Since Windows 11 is so new, we likely won't have an answer to that for years to come. Read more: How to download Windows 10 for free before you get Windows 11 When will Windows 11 support end? If you're still running Windows 7 but want to upgrade to Windows 11, you'll first need to upgrade to Windows 10 to be eligible. The free upgrades will continue into 2022. Free upgrades to eligible Windows 10 PCs will be available from Oct. Will Windows 11 be completely free to upgrade? Without security updates, your computer is at risk for malware and other vulnerabilities that can expose you to hacks, viruses and more. However, it's recommended to use the most up-to-date software so you get security updates. Many people are still running Windows 7 and 8 on their computers and never switched to Windows 10. Instead, Microsoft is shifting its focus to Windows 11, which comes with Android apps, desktop widgets and new Xbox gaming features for the PC. There also won't be any new features added to the software. You'll still be able to use the software, but you won't get any more security updates. What does it mean for Microsoft to end support for Windows 10?Īs it did with Windows 7 in January 2020, Microsoft will pull active support for Windows 10 in 2025. And here are some big differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 that you can look forward to. Read more: Windows 11 is familiar but freshĪs many people prepare to update their Windows laptops and desktops to the latest software, what happens to PCs still running Windows 10 in 2025? We'll explain. There's also a change to make Android apps more readily available on Windows 11 coming soon. For instance, the Windows Start Menu gets a refresh that moves it to a different place on the screen and a few productivity features that can help with multitasking. You can expect a brand-new design that borrows a Mac-like look and includes updated features.

The company's new OS will continue the Windows 11 rollout through mid-2022. (The Windows 10 November 2021 update is now available.) That gives you about four years to prepare as Microsoft slowly moves its billion-plus Windows users to Windows 11. Microsoft will continue to support Windows 10 until Oct. But if you're still using Microsoft's older OS, don't stress. Windows 11 kicked off its gradual rollout to eligible devices last month, meaning that Windows 10 will eventually retire with Windows 7 in the graveyard of Microsoft operating systems.

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