Update on Windows 11 minimum system requirements and PC Health Check app


  • Staff

 Windows Blogs:

Today’s blog post provides two updates. First, an update on Windows 11 minimum system requirements based, in part, on feedback from the Windows Insider community. Second, information on the updated PC Health Check app that is now available to Windows Insiders.

Since the introduction of Windows 11, we have received valuable feedback from the Windows Insider community, our fans, customers and partners. Thank you for being a part of the release of Windows 11, coming at a time when the PC is playing a more central role in the way we connect, work, learn, create and play.

In June, we heard your questions about how we set the Windows 11 minimum system requirements and shared more information on the established principles that guided us in setting them. And as a team, we committed to exploring through Windows Insider testing and with OEMs whether there were devices running on Intel 7th Generation and AMD Zen 1 processors that met our principles.

Following the results of our testing, we are making a small number of additions to the compatible processor list (explained further below), but otherwise will maintain the minimum system requirements as originally set. We have concluded that the compatible 64-bit processors selected, 4GB of memory, 64GB of storage, UEFI secure boot, graphics requirements and TPM 2.0 are the right minimum system requirements to deliver on the principles we established to best support you.

We did identify a set of PC models that meet the principles while running on Intel 7th Gen processors that we did not originally include in our minimum system requirements. Based on those findings, we have expanded the list of compatible 64-bit processors to include the following:
After carefully analyzing the first generation of AMD Zen processors in partnership with AMD, together we concluded that there are no additions to the supported CPU list. We will be updating the PC Health Check app to identify the correct systems with the newly added Intel CPUs in the coming weeks before the tool is released for general availability. Additionally, we will have more to share on the tools and reports IT Pros can use to understand their organization’s hardware eligibility at scale as we get closer to Windows 11 general availability later this year.

We have included more details below on our principles that guided us in establishing Windows 11 minimum system requirements. Here are some insights from the data we gathered over the last couple months that affirmed our decision.
  • Reliability: Devices that do not meet the minimum system requirements had 52% more kernel mode crashes. Devices that do meet the minimum system requirements had a 99.8% crash free experience.
  • Security: Windows 11 raises the baseline of Windows security by improving the security default configuration to combat increasing cyber-attacks. These requirements were informed based on trillions of signals from Microsoft’s threat intelligence as well as input from leading security experts like the NSA, UK National Cyber Security Center and Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. Additional details on the background and value of Windows 11 baseline are below.
  • Compatibility: People continue to increasingly use their PCs for video conferencing, productivity and gaming. To ensure all Windows 11 devices can run a core set of applications to meet those needs, we set the minimum system requirements to align with some of the most commonly used apps.
Following our announcement in June, we acknowledged that we missed an opportunity to provide clarity and accuracy through the PC Health Check app. Today, we are releasing an updated preview version of the PC Health Check app to Windows Insiders. This updated version expands the eligibility check functionality with more complete and improved messaging on eligibility and links to relevant support articles that include potential remediation steps – the screenshot below illustrates this. After a feedback period with Windows Insiders and with the additional updates for the newly added processors, we plan to re-release the PC Health Check app for general availability in the coming weeks. Today, we are also simultaneously releasing versions that support 64-bit Windows, 32-bit Windows, Windows on Arm and Windows 10 in S mode PCs to Windows Insiders. Windows Insiders can provide feedback on the PC Health Check app by going to Feedback Hub > Apps > PC Health Check.


pc-health-check-update.png

The eligibility check functionality in the PC Health Check app includes improved messaging on eligibility and links to relevant support articles that include potential remediation steps.

As our unprecedented number of Windows Insiders have shown, most people with eligible devices will choose to move to Windows 11 to experience all the new innovations across connection, productivity, creativity and play that it has to offer. For those who are using a PC that won’t upgrade, and who aren’t ready to transition to a new device, Windows 10 is the right choice. We will support Windows 10 through October 14, 2025 and we recently announced that the next feature update to Windows 10 is coming later this year. Whatever you decide, we are committed to supporting you and offering choice in your computing journey. If you want to see the full Windows 11 minimum system requirements, you can visit this page.

