Can your computer run Windows 11 ?

[steve2470]

Last edited Fri Jul 2, 2021, 03:29 AM - Edit history (3)

Note: Before anyone responds to this post, if you do NOT want to use Windows 11, you do NOT have to. My understanding is Windows 10 will be supported through 2025, at least for security bugs. If you are offered Windows 11 via the Update page, just refuse it and only accept the security updates. If you are a Linux or Mac devotee, feel free to ignore this entire post

Here is a link on compatibility by Microsoft: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compatibility/windows-11/

There's been a lot of discussion about MS forcing Windows 11 users to have a TPM 2.0 chip on their motherboard. If your PC is recent, you will probably have this chip, which you can access and turn on via your BIOS/UEFI menu. If your PC is more than 7 years old, your motherboard might not have this TPM 2.0 chip.

How to see if you have the TPM 2.0 motherboard chip: First, go into your BIOS/UEFI and make sure to activate it. AMD motherboards call it "AMD PSP fTPM" and Intel motherboards call it ""Intel PTT", per David Weston, Microsoft Director of Enterprise and OS Security.

Also, do this: 1- Click Start button; 2- Click Run; 3- type tpm.msc into the run dialogue and click OK; 4- You will then see a big page with the TPM information. Scroll down to "TPM Manufacturer Information". Specification Version should say 2.0.

To make things very simple, MS put out a downloadable tool called PC Health Check. I have seen reports that this app is bugged. Another simple tool to use is called WhyNotWin11.

If your TPM 2.0 chip is not activated in the BIOS/UEFI, you will get an incompatible response.

Also, if you have Secure Boot disabled in the BIOS/UEFI, you will also get an incompatible response.

To reiterate: IF YOU DO NOT WANT WINDOWS 11, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE IT!

If you still want Windows 11 (available later in 2021 unless you are in Windows Insider program) and have questions/problems, feel free to reply to this post.

A polite request from the CHaS Host (me): If you hate Windows and/or Microsoft, please do not post to this thread. This thread is really for people who might wish to change to Windows 11. Thank you for your cooperation in advance!

Steve

eta:

Per John Cable of Microsoft:

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/windows-lifecycle-and-servicing-update/ba-p/2493043

The feature update process for Windows 10 to Windows 11 will be a user-initiated ‘seeker’ process to choose to update to Windows 11. For users who are not eligible for Windows 11 due to the hardware requirements, the seeking experience will not be available.

Stated another way, if you do not ACTIVELY SEEK to update your computer to Windows 11 from Windows 10, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE WINDOWS 11. So, you can rest easy that, at least for now, MS will not "force" Windows 11 upon you. Also, if your computer does not meet their hardware requirements (still confused at this point), you will not even be eligible to receive it.

[mdelaguna]

1. Thanks this will be super useful.

[msongs]

2. what does it have that's worth the bother nt

[reACTIONary]

8. One thing that will make it worth the bother...

... is that it will run (some?) android apps. Given the prevelence of "apps" that run only on apple and android, this might make it worthwhile.

While I'm not sure, the insistence on TPM 2.0 probably means it will be much more resistant to hacking.

[Aussie105]

10. Yes, security!

But MS is keeping the details a secret. Don't want to give hackers any hints as to how it works, or how to get around it.

Smart move, MS! It just leaves a few questions unanswered to the average/common user, like me.

[getagrip_already]

16. it's all smiles until someone steals their source code.....

again....

[MoriaeEncomium]

25. Again.. .. .. +1

So true.

[reACTIONary]

55. I'm not sure how they are going to keep TPM 2.0 ...

...a secret. I believe it is a hardware coprocessor, something like the chips on credit cards. That would have to be produced by the hardware manufacturers for the intel PC architecture in compliance with a public standard. So it seems that the interface and functionality would be well known. Just my speculation.

https://www.trustedcomputinggroup.org/wp-content/uploads/TPM-2.0-A-Brief-Introduction.pdf

An open access ebook:

https://www.springer.com/us/book/9781430265832

[Lithos]

35. You can run some Android apps in Windows 10

So, it's not a net new feature.

The primary pieces of Windows 11 are the Mac-like UI, TPM piece and the some X-Box pieces brought in.

TPM is supposed to do something similar to what Apple does today which is create a hardware based key store that can not be as easily compromised by hackers.

[reACTIONary]

36. I didn't know about the apps...

Are those apps ports done by the app developer? Or the native android app?

[Lithos]

37. Some information here

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/you-can-run-android-apps-on-windows-10-before-windows-11-arrives-heres-how/

I'm a Mac User - but also a developer so I have a development tool which lets me run Android apps in OSx.

[reACTIONary]

38. Thanks! Very useful! nt

[OhZone]

54. just get bluestacks.

It emulates android on windows or mac.

[ItsjustMe]

3. TPM Compatibility Guide

[steve2470]

5. thanks for this ! nt

[Hugh_Lebowski]

4. Interesting. I have a very new platform (X570 AMD) and I failed the tool for TPM 2.0

Maybe, as you mentioned, it's turned off in BIOS.

