Microsoft to speed up rollout of Windows 11 to supported PCs
Windows 11 is on the way to more PCs, following positive feedback on the upgrade path to the new operating system.
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What you need to know
Windows 11will roll out at a quicker pace to PCs running Windows 10 than what’s been seen since its launch. Microsoft announced the accelerated rollout today alongside the release of theWindows 10 November 2021 Updateand the fact thatWindows 10 will switch to a once-a-year major update cadence. User feedback for the upgrade to Windows 11 has been positive, leading Microsoft to ship the new operating system to more devices.
The sped-up release of Windows 11 should help get the new operating system onto more of thebest laptopsandbest PCs. Many PCs that meet theminimum requirements of Windows 11haven’t been able to upgrade yet.
Windows 11 is rolling out gradually, meaning that even some newer PCs won’t be able to upgrade to it through Windows Update. You canmanually install Windows 11using the Installation Assistant or ISO files, but that’s not as simple as clicking update within the Settings app.
In order to upgrade directly to Windows 11, PCs need to have installed the Windows 10 May 2020 Update or later as well as the September 14, 2021 servicing update or later. Hardware also needs to meet the minimum requirements of Windows 11.
Microsoft states that it will closely monitor the upgrade experience to the Windows 10 November 2021 Update and Windows 11.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
