Microsoft has confirmed what many of us expected. That Windows 11 will be available as a free update for Windows 10 users. Licensed users will be able to upgrade for free.
What this means is that if you have an activated version of the company’s current OS de jour, and a PC that can handle the new operating system, then you can get in line to get your hands on Windows 11 when it hit store shelves in time for the holidays.
Here is the official line from Microsoft:
“Windows 11 will be available through a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs and on new PCs beginning this holiday. We’re also working with our retail partners to make sure Windows 10 PCs you buy today are ready for the upgrade to Windows 11. The free upgrade will begin to roll out to eligible Windows 10 PCs this holiday and continuing into 2022.”
No idea how long this grace period will last, meaning there is no guarantee that you will be able to get a free upgrade to Windows 11 indefinitely. But at least we know that it will continue through 2022.
To get around these concerns, you can always upgrade early.
Or even day one.
Sure, Microsoft operating system have not had the most stellar of records when it comes to system stability and bugs. But the fact that Windows 11 has started life as a major upgrade to Windows 10, we can at least be a little confident that Redmond will avoid the worst of bugs upon release.
The software titan also notes those rocking older versions of Windows will first need to move to Windows 10 in order to claim the free upgrade to Windows 11.
