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This August 7, 2017, file photo shows a Microsoft Widows sign on display at a store in Hialeah, Fla. (AP Photo / Alan Diaz)
Microsoft started rolling out Windows 11 – the company’s first major update in six years – last week on October 5. It’s available as a free download for existing Windows 10 users, but you You may not receive notifications on your PC because of a phased rollout by Microsoft. Those first in line will have the latest gear, so if your computer is older, prepare to be patient.
Microsoft says the launch will be “measured in phases,” with new eligible devices getting the upgrade first, and the rest getting a free upgrade around mid-October. and mid-2022. Microsoft ensures that people who buy new laptops before the manufacturers pre-install Windows 11 will be able to update first.
If you’re looking for a new laptop, be sure to check that the laptop you’re buying comes with Windows 11 pre-installed because you’ll know your new computer can run it. And while most newer PCs will be compatible with the new operating system, buying one already running Windows 11 will save you the hassle of upgrading it yourself.
For those who will be upgrading their Windows 10 systems, watch out over the next six months to receive a notification from Windows Update letting you know when Windows 11 is available to you. If you’re one of the lucky ones to receive this notification in the next few weeks, I expect you to wait a little longer. Let Microsoft release an update or two before you move on to avoid problems with initial downloaders. Updates are released on the second Tuesday of every month. Just to be safe, I’ll wait until after Tuesday, November 9, which will be the second update to Windows 11, to download the new operating system. Waiting is especially important for those with a single computer they rely on – a problem that can lead to major delays and you could have to wait an extra month for a fix.
We shouldn’t be surprised that such a major update would be problematic. It is true that Windows 11 has been available for beta testing since last June, but considering all PC products, models and configurations, there are still some issues when it is in the hands of the public. For example, reports have surfaced that some people are experiencing slow Wi-Fi connections when streaming movies, using VPNs, and just browsing the Internet. According to Microsoft’s “Windows 11 Known Issues and Notices” page, the problem is caused by an incompatibility between Windows 11 and Intel’s “Killer” and “SmartByte” networking software. Microsoft says it’s working on a workaround and targets a release in the October 12 security update.
When you’re ready to update, back up all important documents on your computer before you begin the process. You can upload documents to the cloud, such as Microsoft’s OneDrive or Google Drive, or copy them to a convenient external hard drive or USB drive. If for some reason you have problems during the upgrade, your files will be safe and accessible, albeit by another device.
For those of you who want to upgrade to Windows 11 right now and haven’t received an official announcement from Microsoft, don’t be lured into a fake version. Counterfeit goods can come with a large amount of malware and other harmful elements. To avoid them, only buy and download from Microsoft if you’re not already running Windows 10. Don’t follow any links you see on social media or you’ve received in emails. There is no legal means of jumping the line, so be patient.
There are always difficulties when upgrading to a new operating system. Why? Because they are familiar with their current system, or perhaps their machine won’t support Windows 11. In either case, you can safely continue to use Windows 10 through October 2025. only when Microsoft stops supporting it.
Leslie Meredith has been writing and reviewing personal technology for the past nine years. She has designed and managed several international websites and currently runs marketing for a global events company. As a mother of four, value, usefulness, and online safety come first. Have a question? Email Leslie at asklesliemeredith@gmail.com.
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