Windows 11 started to roll out to eligible devices last month, as Microsoft launched its new operating system on Oct. 5. Everyone using Windows 10 can upgrade for free if they have a compatible computer, but a lot of people are still waiting for the opportunity.

Microsoft is rolling out the OS in phases, so your system might not prompt you to upgrade just yet -- in fact, you might not find it even if you tell your computer to check for updates. An August blog post from Microsoft said the company expects "all eligible devices to be offered the free upgrade to Windows 11 by mid-2022." Don't want to wait until next year? Read on to find out how the Windows 11 Installation Assistant is your shortcut to Windows 11.

r updates. An August blog post from Microsoft said the company expects "all eligible devices to be offered the free upgrade to Windows 11 by mid-2022." Don't want to wait until next year? Read on to find out how the Windows 11 Installation Assistant is your shortcut to Windows 11.

Apple backs off of breaking Face ID after DIY iPhone 13 screen replacements

A software update is on the way that won’t require repair shops to transfer a microcontroller
By Jay Peters@jaypeters Nov 9, 2021, 1:30pm ESTIf you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Share this story

• Share this on Facebook (opens in new window)

  Facebook Post

• Share this on Twitter (opens in new window)
• SHAREAll sharing options

Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The VergeSoon after the iPhone 13 launched, repair experts found that swapping out iPhone 13 screens would break Face ID unless you also moved over a tiny control chip from the original screen. It’s a complex process that makes one of the most common types of repairs prohibitively difficult for independent repair shops. (Apple-authorized repair shops, on the other hand, have access to a software tool that can make a phone accept a new screen.) For indie repair shops, things may get easier soon, however, as Apple tells The Verge it will release a software update that doesn't require you to transfer the microcontroller to keep Face ID working after a screen swap.

We’re expecting to see similar repairability in other Surface laptops in the future, as Microsoft has committed to make its devices easier to repair by the end of 2022.

Microsoft is launching its Surface Laptop SE in early 2022 in the US, UK, Canada, and Japan. The base model with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage will be priced at $249, with the 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage version priced at $329. A range of Windows 11 SE laptops will also be available from Acer, Asus, Dell, Dynabook, Fujitsu, HP, JK-IP, Lenovo, and Positivo.

Update, November 9th 4:40PM ET: Article updated with additional pricing information for Surface Laptop SE.
FEATURED VIDEOS FROM THE VERGE

Surface Pro 8 review: the best of both worlds

00:0208:07


The Surface Pro 8 is the Surface device we’ve been waiting for. It’s a well-made, modern Windows convertible powered by Intel’s 11th-Gen Core processors. It starts at $1,099, a price that doesn’t include the keyboard or stylus. But its high price doesn’t make it a bad device—just one that’s perfect for a fairly specific audience.

NEXT UP IN TECH

• Workhorse’s new CEO admits the startup’s electric van is no workhorse
• Google is taking sign-ups for Relate, a voice assistant that recognizes impaired speech
• How to clean your earbuds
• Samsung announces its next-gen RAM for phones and ‘the metaverse’
• All the news about Netflix’s gaming efforts
• Netflix Games is available on your iPhone and iPad

Sign up for the newsletterVerge Deals

Subscribe to get the best Verge-approved tech deals of the week.
Email (required)

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Notice and European users agree to the data transfer policy.
SUBSCRIBE

This is something new