Here is some additional detail on the principles that guided Windows 11 minimum system requirements:
  • Reliability. Maintaining reliability over time is highly correlated with OEM and IHV driver support. The processors supported on Windows 11 are within OEM and IHV support and use modern (DCH) drivers. The move to modern drivers enables drivers and associated software to be installed and serviced in a coordinated manner through Windows Update and provides better mechanisms for tracking driver health. The result of this coordination is that system drivers are properly installed and functional after updates, providing a reliable experience when upgraded to Windows 11. From Windows Insider machines, those that did not meet the minimum system requirements had 52% more kernel mode crashes (blue screens) than those that did meet the requirements. Machines that met the requirements provided a 99.8% crash-free experience that is effectively managed by OEMs and IHVs through modern driver update management. Additionally, on unsupported hardware app hangs are 17% more likely and for first-party apps we see 43% more crashes.
  • Security: Windows 11 has raised the security baseline to make it the most secure version of Windows ever. We have used the more than 8.2 trillion signals from Microsoft’s threat intelligence, reverse engineering on attacks as well as input from leading experts like the NSA, UK National Cyber Security Center and Canadian Centre for Cyber Security to design a security baseline in Windows 11 that addresses increasing threats that software alone cannot tackle. We have carefully designed the hardware requirements and default security features based on an analysis of the most effective defenses. This analysis was based on the Microsoft data set of blocked attacks in 2020 which included 30 billion email threats, six billion threats to endpoint devices and 30 billion authentications. In addition to benefitting from these intelligence sources, Windows 11 enables proven security controls based on industry wide recommendations from global experts like the NSA and NCSC.
    • The Trusted Platform Module(TPM) requirement enables Windows 11 to be a true Passwordless operating system, addressing phishing and other password-based attacks that are easier for attackers to execute when the TPM is not present. In the FY20 Microsoft digital defense report, Microsoft identified 67% fewer compromises of organizations that disabled legacy authentication and moved towards Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)- or Passwordless-based systems like Windows Hello. With Hello, the TPM works together with a PIN or biometric camera/fingerprint reader to securely store a secret in hardware that replaces a user’s password during authentication and is much harder to steal or spoof. The TPM is also used for numerous other Windows 11 features such as Bitlocker and Device Encryption, which leverages the TPM to store disk encryption keys. Research from Forrester showed that the loss or theft of assets like smartphones and laptops were involved in 20% of the breaches reported by global security decision-makers in 2020. Bitlocker full disk encryption in Windows 11 limits the possibility of sensitive data loss from lost or stolen devices. The TPM is also used to “bind” web-based credentials securely to a machine, preventing extraction and theft of credential types seen in many recent breaches. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 vs 1.2 because of the security advantages it provides, particularly support for newer and stronger cryptographic algorithms.

    • The UEFI Secure Boot requirement ensures that a system boots with only code signed by either the device builder, the silicon vendor, or Microsoft. It does this by ensuring all code is signed by specific entities and by recording cryptographic hashes in hardware that can also be sent to the cloud to verify integrity. If a system can be compromised prior to the operating system boot, then all kernel, user and endpoint security tools can be completely undermined. The “NotPetya” attack, which cost hundreds of millions in damages, leveraged legacy bios to inject ransomware code before boot, which can now be mitigated by Secure Boot. The value and best practices of Secure Boot have also been validated by the U.S. National Security Agency. We have been requiring OEMs to ship using UEFI Secure Boot enabled since June 26, 2013 and want all Windows 11 devices to be able to provide that customer benefit.

