Windows 11 is expected to be available by the end of October 2021 and will feature a new design and new functions. Here you can find out everything you need to know about upgrading to the new version and what you need to bear in mind when introducing it.
Is the hardware compatible with Windows 11?
Those who currently use Windows 10 can upgrade to the visually more appealing and faster Windows 11 free of charge – but only if the strict hardware requirements are met. And these are quite demanding. Not all devices that ran under Windows 10 will also work under Windows 11, so caution is advised.According to Microsoft, the following hardware requirements must be met for the Windows Update:
- Dual-core CPU (1GHz) with 64-bit support
- 4 GByte RAM
- 64 GByte memory
- UEFI-Firmware
- Secure Boot with TPM 2.0
- DirectX 12 compatible graphics card
- Display with at least 720p resolution (larger than 9 inches)
Compared to its predecessor, the hardware and system requirements have thus increased significantly. Twice as much hard disk space is required. Because Windows 11 requires a 64-bit Windows, 4 GBytes of RAM are defined as a minimum requirement. Hardware manufacturers should be happy about this, but users probably less so, as some of them will have to upgrade.
Tool for the compatibility check – Here’s how it works
The Microsoft tool “Windows PC Health Check” provides answers to the question of whether the existing hardware is sufficient for an update. This tool was also heavily criticised and is currently still being revised by Microsoft, as incomprehensible and partly contradictory information resulted from it.
However, the tool is still available for download on some platforms. A first test can therefore do no harm. The tool is self-explanatory and the user is guided through the check process in a structured way, as is familiar from a normal installation. Green ticks confirm compatibility, red crosses indicate weaknesses in the current hardware.
Unfortunately, no detailed reasons are given as to why an incompatibility exists. This is precisely where Microsoft is currently still making improvements. Another alternative to the “Windows PC Health Check” is the open source programme “WhyNotWin11”, which is also intuitive to use and guides you logically through the check process.
What do I have to bear in mind when installing Windows 11?
TPM module
A TPM module version 2.0 is mandatory for installing Windows 11. If you do not have this, you cannot install Windows 11. TPM stands for “Trusted Platform Module”. In concrete terms, this means that manufacturers (hardware, software, OEM or mainboard manufacturers) can decide via a chip on the mainboard (TPM module) which operating systems can be installed on the PC.This TPM can exist as a chip on the mainboard or be executed directly on the installed CPU via firmware. Basically, a TPM protects the PC from manipulation. This function has advantages and disadvantages: on the one hand, the computer is protected against malware, on the other hand, a user is restricted and the installation of alternative operating systems such as Linux is prevented.
Those who bought their computer in 2018 or later usually have a TPM module in version 2.0 installed. On some devices, however, the TPM technology is designated differently. In the case of Intel, for example, it is referred to as “Intel PTT”. This option can be found in the BIOS under “Security”, “Advanced” or “CPU configuration”.
Starting in UEFI mode
Another requirement is that the PC must be started in the newer UEFI mode. This can also be influenced via the BIOS. If the function “BIOS compatibility mode” is activated, this prevents a successful installation of Windows 11. If one activates UEFI-BIOS “UEFI only” in the boot menu or sets this setting to “disabled”, this hurdle can already be successfully circumvented.
DirectX12
But that is not all. In addition to TPM 2.0 and UEFI, DirectX12 is also required. This integrated programming interface is already included in Windows 10. It received new functions in the middle of last year with the “Ultimate” update, which is primarily intended to improve the performance and image quality of games. Corresponding update installation guides can be found in numerous places on the internet. You can find out which DirectX version is installed in the Start menu under “Run”. Simply enter “dxdiag” in the run window and confirm – the DirectX diagnostic programme will start.
Is a Windows update worthwhile?
Many users fear that their PCs will soon have to be replaced and that Windows 11 will destroy millions of computers. It is therefore not surprising that numerous instructions are circulating in the vastness of the Internet to circumvent the system requirements during installation. This will undoubtedly be associated with numerous risks. In addition, one must expect that Microsoft will develop hurdles to prevent precisely these workarounds.
Whether it is worthwhile to upgrade to Windows 11 as soon as it is released remains an exciting question and always depends on personal PC use. However, there is no reason to rush. Support for Windows 10 will continue until 14 October 2025. As always, good things take time and you don’t have to buy a new PC right away. The question of whether the new functions are significantly better than those of Windows 10 must be decided on an individual basis. We at reichelt Elektronik are curious about the new version and how it will perform in the first tests.
Image: AdobeStock 446757923
