Windows 11 release date confirmed? Microsoft might have let slip crucial detail
MICROSOFT might have accidentally let slip when its eagerly anticipated Windows 11 upgrade will release worldwide.
It's been a little over a month since Microsoft unveiled Windows 11, and it's quickly become one of the most anticipated software launches of the year. Windows 11 is "the next-generation" of the iconic desktop operating system, which Microsoft says will lay the foundation for the next decade.
Windows 11 will first be available on new desktops, tablets, hybrid devices and laptops later this year, while a free update for existing Windows 10 customers is due sometime in 2022.
During its launch event, Microsoft refused to reveal an exact release date for either of these Windows 11 launches, with "Holiday 2021" the only confirmed release window.
Thankfully, that broad release date timeframe seems to have narrowed down, thanks to a new post from Microsoft. As reported by Windows Latest, it looks like Windows 11 could be launching in October or November this year.
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Rumours have been circulating for some time now that Windows 11 could debut around this period. And Microsoft could have dropped its biggest hint yet that is when the new OS will launch in a support document.
The release date tease was revealed in Microsoft's "Windows 11 version 21H2 hardware driver submissions" documentation that was published on June 24. This type of document is used by Microsoft to let OEMs know when they need to submit driver submissions so they don't miss any upcoming major launches.
According to Microsoft document, OEMs have to submit their final drivers for the Windows 11 version 21H2 update by the end of September.
The Windows makers said: "Partners looking to achieve compatibility for systems shipping with Windows 11, version 21H2 Release may factory-install drivers for components that achieved compatibility with Windows 10, version 2004 until September 24, 2021".
Microsoft later clarified this deadline is specifically for Windows 11 version 21H2 and not Windows 10 version 21H2.
According to Windows Latest, if everything remains on schedule then Windows 11 could launch four weeks later, which would result in a late October release, or potentially an early November launch.
Other rumours have claimed Windows 11 will release around this time, but Microsoft is yet to confirm if that is when its next-gen OS will be launching or not.
So, as with all rumours it's best to take it with a pinch of salt until official confirmation. In the meantime stay tuned to Express.co.uk for more updates on when the Microsoft upgrade could be launching.