Windows 11 release date possibly revealed early by Intel

(Prototype credit: Microsoft)

We know Windows 11 is coming, but Microsoft has been incomparably coy almost confirming an exact release date. Simply information technology seems like an Intel leak might have narrowed that release window downwardly.

Windows Latest uncovered some Intel drivers called "Windows 11 -64 - October 2021 Update - version 21H2". Which is rather more specific than the general "later on in 2021" Microsoft has been telling everyone.

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The commuter proper noun has been uncovered in release notes for Intel's latest GPU driver. While it doesn't give us an exact date, the clear reference to Windows 11 in October 2021 suggests that could be the calendar month Microsoft'southward next OS starts rolling out.

It also helps that Microsoft has a habit of naming Windows updates based on when they arrive. 21H2 means that the update is planned for the second half of 2021, which we manifestly already knew about, while 'Oct' is pretty self-explanatory.

There have already been some rumors that Windows xi would get in in October. Or Oct xx, if y'all desire to be really specific, a date that Microsoft'southward announcement presentation hinted at. Walmart's website also mentioned a "free upgrade to Windows October 2021 on some of its laptop listings.

Of grade, Windows 11's release is likely to exist in stages, and non anybody will be able to update to the software on day i. Microsoft has already confirmed that the operating organization will be "delivered over several months", and that the rollout of Windows 10 upgrades won't begin until early on 2022.

In other words, Windows xi may be looking to release in October, merely y'all volition have to await before you can get concur of it for yourself. Assuming you don't buy a Windows 11 laptop with the Os already installed, that is.

Of class. if you're too impatient to wait for the stable release to ringlet out to you, you lot tin e'er install the Windows eleven beta. That's available right now, assuming your PC has uniform hardware. If that appeals, be sure to bank check out our guide on how to install the Windows xi Insider preview.

More than: Windows eleven system requirements — check if your PC is uniform

Tom is the Tom'due south Guide's Automotive Editor, which ways he can usually be found human knee deep in stats the latest and all-time electric cars, or checking out some sort of driving gadget. It's long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the tabular array. He'south usually establish trying to clasp another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining that Ikea won't let him buy the stuff he really needs online.