# Windows 11

Windows 11 is designed to support today's hybrid work environment and intended to be the most reliable, secure, connected, and performant Windows operating system yet.

## About Windows 11

Windows 11 is the next evolution of Windows; it is the most significant update to the Windows operating system since Windows 10. It offers many innovations focused on enhancing end-user productivity in a fresh experience that is flexible and fluid. Windows 11 is built on the same foundation as Windows 10, so the investments you have made in tools for update and device management are carried forward.

### Unique Software Assurance benefits

Software Assurance provides access to enterprise offerings and unique use rights to extend the Windows experience across your organization. Software Assurance benefits for Windows include a core set of technologies, services, and use rights to help improve productivity, streamline software deployments, and reduce costs in a variety of ways across devices.

### Qualifying operating systems

Properly licensed Microsoft operating systems have either a full operating system license or the combination of an upgrade operating system license and a pre-existing, full operating system license. Upgrade licenses require a Qualifying Operating System license.

## How to Buy

For administrators managing devices on behalf of their organization, Windows 11 will be available through the same, familiar channels that you use today for Windows 10 feature updates. You will be able to use existing deployment and management tools, such as Windows Update for Business, Microsoft Endpoint Manager, and Windows Autopilot.

For devices that are not managed by an organization, the Windows 11 upgrade will be offered to eligible Windows 10 devices through Windows Update using Microsoft's intelligent rollout process.

### Windows 11 Enterprise

Windows 11 Enterprise is licensed as an upgrade license to Windows Pro. Windows 11 Enterprise may be licensed through the Windows Enterprise per device license, the Windows Enterprise E3 per user license, or the Windows Enterprise E5 per user license.

### Windows 11 Enterprise E3

Windows 11 Enterprise E3 provides access to Windows 11 Enterprise edition and includes a set of Windows cloud services that enable advanced protection against modern security threats.

### Windows 11 Enterprise E5

Windows 11 Enterprise E5 includes everything in Windows 11 Enterprise E3 with the addition of [Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2](/content/security/business/threat-protection/endpoint-defender/index.html). It provides a post-breach layer of protection to the Windows 10 security stack.

## FAQ

- ### What is the difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11?
  Windows 11 has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. Every detail has been considered for a refreshing experience.

- ### What are the benefits of Windows 11 over Windows 10?
  Windows 11 offers new productivity features and functionality designed to meet the challenges of the hybrid world.

- ### What edition of Windows 11 will I get when I upgrade?
  The upgrade to Windows 11 is for the same edition as you have on your Windows 10 device.

- ### How can Windows 11 help organizations with advanced security and comprehensive management needs?
  Learn more about [Windows 11 Enterprise](/content/microsoft-365/windows/windows-11-enterprise/index.html).

- ### Will my current Windows 10 applications, software, and programs work with Windows 11?
  Yes, Microsoft is committed to ensuring your applications work on the latest versions of our software and Windows 11 has been built with compatibility in mind.

- ### What are the minimum hardware requirements?
  The [minimum hardware requirements](/content/windows/windows-11-specifications/index.html) are available here.

- ### Can I go back to Windows 10 after I upgrade, if I don’t like Windows 11?
  Yes, there is a 10-day period where you can move back to Windows 10 while keeping files and data that you brought along with you.

- ### What is the activation and provisioning process for my remote users? Is it the same as Windows 10?
  Windows 11 has been built on the same core as Windows 10 so you’ll continue with the same experience you're accustomed to.

- ### I use Windows Autopilot to provision devices for end users, will Windows Autopilot be available for Windows 11?
  Yes, you will be able to use Windows Autopilot for Windows 11 devices.

## Resources

[Windows 11 for enterprise - Product Website](/content/microsoft-365/windows/windows-11-enterprise/index.html)  
[Windows 11 qualifying operating system requirements](https://aka.ms/BriefWindowsQOSrequirements)  
[Windows 11 licensing for Virtual Desktops](https://aka.ms/BriefWindowslicensingforVirtualDesktops)  
[Windows 11 Licensing Guide](https://aka.ms/WindowsLicensingGuide)