When and if my PC will be able to handle Windows 11

dawn121988 · Aug 24, 2021

I have a few odd questions well here it is: I am running Windows 10 which is original windows for my laptop and it shows on both scans I tried for my PC that my CPU is not currently able to run Windows 11. I have been thinking about running a Dual Boot for a while now but here is the problem my PC can't currently run the "Windows 11" so should I make a USB right now of the current windows 11 for my PC to use at a later date or just keep checking until my PC is supported and then download it then. Plus what is the best suggest way to check to find out if and when my CPU will be included. Should I just randomly scan my PC every few weeks. Or should I sign up for a specific newsletter or site.

I have only recently signed up for elevenforum and I have been a member of some of the previous forums for awhile now and always go to tenforums when ever I have a issue or question so now since windows 11 is coming out I was just wondering where the best sites are to find information because windows itself seem more about selling windows 11 PCs and less about updating. So I was just wondering on where to find the best info for when and if my PC will be able to handle Windows 11.

Wynona · Aug 24, 2021

dawn121988 said:
I have a few odd questions well here it is: I am running Windows 10 which is original windows for my laptop and it shows on both scans I tried for my PC that my CPU is not currently able to run Windows 11. I have been thinking about running a Dual Boot for a while now but here is the problem my PC can't currently run the "Windows 11" so should I make a USB right now of the current windows 11 for my PC to use at a later date or just keep checking until my PC is supported and then download it then. Plus what is the best suggest way to check to find out if and when my CPU will be included. Should I just randomly scan my PC every few weeks. Or should I sign up for a specific newsletter or site.

I have only recently signed up for elevenforum and I have been a member of some of the previous forums for awhile now and always go to tenforums when ever I have a issue or question so now since windows 11 is coming out I was just wondering where the best sites are to find information because windows itself seem more about selling windows 11 PCs and less about updating. So I was just wondering on where to find the best info for when and if my PC will be able to handle Windows 11.

Dawn, there are various reasons why a computer won't run Windows 11; the number 1 reason being security and the second one being a non-complying HDD/SSD. There is a third reason, but it escapes me at the moment.

Bottom line is that none of us know whether Microsoft will back off the current restrictions, so it's a tossup as to whether your PC will ever be able to run Windows 11. That said, you may be able to install Windows 11 on your "non-complying" PC; however, at final release, Windows 11 may/most likely will stop working. Huge guess on my part, but it's what I'm seeing from those much more knowledgeable than I.

The good news is that Microsoft will continue to support Windows 10 until October 2025; and possibly keep security updated for a few more years.

I am lucky in that all three of my day to day PCs will run Windows 11. Nope, not due to good planning; just plain dumb luck and timing.

bobkn · Aug 24, 2021

Windows 11 is different from previous Windows versions in that it requires device security features. Most of them are present on recent PCs that shipped with Windows 10. They may not be turned on by default, but can be activated in the BIOS settings. A critical one is a TPM (trusted platform module. Built-in versions are typically available. Intel calls theirs PTT (platform trust technology). AMD calls it fTPM (firmware TPM).

One sticking point is that Microsoft is requiring recent model CPUs. I have a Lenovo laptop that appears to meet every Win 11 requirement, except that its CPU is Generation 6. Intel CPUs are required to be Generation 8 or newer.

Intel CPUs

AMD CPUs

Many hope that MS will relax the CPU requirements, but that's up to MS.

NavyLCDR · Aug 25, 2021

Wynona said:
the second one being a non-complying HDD/SSD.

I was not aware of HDD/SSD hardware requirements for Windows 11 other then 64 GB available space.

Bree · Aug 25, 2021

The HDD/SSD requirement would be that it is GPT formatted, not MBR. That one is automatically required anyway if you have the required UEFI/secure boot.

Bree · Aug 25, 2021

dawn121988 said:
so should I make a USB right now of the current windows 11 for my PC to use at a later date or just keep checking until my PC is supported and then download it then.

Welcome to Eleven Forum Dawn.

