Microsoft took a rather weird direction with the launch of Windows 11. Rather than releasing the operating system outright for anybody to upgrade to, the firm seemed to bet on folks buying new PCs to get Windows 11.
Yes, one could upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11, provided you were willing to jump through some hoops but the easiest way for the average user to get Windows 11 was by purchasing a new PC.
That’s not a great way of offering an update and it appears as if Microsoft is now changing course.
“Today, based on the positive rollout update experience and user feedback we have seen to date, we are advancing the pace of the rollout faster than we previously anticipated, and are now making the Windows 11 upgrade more broadly available to eligible Windows 10 devices,” wrote John Cable, vice president of Program Management, Windows Servicing and Delivery.
How advanced this pace is is unclear as Cable didn’t outline any sort of details.
The VP did however state that Microsoft will be monitoring Windows 11 upgrade experience and will “share timely information on their rollout status”.
In order to be eligible for the upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 you must be on version 2004 or later and have installed the 14th September security update or later.
Speaking of Windows 10, Microsoft will begin winding down the frequency of updates following the release of the November 2021 update.
“We will transition to a new Windows 10 release cadence to align with the Windows 11 cadence, targeting annual feature update releases,” wrote Cable.
“The next Windows 10 feature update is slated for the second half of 2022. We will continue to support at least one version of Windows 10 through Oct. 14, 2025. As a second half (H2) of the calendar year release, Home and Pro editions of the November 2021 Update will receive 18 months of servicing and support, and Enterprise and Education editions will receive 30 months of servicing and support beginning today,” the VP added.
If you’ve been itching to upgrade to Windows 11, keep an eye on Windows Update as you may be given the choice of upgrading soon.
