As expected, Microsoft is gearing up to launch Windows 11 later this year as a free upgrade to eligible devices. The new operating system is scheduled for a launch in October and a rollout sometime in 2022.
And just like in the case of Windows 10, the new OS will be available as a free meal.
That is to say, Windows 11 will be available at no cost to certain computers running Windows 10. These devices just have to have the current version of the operating system installed, and as long as they house the necessary hardware, they will get their ticket.
This free upgrade drive is projected to land in the fall of this year, though as Microsoft explains, most eligible computers will receive it in early 2022 as part of a gradual global rollout in stages.
Now, while the company has a start date in mind, it has no idea when the free upgrade could come to an end. Redmond does not rule out this possibility, explaining that at some point, it may no longer allow eligible devices to install Windows 11 free of charge.
The software titan lays it out in a FAQ:
“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.”
However, the free Windows 11 upgrade will be available for at least one year, as we have heard.
So, if you perform the upgrade within the first 12 months after launch, you should have no issues installing what promises to be the latest and greatest version of Windows.
Speaking of versions of Windows, those who don’t make the switch can very well continue running their sweet copies of Windows 10 with nary a worry. The current OS will be supported until 2025, and who knows what happens then?
An extension, maybe?
