As of October 5, 2021, Windows 11 has been released. If you’re here to learn more about the upgrade, you’re in luck! I will cover how much the Windows 11 will cost, discuss the new features and go over the hardware required for the upgrade. Finally, I’ll talk about how soon you’ll need to download Windows 11 to keep your computer running as it should.
How Much Will Windows 11 Cost?
Windows 11 is a free upgrade offered to Windows 10 PCs. If you’re thinking, “Hey – I haven’t seen the upgrade yet,” don’t be too surprised. Windows has announced that many users will need to wait until 2022 for the upgrade, but thankfully you can manually install the upgrade before then. Here’s a quick tutorial if you’d like to do that!
If you buy a new computer or laptop, though, it’ll come with Windows 11 already installed. If you want to buy new hardware, the prices for it will depend on the manufacturer. If they charge prices close to what they charged on Windows 10, it’ll likely be around $139 for the home subscription and $199 for the pro plan.
What Are the New Features?
The new features available for Windows 11 include:
- An improved health check app (available in the Settings menu).
- The “most secure release yet.”
- The dock, previously the taskbar, is optimized for touch and mouse peripherals.
- Snap Layouts, which allows you to arrange multiple windows across the screen.
- Snap Groups, which allow you to return to previously snapped windows in the dock.
- Improved multi-monitor support that remembers previous positions of windows.
- Estimated installation time for updates.
- Teams is integrated within the doc.
- The Microsoft Store has been revamped with better content and ways to manage it.
- Fluent Design, which is the name for the look of Windows 11. Everything looks more modern and clean, with rounded corners and vastly improved apps like Snipping Tool.
- The Start Menu is in the center of the screen and is “Cloud powered,” so it changes depending on time of day and what content you work with.
- Light and Dark Mode, new wallpaper, and a customizable taskbar are a few more perks to the new OS.
Hardware Requirements for the Windows 11 Upgrade
Here are the hardware requirements for Windows 11:
- 4 gigabytes of RAM
- 1 gigahertz dual-core processor
- 64 gigabytes of storage
- UEFI and Secure Boot capable
- Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0
- Graphics card compatible with DirectX 12
- Display larger than 9 inches with 720p or higher resolution
- Microsoft account and internet connection
How Soon Do I Need to Download Windows 11?
Want to download Windows 11 right away?
Feel free to. By now, the bugs of the new system have likely been worked out. However, if you’re more of the “wait till the last minute” type, here’s what you need to know: Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10 in October 2025.
Get it before then if you want your computer to stay protected against viruses!
(Here’s more information on patching and updates, if you’re interested.)
Have Questions? Ask BlueBridge Networks!
Remember, if you ever have trouble navigating your new Windows 11, you can call us!
We offer helpdesk services, end-user support and application support to our Managed Services customers. If you’re not a customer yet but would like to be, we will gladly help you get started.
Contact us today for more information!