    • In addition to increased reliability, the supported processors increase security capabilities at the chip level. These processors provide virtualization extensions and virtualization performance improvements. Windows 11 supports virtualization-based security (VBS) which enables several security capabilities, including memory integrity, also known as hypervisor-protected code integrity (HVCI). HVCI disables dynamic code injection into the Windows kernel. HVCI also provides driver control and ensures that all drivers loaded meet a policy of allowed drivers set by Microsoft and the user. VBS also enables credential protection for common enterprise credential types (such as NTLM) an attack technique seen in “pass-the-hash” style attacks, and is the basis for System Guard Runtime attestation, a zero-trust capability that provides tamper proof hardware-based health statements to the cloud as part of a chip-to-cloud zero trust approach. The United States Department of Defense (DoD) requires virtualization-based security on Windows 10 for their devices. While we are not requiring VBS when upgrading to Windows 11, we believe the security benefits it offers are so important that we wanted the minimum system requirements to ensure that every PC running Windows 11 can meet the same security the DoD relies on. In partnership with our OEM and silicon partners, we will be enabling VBS and HVCI on most new PCs over this next year. And we will continue to seek opportunities to expand VBS across more systems over time.
  • Compatibility. Windows 11 continues our strong commitment to compatibility. This means that devices can upgrade to Windows 11 and critical apps and devices will simply work. Raising the Windows 11 minimum system requirements enables us to better support apps and hardware for drivers and devices. Feedback also shows us that unsupported hardware is more likely to have older drivers that are incompatible with new OS features such as VBS. Supported hardware also comes with modern drivers, which helps ensure not only the reliability we mentioned earlier, but also great hardware compatibility. In addition, the new minimum system requirements establish a new baseline that aligns with the hardware needs of many of the most commonly used apps customers rely on today for teleconferencing, browsing, productivity and entertainment. Of course, certain features, apps, games and peripherals may have their own requirements that exceed our minimum system requirements so we encourage people who are buying new PCs to verify the requirements with the manufacturer of the specific products they will want to use.


 Source:

 

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If people were not confused when Microsoft first announced Windows 11 and its requirements, they would NOW be completely "bamboozled" !!
With all the "he said, she said" getting about out there ATM, it is no wonder that the only people rubbing their hands together are the PC manufactures and Microsoft itself as people scramble to keep up with whats coming as not to be left behind.
In reality, all everyone needs to do is take a chill pill, wait until RTM is released, then access of what you actually need to do and how it can be accomplished.
No one really knows what Microsoft will do until they do it, and until then, it is all speculation.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build-22631.3374
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    Intel S1200 Core i3 10105
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte S1200 MicroATX B560M DS3H DDR4
    Memory
    32.0 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GT710 2GB PCIe Video Card
    Sound Card
    Realtek® Audio CODEC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual Acer 24in
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial P1 M.2 PCIe SSD
    PSU
    500W
    Case
    Thermaltake ATX Versa H21 Case
    Cooling
    Internal fans by (3)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 850
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless mouse
    Internet Speed
    50Mbps / 20Mbps
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Defender, Malwarebyte
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build-22631.3374
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home built Test-PC
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-4460 CPU @ 3.20GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS S1150 MicroATX B85M-E
    Memory
    12.0 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Video Card
    Sound Card
    Integrated Sound Card
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Chimei 22"
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050
    Hard Drives
    120GB WD 2.5" Green SATA 6Gb/s SSD
    1TB WD 3.5" 7200rpm SATA 6Gb/s Caviar Blue
    PSU
    400W
    Case
    Cougar MicroATX MG100 Case Black
    Cooling
    Deepcool 120mm Case Fan
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless mouse
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless keyboard
    Internet Speed
    50Mbps / 20Mbps
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Only running Win 11 on this PC for test purposes
For gaming there is absolutely no reason to stay on Windows anymore. Most if not all Windows games runs great on Linux. Proof of how great the support is can be found in the new Steam Deck that just got announced.
Hi there
I've been weaning myself off Windows for years - however for some things (increasingly few ??? English ? ) Windows is still essential. I agree for gaming even those Windows games could be run in a Windows VM provided you could pass thru the graphics which is probably the big bottleneck for serious gaming in a Windows VM.

I still haven't also found any professional photo processing app that can replicate PHOTOSHOP or LIGHTROOM even though the GIMP is increasingly good. Office Clones also aren't still as good as Ms Office and some work places require Windows to use their VPN's when working remotely -- why they don't allow Linux - most VPN's work perfectly on Linux - is probably their ignorance -- since I often remotely logon to the VPN from a computer running a Windows VM on a host Linux system anyway !!!

