Windows 11 was released five years ago today
Windows 11 was released five years ago, on October 5, 2021. But it feels like it's been around longer as Microsoft’s latest OS has put users through so much pain.
On October 5, 2021, Microsoft launched Windows 11, marking five years since its debut. The operating system has generated numerous headlines, primarily due to the challenges it presented for users. As time has passed, the 26H2 update has started to roll out, signaling a shift towards a more predictable and low-disruption experience.
Initially, users had to contend with forcing capable hardware into retirement and Microsoft's push for online Microsoft accounts. However, these issues seem to have settled down. The introduction of Copilot+ PCs sparked concerns, ultimately leading to their discontinuation. Microsoft has now recognized the importance of Windows 11 for productivity and gaming.
The upcoming Windows 11 26H2 update aims to optimize the OS for everyday use, with faster built-in apps and lower resource usage. Despite past controversies, Windows 11 remains widely adopted, dominating the PC market with nearly 72% of desktop/laptop computers running the OS, while macOS and Linux hold significantly smaller shares.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Hardware's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
