Maybe we finally know when you’re going to get your hands on Windows 11. When the brand new desktop operating system was announced at an event in June, we checked out all the new features that will hit PCs later in the year, but Microsoft kept an official release date under wraps.
This secret is close to Microsoft, but thanks to a support document update released by Intel – one of the largest chipset manufacturers in the world – we may now have a better idea of when Windows 11 will be available for download. A document for a specific Intel driver revealed: “Windows 11-64 – October 2021 Update – Version 21H2”.
This seems to suggest that Windows 11 will be out in October. Of course, that’s still a pretty broad timeline, and unfortunately, none of the other Intel documents mention a more precise date.
A publication in October would be very useful. After all, Microsoft previously released two feature-rich updates for its Windows 10 operating system every year, one in spring and the other in autumn. Prior to the announcement of Windows 11, Microsoft was generally warned that it would be bringing a ton of exciting new features and designs to Windows 10 users in October.
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Windows 11 would keep that promise should it hit the market later this year, as Intel appears to suggest.
Microsoft has not commented on the latest release rumor. However, when it comes to Windows 11, the Redmond-based company has confirmed that the update will be released this “vacation”.
Microsoft doesn’t specify what holiday season. But since October and Halloween often fall during this period in the US, we may then see Windows 11.
In addition, October was mentioned in the keynote announcing Windows 11. During the event, Microsoft Teams will display a message during one of the demos. It reads, “Looking forward to increasing it to 11 … can’t wait for October!”
When we put our Deerstalker on, it’s pretty clear that this is an indication of an October release date.
Additionally, the majority of Windows 11 media images show October 20th as the date on the system tray. This is not just an isolated incident, as a number of other marketing images from October 6th in the system tray show. The key is that none of them refer to another month.
Windows 11 will bring some major design tweaks with it. Microsoft is moving towards rounded corners, more transparent windows, and the start button in the middle of the taskbar that contains the universal search functionality in the same window.
There’s also the arrival of new widgets and the promise of improved performance and battery life. We also know that Windows 11 integrates Microsoft Teams deeply into the operating system, where it serves as the default chat app – even for those trying to call family members.
Windows 11 will also introduce Snap Groups, which will allow users to group windows together to juggle multiple applications on the screen at the same time.