Even for people with a tiny bit of Linux one can do all sorts of things. - There's been endless posts on this and other Forums on the hardware requirements for W11 -- with a Linux HOST running the IBM TPM emulator (swtpm) and installing the VM virtual bios to support UEFI/secure boot ->package OVMF you can run W11 quite sensibly as a VM even on an old laptop with no GPT / UEFI / secure boot (i.e an old MBR MOBO) as I posted here. Laptop 7 years old (or even older) as it probably was around a year old when I bought it.



Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows XP,7,10,11 Linux Arch Linux
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    2 X Intel i7
I think you'll find that the only OS you can run on any almost any hardware you want is Linux.
Hi there
And from that you can run ANY version of Windows as a VM - so long as memory size sufficient and CPU 64 bit capable with Virtualisaion enabled) . Even old MBR BIOS machines can create VM's which use emulated TPM's (swtpm in Linux), a Virtual UEFI/Sec boot BIOS for the VM (OVMF to be installed) .

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows XP,7,10,11 Linux Arch Linux
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    2 X Intel i7
After reading hundreds of "complaints" about the new requirements for Windows 11, I personally embrace the changes. While this may seem like a business decision for Microsoft (and I suspect a large portion of it is), it's in our (the users) best interest. There are a lot of very smart people involved trying their best to make sure we all operate in as a secure environment as possible and trying to make our systems safe. What many people may think is "why do I have to go through this? There's nothing on my system anyone would be interested in." Maybe not, but malware has a habit of finding it's way into critical infrastructure through unprotected systems, and old technology is more vulnerable. Sure, no system is perfect, and it never will be. The adage "for every measure, there is a countermeasure, and for every countermeasure there is a counter-counter measure" is true. It's a never ending cycle and our systems will never be completely safe as long as there are hackers and crackers out there (and you know who you are). That doesn't mean we shouldn't try. We try hard to make it as difficult as possible to exploit our systems. I for one am not going to give them a free hand, so if there's a government entity or a multi-billion dollar company out there to help me protect my system and critical infrastructure I depend on, I'm all for it. If that decision means I have to invest in a newer more modern technology that will ultimately benefit me I accept that ruleset. I recently replaced my 6 year old main desktop 4 core Intel system with an 8 core Ryzen system ( which incidentally cost significantly less). Thankfully it is Win 11 compliant so I'm OK. 6 years in computer age is an eternity. Win 10 was beginning to run kind of clunky on it anyway even after a cold load so I was glad to do a hardware upgrade. (The moving target of technology evolution is a topic for another discussion).

I recently saw a technician working on an ATM machine at a bank and was surprised to see when the computer booted it was running Windows XP. I asked him why such an old OS was still in use. The response was "if it ain't broke don't fix it". I asked if it was updated at all, he told me no. I was stunned. While XP was a good desktop OS in it's time, I don't think I want that (relativity easy to hack) OS anywhere near my bank or worse to be used as part of a botnet. I'm sure there are even scarier stores out there.

Those of you who've asked "why" should take the time to read all of Microsoft's statement. They've outlined exactly why they're doing it, and I agree with it. They've also said they'll support Windows 10 until 2025, so I think given the technology changes on the horizon we have some time to upgrade. So instead of taking the attitude that you as a user are suffering some outrage, think about the positives, how it benefits you. If that means a hardware upgrade bite the bullet and do it. :wink:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Host Windows 11 Pro, (Windows 11 Insider Canary Hyper-V VM )
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom User Build
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    ASUS Prime X570-P
    Memory
    4X CMK32GX4M2B3200C16 16GB 1066.7 MHz (DDR4-2133 / PC4-17000) (64GB)
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon WX2100 Workstation
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek S1200A 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2X Samsung S24D360
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    1X WD Black 1TB NVMe M2 SSD, 2X WD Blue 500GB NVMe M2 SSD, 1X WD Blue 1TB SATA SSD
    PSU
    Corsair CX550M
    Case
    Corsair 110R
    Cooling
    Corsair iCUE H115i RGB PRO XT Liquid CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270 KB/Mouse Combo
    Mouse
    Logitech K270 KB/Mouse Combo
    Internet Speed
    800Mb
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge, Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    MalwareBytes, MS Defender
    Other Info
    1x Seagate 2TB HDD, 1x WD Passport 5TB HDD, 1x WD SATA 1TB Green SSD
...instead of taking the attitude that you as a user are suffering some outrage, think about the positives, how it benefits you. If that means a hardware upgrade bite the bullet and do it. :wink:
One of my oldest laptops (but the one I still find myself using the most) dates back to 2011 and is getting a bit too long in the tooth. It's well past replacement time already. W11 was the final push I needed to copy its installed OS and software to a newer machine, something I would have done soon anyway. That new machine is System One in my specs below.

