X

Windows 11 has arrived, but here's why not everyone will get the upgrade yet

Microsoft is rolling out its new operating system in phases. We'll explain what that means for you and your computer.

Alison DeNisco Rayome Managing Editor
Managing Editor Alison DeNisco Rayome joined CNET in 2019, and is a member of the Home team. She is a co-lead of the CNET Tips and We Do the Math series, and manages the Home Tips series, testing out new hacks for cooking, cleaning and tinkering with all of the gadgets and appliances in your house. Alison was previously an editor at TechRepublic.
Expertise Home Tips, including cooking, cleaning and appliances hacks Credentials
  • National Silver Azbee Award for Impact/Investigative Journalism; National Gold Azbee Award for Online Single Topic Coverage by a Team; National Bronze Azbee Award for Web Feature Series
Alison DeNisco Rayome
2 min read
Windows 11 update on a laptop

The Windows 11 operating system was released Oct. 5. 

Sarah Tew/CNET

Windows 11 started its wide rollout on Oct. 5 -- the first major upgrade in six years. Windows 11 is available as a free download for existing Windows 10 users, but it's not yet available for every compatible Windows device. And every major new feature promised isn't available right now. (Microsoft announced this in an August blog post). 

We've already tested and published a full review of Windows 11 (it's familiar but fresh, with a Mac-like design). You can expect a few new multitasking features, and the Start menu is in a new place. However, it will not include one of the most anticipated updates: support for Android mobile apps in its new app store. Microsoft also didn't offer a date for when Android apps would be available either, other than saying that it would roll out in a "preview" test "over the coming months," according to the post.

Watch this: Windows 11: Will your computer be able to run it? What to know

There's a lot to look forward to. But even if your device hasn't been prompted to update, you can still check to see if you meet the compatibility requirements. Heads up, (you'll need to be running Windows 10 first to do so -- here's how to download Windows 10 for free if you haven't yet). And just because you have a compatible Windows device doesn't mean you'll be able to run Windows 11 starting today. 

Microsoft said the launch will be "phased and measured," with new eligible devices getting the upgrade first and the rest getting offered the free upgrade sometime between October and mid-2022, depending on your hardware, age of device and other factors. You'll get a notification from Windows Update letting you know when Windows 11 is available to you, or you can check manually (here's more on how to download Windows 11 before your system asks you to). 

Watch this: Windows 11: Hands-on with an early build

While you wait for Microsoft's new operating system to arrive, you can check to see if your computer will be able to automatically update to Windows 11 (you'll need to be running Windows 10 first to do so -- here's how to download Windows 10 for free if you haven't yet). But even if it isn't deemed compatible, there will be a way to manually download a version that is not supported by Microsoft. And here's how to set the default search engine, if you'd rather not use Bing.

You also don't have to upgrade to Windows 11 right away if you don't want to -- Microsoft will still support Windows 10 through October 2025. 

For more, check out the every big difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11 and what you'll need to do before you upgrade to Windows 11