Wait, Windows 11? But I just got used to Windows 10!
As you may have heard by now, on June 24th 2021 Microsoft announced that Windows 11 is coming! We know you probably have questions and concerns - StarNet is here to help. Below we have compiled a list of the burning questions you probably have...
When will Windows 11 be available?
Microsoft has stated Windows 11 will be available "later this year" and also said "holiday" availability - however no official release date has been announced so far.
How much will Windows 11 cost?
There are several ways you will be able to get Windows 11:
Upgrade: As with Windows 10, upgrading your current PC to Windows 11 will be FREE, however your current PC must meet the new system requirements (more on that below).
Purchase a new computer: Microsoft has stated that "PCs that come with Windows 11 pre-installed will be available from a broad selection of retailers later this year."
Buy a stand-alone copy of Windows 11: No details have been released on pricing for retail copies of Windows 11.
Will my computer be able to run Windows 11?
For the first time in the history of Windows, Microsoft has become much stricter on the system requirements for Windows 11. In the past they simply stated the needed processor clock speed, amount of RAM, and storage needed. This time in addition to those requirements Microsoft has added a couple of new requirements; a component called TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module), as well as support for only certain generations of processors. Additionally, these requirements have already changed several times since the Windows 11 announcement and will likely continue to evolve. If all this sounds confusing, that's because it is. The bottom line is this; given current information, if your computer was manufactured 2017 or later it will likely be compatible with Windows 11 - but we'll know more the closer we get. Obviously StarNet will be happy to help you make sense of all this when the time comes.
Do I have to upgrade to Windows 11? How long can I use Windows 10?
There is no immediate need to upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft has announced that they will end support for Windows 10 on October 14th, 2025. This means Microsoft will continue to provide updates for Windows 10 until this date, and it is safe to continue using Windows 10 until this date. TIP:Plan ahead! If you are currently running Windows 10 on older computers and laptops (pre 2017 purchases) then you will need to plan to replace that equipment in 2025. If you need help determining the age of your equipment and planning for this change, contact us!
What's new in Windows 11?
We'll devote an upcoming email to this, be on the lookout for this soon! Until then, here's a sneak peak...
