Check requirements and installation for Windows 11

In this guide, I will analyze the various features of Windows 11, its requirements, and its outstanding features. I will also investigate the potential for download and installation (following the official guidelines).

Windows 11 release date and prices

At the time of writing, there is no specific date for the release of Windows 11. However, it seems that the OS release is scheduled for December 2021, at Christmas time.

Windows 11 will therefore be available on the new desktop and notebook PCs starting in 2022. While it will be available for upgrades on all devices that meet the hardware and software requirements (see below).

So the good news is that downloading Windows 11 will be free for all compatible devices that already have Windows 10. With the purchase of new licenses, however, the price list has not been released for Windows 11. However, according to my opinion, the cost of licenses is always consistent with those – current – related to Windows 10 licenses (but not sure).

Key activities

The key features of Windows 11 are based on three principles: simplicity, ingenuity, and productivity. The GUI (graphical interface) is designed to make the user experience easier and more accurate.

Basically, the following will be introduced:

• New start menu by connecting to the cloud and Microsoft 365;
• New taskbar;
• Different types of app layouts: Snap Editing, Snap Groups, and Desktop (multi-tasking done well);
• New fonts, sounds, and notification types;
• Windows 11 gaming performance enhancements (support for DirectX 12 Ultima, DirectStorage, Auto HDR);
• Support for multiple virtual desktops and customization;
• Group integration into the taskbar;
• Intuitive news panel and widgets, advanced collection of information, data, and news;
• New Microsoft Store for integration of Android apps on Windows 11;
• Improved security and compliance with the Zero Trust model;
• Support for Wifi 6E, 5G, BitLocker To Go, Hyper-V client, dual authentication, and Windows Projection.

In addition, full compatibility of Windows 11 with Windows 10 applications has been announced (App Assure app will take advantage).

Hardware and software requirements

How can you say that your PC supports Windows 11? Simply put, just check the minimum system requirements for Windows 11.

• two or more cores in 1 gigahertz (GHz) or more in a 64-bit processor or SoC;
• 4 GB of RAM or more;
• 64GB of storage or more;
• UEFI BIOS compliant with Secure Boot;
• TPM in version 2.0;
• DirectX 12 / WDDM 2.x compatible video card;
• Monitor or screen at least 9 inches and 720p small resolution;
• An Internet connection with the Microsoft account is required to install Windows 11 Home.

For more information, go to Microsoft’s website.

What is TPM 2.0

The Trust Platform Module is a technology that allows, through hardware, compliance with certain security requirements. TPM chip is a cryptoprocessor that is able to create and store cryptographic keys, as well as limit its use. Ever heard of BitLocker operating Windows 10?

In any case, don’t worry: TPM 2.0 is a requirement only for new production devices, or for those updated with a hardware side (eg a motherboard switch). Read this post to support Microsoft to learn more.

Automatically check if PC supports Windows 11

If you are not sure whether your PC can support Windows 11, you can check your compatibility with Microsoft PC Check Check software developed by Microsoft.

Once the app is installed, you need to:

1. Open it and select the Check Now option, next to the word “Windows 11 launch”;
2. Expect the analysis result.

If your PC isn’t running Windows 11, you’ll see an error message: “This PC can’t run Windows 11“. It will also explain some of the reasons why W11 cannot be installed on a PC (e.g. “TPM 2.0 is not available”).

Download and install

At the time of writing, Windows 11 cannot be downloaded. Updates will be available on Q4 2021 on all compatible devices. Soon, however, it will be able to install the beta version of Windows 11, with Windows Insider, or with the Windows developer program.

To get Windows 11, then, just sign up for Windows Insider. Once this is done, you will receive an update to Windows 11 in the “Check for updates” section, which will obviously be made public.

Additional advice

I suggest you try and install Windows 11 on a PC that you don’t use in “production”. This, at least until a stable and certified version is released.

So far, in fact, using Windows 11 you may encounter bugs and inconsistencies. However, at this stage, some programs may not work well or may not work at all. This is a pre-built, beta, which will need to be used and supported by all OEMs of software, apps, and PCs.

@MarketGit