For the rest of my machines, all with 6th gen or older Intel processors, well W10 is supported until 2025 with W10 21H2 due for release shortly. There's no urgency to replace those yet.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD
    Internet Speed
    50 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 4GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Beta as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Lattitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 4GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Beta as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
(snip)

I recently saw a technician working on an ATM machine at a bank and was surprised to see when the computer booted it was running Windows XP. I asked him why such an old OS was still in use. The response was "if it ain't broke don't fix it". I asked if it was updated at all, he told me no. I was stunned. While XP was a good desktop OS in it's time, I don't think I want that (relativity easy to hack) OS anywhere near my bank or worse to be used as part of a botnet. I'm sure there are even scarier stores out there.

(snip)

About 10 years ago, I watched an ATM at my then employer's reboot. It was running OS2 Warp.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 22631.2861
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    homebuilt
    CPU
    Amd Threadripper 7970X
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte TRX50 Aero D
    Memory
    128GB (4 X 32) Kingston DDR5 5200 (RDIMM)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte RTX 4090 OC
    Sound Card
    none (USB to speakers), Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Philips 27E1N8900 OLED
    Screen Resolution
    3840 X 2160 @ 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    Crucial T700 2TB M.2 NVME SSD
    WD 4TB Blue SATA SSD
    Seagate 18TB IronWolf Pro
    PSU
    eVGA SuperNOVA 1600 GT
    Case
    Lian Li 011 Dynamic Evo XL
    Cooling
    Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 360, with 3 Phanteks T30 fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech K120 (wired)
    Mouse
    Logitech M500s (wired)
    Internet Speed
    1200 Mbps
  • Operating System
    windows 11 22631.2861
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    homebuilt
    CPU
    Intel I9-13900K
    Motherboard
    Asus RoG Strix Z690-E
    Memory
    64GB G.Skill DDR5-6000
    Graphics card(s)
    Gigabyte RTX 3090 ti
    Sound Card
    built in Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus PA329C
    Screen Resolution
    3840 X 2160 @60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WDC SN850 1TB
    8 TB Seagate Ironwolf
    4TB Seagate Ironwolf
    PSU
    eVGA SuperNOVA 1300 GT
    Case
    Lian Li 011 Dynamic Evo
    Cooling
    Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX Liquid CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech M500s (wired)
    Keyboard
    Logitech K120 (wired)
I recently saw a technician working on an ATM machine at a bank and was surprised to see when the computer booted it was running Windows XP.
Surprisingly, its not actually that long out of support.

Microsoft said:
  • Windows Embedded Standard 2009. This product is an updated release of the toolkit and componentized version of Windows XP. It was originally released in 2008, and Extended Support ended on January 8, 2019.
  • Windows Embedded POSReady 2009. This product for point of sale devices reflects the updates available in Windows Embedded Standard 2009. It was originally released on 2009, and extended support ended on April 9, 2019.
(source)
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD
    Internet Speed
    50 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 4GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Beta as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Lattitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 4GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Beta as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    windows 10 & 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    iBuyPower (special build)
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7X
    Motherboard
    Asus Prime x370 Pro
    Memory
    64Gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon RX 480 8Gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung UHD 27 inch
    Screen Resolution
    UHD
    Hard Drives
    3 Samsung 1 TB SSD each; 1 Samsung PCIe M.2 at 2 TB
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    IBuyPower
    CPU
    AMD 9 5900X
    Motherboard
    Asus x570 ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero WI-FI 6E ARGB
    Memory
    32 Gb
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti 12 GB GDDR6X
    Sound Card
    3D PREMIUM surround sound onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 32 inch UHD curved monitor
    Screen Resolution
    UHD
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 980 pro 2 tb gen 4 NVMe ssd
    PSU
    850 watt consair RM850X
    Case
    Lian Li LANCOOL ONE tempered glass RGB gaming case
    Cooling
    DEEPCOOL GAMERSTORM RGB 240 mm CASTLE 240EX liquid cooler
    Mouse
    Ares m.2 gaming optical mouse
    Keyboard
    Ares m.2 gaming keyboard
    Internet Speed
    450
    Browser
    Firefox / Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows defender
    Other Info
    With all this gaming rig I am not a gamer!

