Windows 11 All-in-One For Dummies

Chapter 3

Windows 11 Versions

IN THIS CHAPTER

Discovering the various versions of Windows 11

Narrowing your choices to the correct edition

Understanding the story with 64-bit and Windows 11

Finding the exact version and edition of Windows 11 that you’re using

Back in 2015, Microsoft told us that Windows 10 was the last version of Windows. Fast-forward to October 2021, and they changed their mind because we now have Windows 11. This won’t be the last version of Windows, either, even if Windows 11 lives a long life, like Windows 10 still does. To make things even more confusing, Windows 11 has several editions, most of which you can ignore, and a Windows 11 Home in S mode edition that’s quite troublesome if you run it when you don’t know what it is. In this chapter, I explain how Windows 11 versions and editions are different and advise you on which one to buy.

Also, contrary to what you might expect, Windows 11 isn’t free, even though you get it preinstalled on a new laptop, PC, Microsoft Surface, or All-In-One device or as a free upgrade to Windows 10.

Here are some facts about ...