Next time I restart I'll look for the switch.

I am looking forward to W11 myself, esp. if it's free

[Aussie105]

11. It will be a switch in BIOS, look for fTMP and enable it.

Then, in windows, run the CMD TPM command and see if it is there.

It should be, should come up as TPM 2.0

Did on mine, anyway, on a 4 year old AB350 motherboard.

[Hugh_Lebowski]

12. Sure you're right it would be mind-boggling if the newest AMD platform couldn't run W11 :)

I'll try to post here when I get it sorted.

[getagrip_already]

17. depends on your mb....

Some don;t include a tpm module, but allow you to add it via one of the oddball pci connectors.

I have a "gamers" motherboard, and it doesn't have tpm 2.0, but I can add it. I haven't priced it out yet.

[hobby10113]

18. TPM Chip scalping

Well just like the PS5 and Nvidia/AMD video cards, people are now buying TPM 2.0 modules causing a shortage and selling them for 100 dollars. They normally cost about 15 dollars.

https://www.tomshardware.com/amp/news/tpm-modules-unobtainable-expensive-windows-11

[getagrip_already]

19. why am I not surprised... sigh.. n/t

[Siwsan]

6. I'm going to bookmark this and have my cyber-savvy nephew advise me, when he comes to visit

He knows I'll always have a computer issue for him to handle, or questions to answer.

[Pas-de-Calais]

7. Thanks steve2470 will book mark for later

Retired from 100% MS shop 12-20
All I know
But

One
Never
Knows

Thanks once again

[Aussie105]

9. Pretty much settled here.

Two recently acquired Dell Inspiron laptops qualify and will go to 11.

Desktops - 4 don't qualify, but being an insider, I will get the chance to download and try 11 anyway.

If no good, they go back to 10.

No tears, no accusations, just . . . get on with sending it out, MS!

[George II]

28. I just read a little about it online - if you don't have an 8th gen Intel processor....

....you can get it as an insider but once it's final it may not work properly.

[El Mimbreno]

13. Probably won't run on ours.

Desktop is several years old and still on W7. Laptop a bit newer, but W10 already takes up about 60% of the RAM. Planned obsolescence?

[steve2470]

14. As I said above, starting this week, Windows Insiders can get their hands on betas of Windows 11

There is no longer any need to download iso files from the internet and risk possible malware.

If you are interested in possibly joining the Windows Insiders program, go here for all the details: https://insider.windows.com/en-us/ Of course, joining the WIP is VOLUNTARY, not mandatory whatsoever.

I do not recommend joining that program unless you have a pretty firm grasp of how to install Windows, how to use it, and have a tolerance for bugs. Of course, do not put any beta OS on a production machine, only on a machine you can play around with.

One more time, with gusto: IF YOU DO NOT WANT WINDOWS 11, YOU CAN SKIP IT ENTIRELY. Windows 10 will be supported until October 14, 2025, per this document: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-10-home-and-pro

[steve2470]

15. more info on the TPM chip

Link to tweet

Almost every CPU in the last 5-7 years has a TPM. For Intel its called the "Intel PTT" which you set to enabled. For AMD it would be "AMD PSP fTPM". TPMs have been required for OEM certification since at least 2015 and was announced in 2013:

https://twitter.com/dwizzzleMSFT

MSFT Director of OS Security.

So, if your PC is less than 7 years old, does it have TPM 2.0 or another version ? Instructions on how to determine this are in the very first post of this thread.

[steve2470]

20. The very first official beta of Windows 11 is available to the Windows Insiders Program now

https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2021/06/28/announcing-the-first-insider-preview-for-windows-11/

Hello Windows Insiders, we are excited to release the first Windows 11 Insider Preview build to the Dev Channel, Build 22000.51! As we finalize the product over the coming months, we will work with you to validate the experience. You will get to try many, but not all, of the new features we showed last week in this early preview. We will bring more features such as Chat with Microsoft Teams and Android apps in the Microsoft Store over the coming months as they are ready for you – we are just getting started on this journey together!

If you haven’t yet, be sure to read our blog post on how the Windows 11 hardware requirements may impact flighting on your PC and your options to get started.

We look forward to your feedback on what you love and could love more to help make Windows 11 work best for how you work, learn, and play.

**snip**

Known issues with Build 2200.51

When upgrading to Windows 11 from Windows 10 or when installing an update to Windows 11, some features may be deprecated or removed. See details here.

[Pas-de-Calais]

21. HOW does 1 accept only security updates?

I’m not a MS insider
But do Not have security updates only available to me
Or

I cannot find them

I’ve pushed the win11 update forward until
08/11/21
After
That I can pause it again
But
Security updates will still come?
Assistance required

[steve2470]

22. ok I admit to being overly narrow in my recommendation...

The main thing is to be very careful what you agree to, in Windows Update.

The security updates will say something about Windows Defender (the antimalware protection that Windows has). Those updates are OK.

