Recently, a new version of Windows appeared: Windows 11. It is the first major new Windows version in six years. We have already listed and answered a number of questions for you.
When will Windows 11 be available?
Windows 11 has been available since Monday evening, October 4, 2021. Windows 11 will automatically be offered via the update window, if your laptop or computer is suitable for the program. Want to manually download Windows 11? You can do that from the Windows site.
Is my computer suitable for Windows 11?
A fair question. With the new Windows version, Microsoft has increased the system requirements. Computers under four years old can easily run Windows 11. Computers older than four years often also, but they could crash more often, according to Microsoft. These computers or laptops will most likely not be offered the update automatically. If you still want the new Windows version, it must be installed manually.
Is Windows 11 Free?
Windows 11 is free for users of Windows 10. If you still have an older Windows version, Windows 7 or Windows 8, don’t panic. Windows 11 can also be downloaded for free for you via a small detour. Windows recently offered this group of people a free update to Windows 10. If this is installed, Windows 11 can be installed immediately afterwards. Currently, only Windows 11 can be installed from Windows 10.
Can I just upgrade to Windows 11?
Before downloading the update, it is wise to make a backup. Especially if you have a lot of photos or videos on your computer, or if you need the computer to perform certain activities. To be on the safe side, export the files to an external drive.
Updating to Windows 11 also takes quite a bit of time. So take a good look at what is a suitable time to do this and choose a time when you do not need the computer for a while.
What are the biggest innovations?
What immediately stands out is the completely new look that Windows 11 has received: many semi-transparent panels, rounded corners and new animations and animations. There is also a new Start menu. The aim of these adjustments is to get the user from A to B faster.
A new feature has been added: Desktops. This feature allows users to use multiple desktops simultaneously. You can switch horizontally between desktops, for example to distinguish between work and private. Work is also being done to use multiple apps at the same time full screen: both next to each other and above each other.
Information windows, called Widgets, can now slide in on the left side of the screen. This can consist of a weather forecast, the calendar or, for example, recent files. At the moment these are only Microsoft own apps, in the long run there will also be Widgets from third parties.
Should I use the new start menu?
This is not necessary. In the Personalization menu of the settings, users can choose where the Start menu is displayed on the screen. By default, Windows 11 will display the Start menu in the center of the screen. This can therefore be changed, for example to the left of the screen.
Can I also continue to use Windows 10?
You can refuse the update, after all it remains a voluntary choice. For some, that might also be sensible: if you use advanced software for certain activities, then it is wise to keep an eye out for a while. This update may bring complications.
Until October 2025, the choice is entirely yours. After that, Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10. The business version of Windows 10 will have a little longer to complete the update.
Can I go back to Windows 10, should Windows 11 disappoint?
You have up to ten days after the update to roll back to keep your files and settings. So it is possible, but don’t wait too long with this. If you want to go back to Windows 10 and those ten days have passed, you will have to manually create a backup and perform a fresh Windows 10 installation. Rolling back from Windows 11 to 10 can be done via Settings > Update & Security > Restore.
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