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    windows 10 & 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    iBuyPower (special build)
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7X
    Motherboard
    Asus Prime x370 Pro
    Memory
    64Gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon RX 480 8Gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung UHD 27 inch
    Screen Resolution
    UHD
    Hard Drives
    3 Samsung 1 TB SSD each; 1 Samsung PCIe M.2 at 2 TB
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    IBuyPower
    CPU
    AMD 9 5900X
    Motherboard
    Asus x570 ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero WI-FI 6E ARGB
    Memory
    32 Gb
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti 12 GB GDDR6X
    Sound Card
    3D PREMIUM surround sound onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 32 inch UHD curved monitor
    Screen Resolution
    UHD
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 980 pro 2 tb gen 4 NVMe ssd
    PSU
    850 watt consair RM850X
    Case
    Lian Li LANCOOL ONE tempered glass RGB gaming case
    Cooling
    DEEPCOOL GAMERSTORM RGB 240 mm CASTLE 240EX liquid cooler
    Mouse
    Ares m.2 gaming optical mouse
    Keyboard
    Ares m.2 gaming keyboard
    Internet Speed
    450
    Browser
    Firefox / Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows defender
    Other Info
    With all this gaming rig I am not a gamer!
I'm also taking the just wait and see attitude. Honestly, I don't feel compelled that every machine in my house would have to run Windows 11.

I mean, my wife's old laptop is still running Windows 8.1. Technically it works, it boots, it gets on the Internet and does what it needs to do. I'm in the "don't break what isn't broken camp on that one. Wife is mostly working on her Windows 10 desktop.

I'll be slightly bummed out if I cannot run it on an older CPU and still get updates. Sure, I will load from ISO (no big deal). I've got a couple of Intel NUC's that I use for testing, but they have Core i5-5000 series processors in them. They are slow from a processor standpoint, but fast enough for me to use as test machines, to see how something works, to experiment with what's new.

I think end of the day, things are going to load, and updates are going to happen on the older equipment....and I think they will technically be "unsupported" and Microsoft's just going to look the other way. If "you" know you can install from the ISO, and you are willing to do it and take chances that it may not perform the best or be crash free...so be it.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink SEI8
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8279u
    Motherboard
    AZW SEI
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 2666Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Iris Plus 655
    Sound Card
    Intel SST
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus ProArt PA278QV
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    512GB NVMe
    PSU
    NA
    Case
    NA
    Cooling
    NA
    Keyboard
    NA
    Mouse
    NA
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Mini PC used for testing Windows 11.
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5900x
    Motherboard
    Asus Rog Strix X570-E Gaming
    Memory
    64GB DDR4-3600
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA GeForce 3080 FT3 Ultra
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ. ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27” WQHD
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2TB WD SN850 PCI-E Gen 4 NVMe
    2TB Sandisk Ultra 2.5" SATA SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus 850
    Case
    Fractal Meshify S2 in White
    Cooling
    Dark Rock Pro CPU cooler, 3 x 140mm case fans
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Keyboard
    Corsiar K65 RGB Lux
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Defender.
I have my main PC which 'qualifies' for 11 and a 3 year old Dell laptop with an i7 which doesn't.

