The most important change in the Windows 11 era isn't software at all. The installation files are also available for Volume License subscribers and for those with a Visual Studio subscription. Download a Windows 11 disk image in ISO format.Create Windows 11 installation media on a USB flash drive or, for traditionalists, a DVD.Run the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, a utility program that downloads the necessary installer files and upgrades the current PC.To manually upgrade a PC from Windows 10 to Windows 11, go to the Download Windows 11 page, where you can choose one of three installation options:
Microsoft offers Windows 11 as a free update to PCs running Windows 10 that meet compatibility requirements and are not blocked for compatibility issues. (Use the pane on the left side of the page to select the major version number.)Īlso: How to lock down your Microsoft account and guard it from attackers For a list of updates and links to release notes, see the Windows 11 Update History page. Version 22H2 (build 22621) was released on Septemversion 23H2 (build 22631 was released on October 31, 2023.įor each of those major releases, monthly cumulative updates increment the minor version number. (Members of the Windows Insider Program received the build early as a cumulative update on September 16, 2021.) That initial release was identified as build number 22000.194. The first release of Windows 11 was version 21H2, which was made available to the general public on October 5, 2021. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. Microsoft Teams: Windows 11 has improved the integration of Teams video chat into the operating system to make use of this productivity tool with computing devices more seamless.ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping.Virtual desktops: Windows 11 improves support for creating multiple virtual desktops with individual display customisation for each instance for more advanced users.Android support: Windows 11 also offers better Android app support on the Windows operating system.In addition, improvements have been made to the graphics to meet the challenging needs of games software. Gaming: Windows 11 also brings improved gaming support and features from Xbox to provide a common approach across all devices.The intent is to make information display easier to manage across all devices that Windows supports, from desktop computers to smartphones. They have also added snap layout and group display management when docking and undocking portable devices. User interface: Microsoft has improved the organisation and display of open applications and widgets.