The only version you can download now is for the Insider Dev/Beta builds, which by definition will have bugs yet to be fixed. Unless you really want to experiment, then you should at least wait until the public release. Who knows, the W11 requirements may have been relaxed a bit by then. Late October seems the likely public launch date, or later if more bugs are found.

Wynona · Aug 25, 2021

Bree said:
Welcome to Eleven Forum Dawn.

The only version you can download now is for the Insider Dev/Beta builds, which by definition will have bugs yet to be fixed. Unless you really want to experiment, then you should at least wait until the public release. Who knows, the W11 requirements may have been relaxed a bit by then. Late October seems the likely public launch date, or later if more bugs are found.

I think @ dawn121988 wants to dual boot Windows 10 and Windows 11, Bree. If that's true, I'd suggest she go with Beta instead of DEV, since it would be more stable.

Wynona · Aug 25, 2021

dawn121988 said:
I have a few odd questions well here it is: I am running Windows 10 which is original windows for my laptop and it shows on both scans I tried for my PC that my CPU is not currently able to run Windows 11. I have been thinking about running a Dual Boot for a while now but here is the problem my PC can't currently run the "Windows 11" so should I make a USB right now of the current windows 11 for my PC to use at a later date or just keep checking until my PC is supported and then download it then. Plus what is the best suggest way to check to find out if and when my CPU will be included. Should I just randomly scan my PC every few weeks. Or should I sign up for a specific newsletter or site.

I have only recently signed up for elevenforum and I have been a member of some of the previous forums for awhile now and always go to tenforums when ever I have a issue or question so now since windows 11 is coming out I was just wondering where the best sites are to find information because windows itself seem more about selling windows 11 PCs and less about updating. So I was just wondering on where to find the best info for when and if my PC will be able to handle Windows 11.

After reading your post more carefully, Dawn, the first thing I will suggest is that you complete the information in My Computer so our guru guys will have info to help you. We need the brand of computer and which processor it's using. Also, if it can be upgraded to one that will qualify.

If and when you create a second partition for Windows 11, at that point, download and install the current version of Windows 11.

There are several sites you can go to for information:

UUPDump is a good site for downloading the current version of Windows 11.
How to Geek is good for information.

dawn121988 · Aug 25, 2021

My PC scan said it will not run Windows 11 currently and I was just kind of wondering if the CPU list ever gets updated and how often and if it was not going to be updated then I might just stick with the Windows 10 on my laptop and purchase a new PC with Windows 10 from a local store like walmart or best buy or something like that and then upgrade to Windows 11. It would be easier and cheaper then going for a Windows 11 PC. I seen a few deals on some desktops at a local walmart today. So maybe it would be just easier to get a new PC then to try and force a upgrade on this PC and do more harm then good. Or maybe instead of upgrading a new PC maybe a dual boot on a new PC. The laptop I purchased used a few years ago and have had it for awhile now and getting something new to upgrade might be a easier and cheaper option in a long run.

My current laptop is a lenovo and everything is good except the CPU in the scans I have tried.

bobkn · Aug 25, 2021

dawn121988 said:
My PC scan said it will not run Windows 11 currently and I was just kind of wondering if the CPU list ever gets updated and how often and if it was not going to be updated (snip)

Can you tell us what the CPU is? (I know of no harm to you that could come of that.)

The CPU list has not changed since it was originally announced, which may have been when the first Win 11 build was made available, on 28 June. As far as I know, no Microsoft employees frequent this forum. If they did, they probably couldn't answer questions about release plans for Win 11.

The General Availability date for 11 has not been announced. One prediction is 20 October. Windows 11 Release Date: Microsoft Tweet Drops A Big Hint

dawn121988 · Aug 25, 2021

My processor is AMD A9-9420 RADEON R5, 5 COMPUTE CORES 2C +3G 3.00 GHz that's what it says in the system settings area. And this was the only reason why I could not upgrade currently. All other stuff on the scan said OK.

