The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/web/20210708201143/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11
Skip to main content
Windows
Cart0 items in shopping cart
Sign in
Windows 11

Introducing Windows 11

A new Windows experience, bringing you closer to the people and things you love.

Windows 11 brings you closer to what you love

Windows 11 photo

Get a fresh perspective

Windows 11 provides a calm and creative space where you can pursue your passions through a fresh experience. From a rejuvenated Start menu to new ways to connect to your favorite people, news, games, and content—Windows 11 is the place to think, express, and create in a natural way.

Windows 11 Snap feature showing three applications on one screen

Maximize your productivity

Access all the apps you need and multi-task with ease with tools like Snap layouts, Desktops, and a new more-intuitive redocking experience.

Windows 11 screen with Microsoft Teams app and taskbar icon

New ways to connect

Connect instantly to the people you care about right from your desktop with Microsoft Teams. Call or chat for free—no matter what device they’re on.1

Your content, curated by you

With Microsoft Edge and a multitude of Widgets you can choose from, you can quickly stay up to date with the news, information, and entertainment that matters most to you.2 Easily find the apps you need and the shows you love to watch in the new Microsoft Store.

Windows 11 Widgets screen

A PC for each of us

The new Windows is available on the widest array of devices, from our partners who are bringing you the latest innovations in touch, pen, and voice, making it easy to find the best, most affordable device for you.4

Array of 6 Windows 11 computers
Person looking at Windows 11 laptop

Find the right PC for you

Need a new PC now? There are some Windows 10 PCs that can upgrade for free when Windows 11 rolls out.4 5

It’s so much easier to transfer to a new PC when you back up your files and photos from your old PC to OneDrive.7

SHOP PCS
Computer icon with check mark

Check for compatibility

Use the PC Health Check app to see if your current PC meets the requirements to run Windows 11. If so, you can get a free upgrade when it rolls out.

We are finalizing the version of PC Health Check that will work on 32-bit and ARM Windows 10 PCs. Please check back later for availability.

DOWNLOAD APP

COMING SOON

Computer icon with check mark
Check mark inside a circle

This PC will run Windows 11

Your PC meets the minimum hardware requirements and is eligible for a free upgrade when it rolls out.4 5

SEE FAQIF I UPGRADE, WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY FILES?
Check mark inside a circle
Exclamation point inside a triangle

This PC will not run Windows 11

Your PC did not meet the needed requirements. You can continue to get Windows 10 updates5 6, or you can shop for a new Windows 10 PC that does meet the requirements.4

Can I continue to use Windows 10?SHOP NEW PCS
Exclamation point inside a triangle
Information icon

We are working on it

Check the Windows 11 specifications page to see if your PC meets the requirements or your device manufacturer (OEM).

SEE SPECS
Information icon

Minimum system requirements

Minimum system requirements
Processor1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
Memory4 GB RAM
Storage64 GB or larger storage device
System firmwareUEFI, Secure Boot capable
TPMTrusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
Minimum system requirements
Graphics cardDirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x
Display>9” with HD Resolution (720p)
Internet connectionMicrosoft account and internet connectivity required for setup for Windows 11 Home

Certain features require specific hardware, see detailed system requirements.

Shop for a Windows 11 compatible PC at these retailers4 5

Frequently asked questions about Windows 11

 | 

Windows 11 has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes with new tools, sounds, and apps. Every detail has been considered. All of it comes together to bring you a refreshing experience on your PC.

PCs with Windows 11 pre-installed will be available later this year.

It depends! Many different manufacturers will offer a variety of devices that will run Windows 11, all at different price points.

PCs that come with Windows 11 pre-installed will be available from a broad selection of retailers later this year. Details to come.

If your accessories worked with Windows 10 and meet the Windows 11 requirements, they should work with Windows 11. If you want to be sure, please check with your accessory manufacturer.

Most Windows 10 PCs currently being sold will be able to upgrade to Windows 11. For the PC to be able to upgrade to Windows 11, it must meet the minimum hardware specifications and specific hardware is required for some features. The upgrade rollout plan is still being finalized but is scheduled to begin late in 2021 and continue into 2022. Specific timing will vary by device.

There are a few ways to find out. If you’re currently shopping for a new PC look for “Free upgrade to Windows 11” on the fact tag. You can also ask your retail sales professional to confirm.

If your existing Windows 10 PC is running the most current version of Windows 10 and meets the minimum hardware specifications it will be able to upgrade to Windows 11. The upgrade rollout plan is still being finalized, but for most devices already in use today, we expect it to be ready sometime in early 2022. Not all Windows 10 PCs that are eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 will be offered to upgrade at the same time. To see if your PC is eligible to upgrade, download and run the PC Health Check app. Once the upgrade rollout has started, you can check if it is ready for your device by going to Settings/Windows Updates.

