windows 11: the 23.8-inch screen has a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, behind it there is an Intel Core i3 processor, 8 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD and Intel UHD graphics. Windows 10 Home is pre-installed as the operating system.
€599
View on MediaMarkt
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Source: Medion Desktop PC: Medion Akoya E66016 (MD34734)
If you already have a monitor with a resolution of at least 720p and a webcam, you can also change the computer. The MediaMarkt bestseller is equipped for all office tasks thanks to the Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD and GeForce GT 1030 graphics card. Windows 10 Home entitles you to a free upgrade.
€499.99
View on MediaMarkt
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Source: ASUS Laptop: Asus VivoBook 15 R565JA-EJ283T
Of course, Windows 11 also runs on laptops. As for the system requirements, the Asus VivoBook 15 leaves nothing to be desired: the device has a 15.6-inch Full HD screen, an Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, 512 GB of SSD storage, Intel graphics UHD and Windows 10 Home as the operating system.
€599.99
View on MediaMarkt
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