Windows 11 finally has a release date, and you can upgrade for free

Windows 11 arrives in just over a month

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Microsofthas finally announced whenWindows 11, will launch, and it’s not far away at all. On October 5 this year, all eligible PCs that currently run onWindows 10will be able to upgrade to Windows 11 for free – Microsoft will be launching a freeHealth Check appto check compatibility soon. On the same day, PCs pre-loaded with Windows 11 will be available for purchase.

The newoperating systempromises users enhanced productivity features to help improve our work-from-home routines with new Teams andMicrosoft 365integration. Windows 11 will also include plenty of new ways to relax when we clock off at the end of a busy day.

Over the past few months, we’ve been treated to plenty of information about what we can expect about the latest Windows operating system. If you don’t have time to learn everything aboutWindows 11though, that’s no problem, as we have a quick rundown of our favorite announced features below.

Our favorite Windows 11 features so far

Our favorite Windows 11 features so far

Microsoft has been teasing plenty of new additions coming to Windows 11 when it launches later this year, and plenty of them are designed to help improve our new work-from-home focused work lives.

New Start functions will help integrate your various computers through Microsoft 365, allowing you to quickly and easily open up your most recent files no matter which device you last used. If your job will see you working from both home and the office, this could be a big timesaver as you won’t have to scramble around looking for that document you were just writing up.

While you might be sick ofTeamsby now, if it is still a big part of your day-to-day you’ll be happy to know that it will soon be integrated into the Windows 11 taskbar. Microsoft promises this integration will make it faster to connect and communicate with the people you need to.

It’s not all about work though, as Windows 11 also boasts the best Windows gaming experience yet. We’ll have to wait and see if it can live up to the hype but new technology like DirectX12 Ultimate, DirectStorage and AutoHDRpromise to get the most out of your hardware. On top of that, there will be improved integration between Windows 11 andXbox Game Passas Microsoft continues to push its excellent game subscription service.

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Last, but certainly not least, is the addition ofAndroid apps on Windows 11. Thanks to a new Microsoft Store, and collaboration withAmazonandIntel, users will be able to access a selection of Android apps on their PCs. As time goes on we’re sure we’ll see more ofour favorite Android appsappear.

Hamish is a Senior Staff Writer for TechRadar and you’ll see his name appearing on articles across nearly every topic on the site from smart home deals to speaker reviews to graphics card news and everything in between. He uses his broad range of knowledge to help explain the latest gadgets and if they’re a must-buy or a fad fueled by hype. Though his specialty is writing about everything going on in the world of virtual reality and augmented reality.

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