Microsoft announced that Windows 11 will start rolling out to customers on 05 October. The first computers loaded with the new OS will go on sale then, and the company will start providing the free upgrade for existing customers who qualify for the upgrade.
First announced in June, Windows 11 is the first upgrade in the OS in six years. In addition to new integrations with Microsoft's other products, such as Teams, 365 and Xbox cloud gaming, the new software features an updated Microsoft Store where the company will start to offer compatible Android apps for Windows.
The upgrade will roll out to existing Windows 10 customers with compatible devices over several months, completing in mid-2022. Many computers already on sale also come with the promise of a free upgrade to Windows 11. For those who don't want to and can't upgrade due to limited system power, Microsoft said it will support Windows 10 until October 2025.
Apps coming gradually, no commission required
Microsoft said developers should find more opportunities to make and distribute apps for Windows with the new software. It's working with Amazon on the Android apps, so customers can discover the apps in the Windows store and then buy them through Amazon.
The new apps will be rolling out gradually "in the coming months", starting with previews in Microsoft's Windows Insiders programme to gather feedback. Some of the first apps announced include Disney+, Zoom, TikTok and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Microsoft offers a 85/15 revenue share for app developers, or 88/12 for games. Unlike Apple or Google, the company does not require developers to use its payment platform since 28 July. If they use their own or a third-party payment system, they don’t need to pay Microsoft any fee and can keep 100 percent of their revenue.