If you’d like to see if your current PC meets the minimum requirements, download and run the PC Health Check app.

Yes! Windows 10 continues to be a great version of Windows. We have committed to supporting Windows 10 through October 14, 2025.

Upgrades to Windows 11 will begin to roll out late in 2021 and continue into 2022. During this time, we will be doing some behind-the-scenes testing and validating for your specific PC. Windows Update will provide an indication if and when your PC is eligible. You can check by going to Settings/Windows Update.

It’s free. But only Windows 10 PCs that are running the most current version of Windows 10 and meet the minimum hardware specifications will be able to upgrade. You can check to see if you have the latest updates for Windows 10 in Settings/Windows Update.

An update can consist of bug and security fixes and new features in a version of Windows. They tend to roll out throughout the year. An upgrade is when you change versions—for example, moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11, or moving editions from Windows Home to Windows Pro.

The free upgrade offer does not have a specific end date for eligible systems. However, Microsoft reserves the right to eventually end support for the free offer. This end date will be no sooner than one year from general availability.

Yes. You do not have to upgrade to Windows 11. We will continue to support Windows 10 until October 14, 2025.

No. Windows 11 and Windows 10 require approximately the same amount of disk space. During the upgrade process, however, extra space is required. Windows will clean up this extra disk space about 10 days after the upgrade is complete.

Windows 11 is the newest version of Windows. However, we will continue to support Windows 10 until October 2025.

By default, all your files and data will transfer. However, we recommend backing up your files before installation. Learn more about OneDrive PC folder Backup.

Yes. After you have installed the Windows 11 upgrade, there is a 10-day period where you can move back to Windows 10 while keeping files and data that you brought along with you. After the 10 days, you will need to back up your data and do a “clean install” to move back to Windows 10.

Downloading and installing Windows 11 will most likely take longer than a typical Windows 10 feature update. You can use your PC while you’re downloading Windows 11 and then you have the option to schedule the install to happen at a specific time when you aren’t planning on using your PC.

If your PC meets the minimum hardware specifications, the Windows 10 Home edition in S mode can upgrade to the Windows 11 Home edition in S mode. If your Windows 10 PC is running the Pro edition in S mode, you will need to switch out of S mode to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro. Windows 11 Pro edition is not available in S mode.

You can use the PC Health Check app to determine if your device is eligible to upgrade to Windows 11. Many PCs that are less than four years old will be able to upgrade to Windows 11. They must be running the most current version of Windows 10 and meet the minimum hardware requirements.

Show more

Pre-release product shown, subject to change.

1 Certain features require specific hardware, see https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11-specifications. Internet access required, service fees may apply.

2 Internet access required. Service fees may apply.

3 For full details visit https://www.xbox.com/. Use your active Xbox Game Pass for PC membership to play PC games on Windows 10 PC (excludes Windows 10 in S mode and on ARM devices). App download, Windows update(s), and storage required. System requirements vary by game; performance scales with higher end systems. Game titles, number, features, and availability vary over time, by region and platform. Learn more at https://www.xbox.com/regions. For recurring memberships, membership automatically continues to be charged at the then-current regular price (subject to change; plus applicable taxes) unless cancelled. Cancel at account.microsoft.com/services. Notice before purchase of add-ons, DLC, consumables, virtual currency, or subscriptions (sold separately): If your membership terminates or a game is removed from the catalog, you must reactivate your membership or buy the game separately to continue using these items. Requires download(s) (significant storage, broadband, and ISP fees apply) and Microsoft account. May require additional hardware and subscriptions. Age restrictions apply. Xbox Game Pass discounts are based on Microsoft Store price and are not combinable with other offers and are not redeemable for cash. Discount offers exclude titles within 30 days of launch and are not available with select titles. EA Play subject to terms: https://www.ea.com/ea-play/terms. Maximum 36 months of redeemed Xbox Game Pass per account at a time. Service, features, and requirements may change or be retired. Subject to the Microsoft Services Agreement.

4 Certain features require specific hardware, see https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11-specifications.

5 Upgrade rollout plan is being finalized and is scheduled to begin in late 2021 and continue into 2022. Specific timing will vary by device.

6 PCs with Windows 10 will continue to get regular security updates until end of support—no sooner than 2025.

7 Internet access required. Service fees may apply. Microsoft account (MSA) required for free 5GB storage; additional storage available separately at an additional cost or with a Microsoft 365 subscription.