Quandary · Aug 25, 2021

The critical question Dawn is why do you want/need to run Windows 11. Windows 10 will continue to run just fine on your laptop for the next few years, and by then the requirements for Windows 11 may have been relaxed, but no significant loss if not.
If you the need to replace the laptop then you may be able to get a bargain or Black Friday price on an outgoing model that can easily be upgraded to Windows 11.

dawn121988 · Aug 25, 2021

I don't need to upgrade the PC I was just "Wanting" to I have seen a few cool things about Windows 11 so far and just wanted to try it out. And then I find out I might not even be able to depending on my PC. So I was just kind of wondering how often the information for the "Needed Specs" was updated if even at all. My first brand new store bought PC was a cheap Emachine that was running Window 7 and I upgraded to Window 8.1 for $15.00 if I remember correctly and the PC was a whole setup with monitor and stuff for $250.00 and then I upgraded for free to Windows 10. And this current PC I have is a laptop purchased used from Pawn America from a local area bout 30 minute drive from me and now the closes Pawn America is over 2 hours away and I don't think buying from Pawn America online would be to good of a ideal since I wont be able to see it and test it out.

I have see some interesting thing and just wanted to update but its really no big deal I might just buy a new cheap PC in a few months or so and just upgrade it then. I just didn't know if the CPU Specs gets updated or how things like that work. When I updated from Windows 8.1 to 10 I got a message on the PC telling me I could update for free and then I just did it.

Bree · Aug 25, 2021

dawn121988 said:
I have seen a few cool things about Windows 11 so far and just wanted to try it out. And then I find out I might not even be able to depending on my PC. So I was just kind of wondering how often the information for the "Needed Specs" was updated if even at all.

There's a small possibility that the specs may be relaxed a little to include 7th gen Intel processors, but that about it - I wouldn't hold your breath....

Yes, a lot of us wanted to try it out, and many of us didn't have PCs that met the specs. There are workarounds to install it on almost any PC, no matter how far below spec. System Two in 'My Computers' below is 1st gen Intel, no secure boot, a Legacy bios and an MBR patitioned HDD, currently running 22000.160 without issues. See this post, scroll down to the 'Work-arounds Section'.

How to pass the Windows 11 Compatibility Checks

Latest RUFUS instructions for non-compatible hardware https://pureinfotech.com/create-usb-install-media-bypass-restrictions-windows-11-22h2/ Passing the Window 11 Compatibility Check GitHub Tool AMD fTPM configuration > TPM Device Selection : Firmware TPM or AMD CPU fTPM d. Intel...

www.elevenforum.com

An alternative, if you have Pro, is to install W11 in a Hyper-V virtual machine (or a VMWare or Virtualbox VM if you have Home).

bobkn · Aug 25, 2021

I see that the AMD A9-9420 was released in Q2, 2017. Not exactly old gear.

I presume that you could install 11 on it if you were in the developer channel of the Insider program. Or outside that channel, with hacks that you could find in these forums. (Let's run Windows 11 on an incompatible hardware) You wouldn't be allowed to get updates for it once it was released, though.

Sorry that you've joined the ranks of the millions who have recent, powerful PCs, who won't be permitted a Win11 upgrade. (Assuming that such an upgrade is really desirable.)

Bree · Aug 26, 2021

bobkn said:
I presume that you could install 11 on it if you were in the developer channel of the Insider program. Or outside that channel, with hacks that you could find in these forums. (Let's run Windows 11 on an incompatible hardware) You wouldn't be allowed to get updates for it once it was released, though.

I think that last sentence only applies for certain if you have signed up as an Insider. It remains to be seen if an unsupported machine that isn't in the Insider program will continue to get updates after the release. I have one such PC, so will be watching with interest come the official release....

Wynona · Aug 26, 2021

Quandary said:
The critical question Dawn is why do you want/need to run Windows 11. Windows 10 will continue to run just fine on your laptop for the next few years, and by then the requirements for Windows 11 may have been relaxed, but no significant loss if not.
If you the need to replace the laptop then you may be able to get a bargain or Black Friday price on an outgoing model that can easily be upgraded to Windows 11.

