Windows 11

24 Jun 2021

Officially announced on June 24, 2021, Windows 11 is the most modern version of Windows ever and is a free upgrade for existing Windows 10 users.

The update began Insider testing the week of June 28, 2021, and is expected to ship later in October for all users. The upgrade is free, and users do not have to upgrade if they prefer Windows 10.

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Windows 11 brings many new features, including a new Start menu, design, new Microsoft app store, the ability to run Android apps, Auto HDR and Direct storage for gaming, snap ability, Team Chat built-in for communication, and more.

Do the research!

On this week's podcast ... Surface Duo 2 leaks, Surface Book 4 rumors

Zac Bowden 2 hours ago

We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and this week, Windows 11 has achieved Beta status! We also have Surface Duo 2 leaks, Surface Book 4 speculation, and Dan's review of the HP Elite Folio.

$20 or bust

Windows 365 cloud PC is here, starts at $20 per month

Robert Carnevale 19 hours ago 5

Windows 365 is here to bring Windows 11 and 10 with you wherever you go. The action starts at $20 per month but can go all the way up to $162 depending on the plan you choose.

love and hate

Windows 11 has a lot to love so far (and a few things to hate)

Sean Endicott 3 days ago 49

Windows 11 has been testing for about a month, which is enough time to dive into it. During our testing, we've found some things that we love as well as some that we hate.

Type away

Windows 11 videos discuss accessibility and improved typing experience

Sean Endicott 3 days ago 1

Microsoft shared several videos that highlight aspects of Windows 11 this week. One focuses on accessibility while another discusses the improved typing experience in the operating system.

Beta Milestone

Windows 11 preview bits are now available in the Insider Beta Channel

Zac Bowden 4 days ago 19

Microsoft has today promoted the Windows 11 preview to the Windows Insider Beta Channel, meaning even more Windows Insiders can now download and test Windows 11 if they weren't already in the Dev Channel. The build rolling out to Beta Channel is the same one that's in the Dev Channel currently.

Verified

The Microsoft Store needs a publisher verification badge like Twitter

Jez Corden 4 days ago 10

The Microsoft Store is getting a bit of a facelift with Windows 11, but that won't solve its app problem. Would a Twitter-like "verified" badge help improve the store's image and curation? Let's explore.

Looking good

Windows 11 Microsoft Store updated with improved user experience

Sean Endicott 6 days ago 7

The Microsoft Store on Windows 11 has a new update available. It focuses on the install user experience, ratings and reviews, and includes a handful of other changes.

Ratio'd

Windows 11 upgrade video gets labeled 'tone deaf'

Robert Carnevale 6 days ago 29

A Microsoft video detailing the innards of Windows 11's upgrade and deployment strategy has been attracting negative attention from viewers. It's been called "tone deaf," among other unflattering things.

to chat or not to chat

Windows 11 Chat app has our readers split, but most seem open to trying it

Sean Endicott 1 week ago 33

Over the weekend, we ran a poll about the Chat app on Windows 11. Most people who voted are willing to give it a try, but a sizable group won't use it at all.

Watch out

Fake Windows 11 installer puts malicious software on your PC

Sean Endicott 1 week ago

A fake Windows 11 installer has been spotted in the wild. The program attempts to get people to download malicious software rather than the latest version of Windows.

Chat it up

The latest Windows 11 build brings the Teams Chat app, but will you use it?

Sean Endicott 1 week ago 58

Windows 11's latest Insider build brings support for the Chat app powered by Teams. Our question is, will people actually use it?

a fresh new look

You can sign up to test this tabbed file explorer on Windows 11

Sean Endicott 1 week ago 5

A third-party file explorer that supports tabs is about to get a visual refresh. You can sign up now to become a tester for the app to prepare for its release.

Quick Fix

How to fix Windows Hello from not working in latest Windows 11 Preview

Daniel Rubino 1 week ago 9

If you installed the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview, your Windows Hello face recognition may report back an error that "something went wrong." Don't worry, it's a known issue, and there's an easy fix too. Here's how to do it.

New build time!

Check out Windows 11 build 22000.100 in our latest build video

Sean Endicott 1 week ago

Windows 11 build 22000.100 recently rolled out, including support for the new Chat experience powered by Microsoft Teams. Our Zac Bowden breaks down the latest build in a new video.

Check out what's new!

New Windows 11 preview build includes Teams Chat and more

Brendan Lowry 1 week ago 15

A new Windows 11 preview build has been released to Insiders in the Dev Channel. The new build includes Microsoft Teams Chat, a new design for notifications, the ability to quickly access Focus assist settings, and more. Here's everything you need to know about build 22000.100.

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