The lower part has recommended files, folders, and apps based on your usage habits. The upper portion of this menu shows a search bar and pinned apps, with a link for easy access to all your installed apps, and you can create folders for better organization. New Start menu: The Start menu has been overhauled. This means big UI changes, windows with rounded corners, an updated Start menu, and centered buttons. Updated taskbar: It's clear that Windows 11 is changing a lot when it comes to visuals, with the taskbar being the primary focus. You can also buy it on a USB drive through Amazon.īeyond small adjustments, like rounded corners, the ability to delete preinstalled apps, and new icons, are these bigger changes: Microsoft's website has Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro downloads if you need a new license.

Another option is to download the Windows 11 ISO image or use Microsoft's Installation Assistant to force the update. Microsoft has been offering eligible Windows 10 devices the Windows 11 upgrade since it was first available. See Windows 11 Home and Pro - Microsoft Lifestyle for more information. Windows 11 v21H2 is supported until October 10, 2023, and Windows 11 v22H2 is supported until October 8, 2024. But with Windows 10 officially losing support in 2025, Windows 11 is available as an optional free upgrade- here's how to update from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Windows 10 has largely been considered the last major version of Windows, where it's treated more as a service that updates continually. Some devices that were first to run Windows 11 include Microsoft's Surface Pro 8 and Surface Go 3.

If your device isn't eligible for the upgrade, the quickest way to get it is to buy a new device. Windows 11 can be used on older devices through a software update via Windows Update, and newer devices that ship with the OS preinstalled.

Windows 11 dev channel release date