Microsoft to release Windows 11 on October 5

Microsoft said Tuesday it will start offering free upgrades to Windows 11, the next version of its desktop operating system, to eligible PCs on Oct. 5, Report says, referring to CNBC.

The company expects all devices that meet the Windows 11 requirements to receive the free upgrade by the middle of 2022. Microsoft will continue to support Windows 10 through 2025, and the company suggests people stick with it if their PCs can’t run Windows 11 and they don’t want to buy a new PC.

Windows 11 brings a modern look, with rounded corners and app icons displayed in the center of the taskbar. New sounds are designed to be less jarring. Microsoft redesigned the Start menu, the app store, and the Settings app, and it’s easier to arrange multiple app windows on the screen. And Android apps will be available by way of Amazon’s Appstore. The refresh comes as Microsoft faces rising competition from Chromebooks running Google’s Chrome OS, and Chromebooks are capable of running Android apps.