There are more than a few conspiracy theories ranging from MS being bribed in some way by the hardware manufacturers to pushing those that do upgrade towards cloud computing. Oh and there's also the Win11 will eventually become an annual/monthly subscription model. Frankly I have no idea whether there is any truth in any of these but then again......

From what I've seen, there's really nothing in 11 which makes me want to jump ship. But MS are dangling the carrot that consumers cannot have the latest and greatest unless you spend your hard earned cash on upgrading when in reality many folks already have a perfectly good working system. In my eyes, all that 11 offers (for me) is a rearranging of the deckchairs on the Titanic and 2025 is still a way off. It took MS ages to wean users off Win7 and there are still many of those in use today.

No doubt at some time a techie will release a hack that overcomes any hardware limitations and at the same time allowing automatic 11 updates whatever MS has 'threatened'. For me though I'll stay as I am.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo M90q
    CPU
    i5 12500
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel CPU integrated
    Sound Card
    Intel MB intergrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 4k IPS
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    500GB NVMe Samsung 980 Pro
    1 TB NVMe Samsung 990 Pro
    1 TB Crucial MX500
    PSU
    Lenovo
    Case
    Lenovo
    Cooling
    Air
    Keyboard
    Logitech BT
    Mouse
    Logitech BT
    Internet Speed
    FTTP
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    MS Defender and Malwarebytes
  • Operating System
    Win 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy X360
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 4700U
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    AMD Radeon
    Sound Card
    ATI/AMD Renoir
    Monitor(s) Displays
    UHD
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    1TB NVMe
    PSU
    HP
    Case
    Dell
    Cooling
    Air
    Mouse
    Touchpad
    Keyboard
    Built In
    Internet Speed
    FTTP
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    MS Defender and Malwarebytes
  • Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC).
  • RAM: 4 gigabytes (GB) or greater.
  • Storage: 64 GB* or greater available storage is required to install Windows 11.
    • Additional storage space might be required to download updates and enable specific features.
  • Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
  • System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
  • TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
  • Display: High definition (720p) display, 9" or greater monitor, 8 bits per color channel.
  • Internet connection: Internet connectivity is necessary to perform updates, and to download and use some features.
    • Windows 11 Home edition requires an Internet connection and a Microsoft Account to complete device setup on first use.
Does it have to be a discrete card or will a CPU with graphics qualify?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Paradigit
    CPU
    Core i7
    Motherboard
    ASUS PRIME B560M-A
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    On-board Graphics
    Sound Card
    On-Board Sound Card
    Monitor(s) Displays
    SAMSUNG 27"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel 1GB NVMe SSD
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s
  • Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC).
  • RAM: 4 gigabytes (GB) or greater.
  • Storage: 64 GB* or greater available storage is required to install Windows 11.
    • Additional storage space might be required to download updates and enable specific features.
  • Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
  • System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
  • TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
  • Display: High definition (720p) display, 9" or greater monitor, 8 bits per color channel.
  • Internet connection: Internet connectivity is necessary to perform updates, and to download and use some features.
    • Windows 11 Home edition requires an Internet connection and a Microsoft Account to complete device setup on first use.
Does it have to be a discrete card or will a CPU with graphics qualify?
A Processor with the GPU integrated works just fine. For example, the AMD Ryzen 3 3200G is complaint.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home(Beta) - 23H2 - 22635.3350
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Banana Junior 5600- G Series
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Strix B550-F
    Memory
    G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 64GB 4x16
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX TITAN X
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viotek 32", 28" ASUS VP28U
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    Primary SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus
    PSU
    EVGA BQ 700w 80+ Bronze
    Case
    Zalman i3 NEO
    Cooling
    ARCTIC Freezer 7 X
    Keyboard
    Corsair
    Mouse
    Amazon Generic with Cord
    Internet Speed
    Download: 295.11 mbps Upload: 65.35 mbps T-Mobile Internet
    Browser
    Firefox and Edge
    Antivirus
    MS - Defender
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch ProMedia 2.1
A Processor with the GPU integrated works just fine. For example, the AMD Ryzen 3 3200G is complaint.
Core i7 11th Gen?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Paradigit
    CPU
    Core i7
    Motherboard
    ASUS PRIME B560M-A
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    On-board Graphics
    Sound Card
    On-Board Sound Card
    Monitor(s) Displays
    SAMSUNG 27"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel 1GB NVMe SSD
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home(Beta) - 23H2 - 22635.3350
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Banana Junior 5600- G Series
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Strix B550-F
    Memory
    G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 64GB 4x16
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX TITAN X
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viotek 32", 28" ASUS VP28U
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    Primary SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus
    PSU
    EVGA BQ 700w 80+ Bronze
    Case
    Zalman i3 NEO
    Cooling
    ARCTIC Freezer 7 X
    Keyboard
    Corsair
    Mouse
    Amazon Generic with Cord
    Internet Speed
    Download: 295.11 mbps Upload: 65.35 mbps T-Mobile Internet
    Browser
    Firefox and Edge
    Antivirus
    MS - Defender
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch ProMedia 2.1

