After just three months of testing, Microsoft has declared Windows 11 fit for public consumption on new PCs and on a select group of Windows 10 PCs that are ready for the upgrade.

“Our launch approach to Windows 11 leverages the well-established systems and processes used for the 1.3 billion Windows 10 devices we have shipped and serviced for over five years,” Microsoft’s John Cable explains. “We will use a measured and phased process in offering Windows 11 as we have done with Windows 10 feature updates. Our objective is to provide you with a smooth upgrade experience.”

In addition to the handful of new Windows 11-based PCs that are now being sold to consumers at retail, Microsoft will also offer Windows 11 as an upgrade on eligible newer PCs running Windows 10. Then, as in the past, it will evaluate the reliability of the upgrade and increase the number of PCs that can receive it. “Device health data and other signals” will determine the pace at which Windows 11 is offered as an upgrade, Cable says.

Today also marks the start of Windows 11’s new two-year support lifecycle for the Home and Pro editions of the product.

Note: Wondering why this is happening today and not October 5 as expected? Because it is October 5 now, in New Zealand. So that’s the kickoff. We’ll get it here in the U.S. tomorrow (October 5).