Thing is, from every indication, Windows 11 is much more secure than any preceding Windows, so it's a no-brainer if Dawn wishes to try it out.

I don't need a computer at all, but I choose to have five of the silly things. I don't need Windows 11, but since three of the five can run Windows 11, I choose to run dual boot systems with both Windows 10 and Windows 11 installed.

Far be it from me to discourage Dawn's wish to check out Windows 11. And it looks like she really does want to check it out, since she's talking about getting a new computer in order to install Windows 11.

Wynona · Aug 26, 2021

dawn121988 said:
My PC scan said it will not run Windows 11 currently and I was just kind of wondering if the CPU list ever gets updated and how often and if it was not going to be updated then I might just stick with the Windows 10 on my laptop and purchase a new PC with Windows 10 from a local store like walmart or best buy or something like that and then upgrade to Windows 11. It would be easier and cheaper then going for a Windows 11 PC. I seen a few deals on some desktops at a local walmart today. So maybe it would be just easier to get a new PC then to try and force a upgrade on this PC and do more harm then good. Or maybe instead of upgrading a new PC maybe a dual boot on a new PC. The laptop I purchased used a few years ago and have had it for awhile now and getting something new to upgrade might be a easier and cheaper option in a long run.

My current laptop is a lenovo and everything is good except the CPU in the scans I have tried.

Dawn, don't let anyone discourage you if you want to run Windows 11, even if it means getting a new PC which you seem inclined to do.

Before you choose a new computer, be sure to check out @Brink's June 28 announcement. . . Mostly for the minimum requirements to run Windows 11; pay special attention to the requirements in Bold. Those requirements are an absolute necessity to run Windows 11. The rest of the article gives a lot more information about Windows 11.

Introducing Windows 11

If you’d like to see if your current PC meets the Windows 11 minimum requirements, download and run the PC Health Check app. It’s free to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. But only Windows 10 PCs that are running the most current version of Windows 10 and meet the minimum hardware...

www.elevenforum.com

Once you've made your final decision, be sure to compare, compare, compare. Best Buy is OK if there's one near you. I checked out Walmart, and found that most of what they have on the shelves really isn't worth the money you'd spend. And, there's very little information on the specifications. As to whether the ones they have will or will not run Windows 11 is a tossup. Then there's Amazon.com that has a wider selection with more information on each one.

All of my computers except one are HP because they're just more robust in my not so humble opinion. The Little Lenovo (14") won't run Windows 11, but I keep it around because it's small and I can more easily use it when I travel.

Bree · Aug 26, 2021

Wynona said:
I don't need a computer at all, but I choose to have five of the silly things. I don't need Windows 11, but since three of the five can run Windows 11, I choose to run dual boot systems with both Windows 10 and Windows 11 installed.

Far be it from me to discourage Dawn's wish to check out Windows 11. And it looks like she really does want to check it out, since she's talking about getting a new computer in order to install Windows 11.

I had six of the 'silly things' and suspect I may actually be addicted to collecting them - so yes, in that sense I do have a 'need' I have to feed :lmao:

However, none of them meet the minimum specs for Windows 11, the closest to doing so fails only on its 6th gen CPU.

If @dawn121988 really does want to check out Windows 11 then there are many workarounds on this forum to let you do just that on a below spec PC, as I have done on my System Two.

If Dawn wants to continue using 11 after release, well then the only sure way would be on a new PC that meets all the specs. For a sub-spec machine running the Insider builds of Win11 you need to be aware that you risk needing to clean install Win10 or restore a previous Win10 system image come the official release. That's why I have now bought another one (second hand) to become the 7th in my collection, System One below.

bobkn · Aug 26, 2021

Bree said:
I think that last sentence only applies for certain if you have signed up as an Insider. It remains to be seen if an unsupported machine that isn't in the Insider program will continue to get updates after the release. I have one such PC, so will be watching with interest come the official release....

I can't pretend to know. But I know which way to bet. (That MS won't officially allow Win 11 on unsupported hardware.)