Windows 11: Download and install it now, even if your computer didn't get the update yet - CNET

Windows 11 is here, and it's free to download for Windows 10 users.

Windows 11 began its rollout last week, as Microsoft launched its new operating system to eligible devices on Oct.

Note that Microsoft is rolling out the OS in phases, so your system might not prompt you to upgrade just yet -- in fact, you might not find it even if you tell your computer to check for updates.

An August blog post from Microsoft said the company expects "all eligible devices to be offered the free upgrade to Windows 11 by mid-2022." .

But you still have the option to manually download Windows 11 and check out its new features, such as widgets, snap layouts, virtual desktops and the new Microsoft Store.

To see if your current Windows 10 PC is eligible for the free upgrade to Windows 11, you can check in a few different ways.

Now would be a good time to make the switch so you can prepare your machine for the Windows 11 upgrade.

That trick will be the same one you use if you want to manually upgrade an older machine to Windows 11, though Microsoft doesn't encourage doing this as it may not be eligible for the same updates. .

The update marks the first major change to Microsoft's operating system since Windows 10 launched back in 2015. Rumors about a major Windows redesign have been circulating for the past year