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Paradigit
    CPU
    Core i7
    Motherboard
    ASUS PRIME B560M-A
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    On-board Graphics
    Sound Card
    On-Board Sound Card
    Monitor(s) Displays
    SAMSUNG 27"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel 1GB NVMe SSD
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home(Beta) - 23H2 - 22635.3350
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Banana Junior 5600- G Series
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Strix B550-F
    Memory
    G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 64GB 4x16
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX TITAN X
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viotek 32", 28" ASUS VP28U
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    Primary SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus
    PSU
    EVGA BQ 700w 80+ Bronze
    Case
    Zalman i3 NEO
    Cooling
    ARCTIC Freezer 7 X
    Keyboard
    Corsair
    Mouse
    Amazon Generic with Cord
    Internet Speed
    Download: 295.11 mbps Upload: 65.35 mbps T-Mobile Internet
    Browser
    Firefox and Edge
    Antivirus
    MS - Defender
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch ProMedia 2.1

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Paradigit
    CPU
    Core i7
    Motherboard
    ASUS PRIME B560M-A
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    On-board Graphics
    Sound Card
    On-Board Sound Card
    Monitor(s) Displays
    SAMSUNG 27"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel 1GB NVMe SSD
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home(Beta) - 23H2 - 22635.3350
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Banana Junior 5600- G Series
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Strix B550-F
    Memory
    G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 64GB 4x16
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX TITAN X
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viotek 32", 28" ASUS VP28U
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    Primary SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus
    PSU
    EVGA BQ 700w 80+ Bronze
    Case
    Zalman i3 NEO
    Cooling
    ARCTIC Freezer 7 X
    Keyboard
    Corsair
    Mouse
    Amazon Generic with Cord
    Internet Speed
    Download: 295.11 mbps Upload: 65.35 mbps T-Mobile Internet
    Browser
    Firefox and Edge
    Antivirus
    MS - Defender
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch ProMedia 2.1

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 23H2 22631.2861
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy TE01-1xxx
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-10700 CPU @ 2.90GHz 2.90 GHz
    Motherboard
    16.0GB Dual-Channel Unknown @ 1463MHz (21-21-21-47)
    Memory
    16384 MBytes
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Monitor 1 - Acer 27" Monitor 2 - Acer 27"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    WDC PC SN530 SDBPNPZ-512G-1006 (SSD)
    Seagate ST1000DM003-1SB102
    Seagate BUP Slim SCSI Disk Device (SSD)
    PSU
    HP
    Case
    HP
    Cooling
    Standard
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave K350
    Mouse
    Logitech M705
    Internet Speed
    500 mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's all Folks!
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 (10th gen) 10700
    Motherboard
    Intel
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Built-in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 27" & Samsung 24"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x
    Hard Drives
    SSD (512 GB)
    HDD (1 TB)
    Seagate
    PSU
    Intel i7 10th Generation
    Case
    HP
    Cooling
    HP/Intel?
    Mouse
    Logitech M705
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave K350
    Internet Speed
    50 mbps
    Browser
    Firefox 90.2
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Headphone/Microphone Combo
    SuperSpeed USB Type-A (4 on front)
    HP 3-in-One Card Readr
    SuperSpeed USB Type-C
    DVD Writer

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