We already knew that Microsoft was planning to release Windows 11 this year. And today, the tech giant announced that the next iteration of Windows will arrive on October 5.
As noted in the press release, on October 5, Windows 11 will launch as a new operating system. The new OS will be available as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs, and new Windows-powered devices will ship with the latest OS pre-loaded.
As for the free Windows 11 upgrade, Microsoft announced that it will begin rolling out on October 5, but the process will be "phased and measured with a focus on quality." The company notes that new devices eligible for the upgrade will take priority first, with support for older devices rolling out in the following weeks and months. Microsoft previously said that Windows 10 devices already in use would begin to receive the OS upgrade next year.
If your device is eligible for the Windows 11 upgrade, the Windows Update tool will let you know when your free upgrade is available. If you are unsure whether or not your device meets the required criteria, you can check via Windows Update, through an overview post that details Windows 11's specifications, or if you are a member of the Windows Insider Program, you can check using the PC Health Check app.
If your device is not compatible with Windows 11, don't worry. Microsoft confirmed that it will support Windows 10 until October 14, 2025. The company did not specify whether or not there will be any major updates for Windows 10 before that date.
Microsoft announced Windows 11 in June as part of its "What's Next for Windows" event. As you would expect from a new operating system, Windows 11 will introduce many interesting features. This includes the new OS running and supporting Android apps via the Windows Store. Microsoft is also touting Windows 11 as the best operating system ever for gaming and will include several gaming-focused features, such as Auto HDR and the Xbox Game Pass app built directly into the newest iteration of Windows.
Taylor is the Associate Tech Editor at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.