You are talking about " the win11 update " ? There is no such thing right now. Sorry to be so blunt. You sound like you may be running Windows 10 and you're talking about a Windows 10 update.

Windows 11 will not be offered to the general public until October or November of 2021.

To keep this simple: Do not agree to anything saying Windows 11 when you go to Windows Update. Very simple.

Again, I think you are simply talking about an update to Windows 10, which should be ok. Don't worry about the security updates. Just do not download and install Windows 11 unless you really want it. It will be EASY to avoid.

Please don't worry about the security updates. Just do what you usually do with your computer and just don't download Windows 11 by accident from Windows Update.

[marble falls]

23. Why might I want to go to Windows 11? I have a hot rod lap top, but it is 6 or 7 years old ...

... somehow the weather bug just turned up on the tool bar. It's asked me to finish set up, and I keep refusing it. I see no easy way to dump it. It seems like Windows is really after me lately to dump Firefox and DuckDuckGo.

MS just doesn't like to give up, but if there is a reason to update it, I would certainly like to see what it is and what it would take. They finally get 10 squared away, and they bring in a new one.

[lagomorph777]

31. +1 They are becoming very aggressive again.

No thanks to any upheaval until there's no other option.

[marble falls]

32. The most agressive they've ever been. They're about as sneaky as McAfee at trying ...

... trick me into services (like the weather bug) I just do not want.

[Mr.Bill]

24. I understood maybe about 3% of the terminology in this thread.

[marble falls]

33. Twice as much as I did!

[TNNurse]

26. Thanks, I am tired of learning new computer crap

that does not make anything better.

[yonder]

40. Thats where I'm at too.

Too often average users are forced into an update situation where any advantages can only be appreciated by the developer.

[George II]

27. Have there been any major problems with Windows 11 in the Insider Program? I was in it for about...

....3 years. At first I loved it, but as time went by my computer took longer and longer to boot up (like almost 10 minutes!) and about 3 minutes to shut down. There was one update that totally screwed up my system. I put in a backup system drive and opted out of further updates.

Then in December I got a new computer. I was SHOCKED with the speed. It boots up in about 20 seconds and shuts down even quicker (I should say that I have a SSD system drive).

I'm tempted to go back to the Insider program, but a little nervous about it.

[steve2470]

29. with Windows 10 there's been the periodic problems, that get fixed with updates

We are testing beta versions of an operating system, so bugs and problems are to be expected. For whatever reason, WIP does not catch all the possible bugs, so some do make it into the final versions and then MS has to scramble and fix those. To save money, MS let most or all of its bug-removal staff go, and so the Windows Insider Program (aside from MS' internal efforts) is the last line of defense before the bugs make it to the general public. Penny wise, pound foolish, to me. It just gives them a black eye publicity-wise every time a major bug crops up that could have been caught with a competent staff.

As far as Windows 11 is concerned, it's very early days. I, personally, have had no problems. Some others probably have, depending on their exact hardware. I am sure there will be many bugs that have to be corrected in the next 3 or 4 months before it gets released to the general public.

I'm willing to cope with the bugs and have had no major problems, really. That's my situation. Everyone else, including yourself, is different, and others may not be willing or able to cope with it. Maybe try it for a while, and quit if it's too frustrating ?

[lagomorph777]

30. I hope to stay on 10 as long as possible. They claimed it would be the last major release, ever.

So much for that.

It takes several years to get a Windows release stable on any machine, in my experience. I don't relish the thought of starting all over yet again.

[marble falls]

34. The firstime I heard the "last software you'll ever need was for Windows 95, then Window 98 ...

... then Windows Millennium Edition, then ...

I never had any trouble with any of them and other than the "talking paper clip" until 10.0 with the fucking pages of thing they wanted you to buy and making buttons to actually work the program obscured by the marketing of MS aps etc.

Hated it. With a vengeance. I started deleting all the little stores and after a while it started getting easier and quicker.

I'm plenty happy with it now.

[ItsjustMe]

39. Dell computers tested for upgrade to Windows 11

This article lists all Dell computers that will be tested for upgrade to Windows 11, and provides helpful links to learn more about the new version of Windows.

https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000187485/placeholder-for-new-windows-tested-systems?lwp=rt

[highplainsdem]

49. Thanks!

[MrModerate]

41. I'm curious why the poster feels that...

Windows 11 is so potentially obnoxious to people that he needed multiple warnings that update was not compulsory.

Outside of a corporate setting (where you have to test new OS versions to the nines), I'm not sure why the choice would be so angsty.

[steve2470]

42. you want to know why ?

Good question.

To me and other people like me (Windows OS geeks and power users), upgrading to Windows 11 is no big deal. You can either do it or not. Very simple. No anxiety. You upgrade. Or not.

To the rest of DU ? The very first question out of the gate is, Do I have to have this bullshit ? Why is MS forcing this on me ? I've been here almost 17 years, and I know how 99% of DU is on this issue.

You see my answer. Very clearly. If someone misses my answer, they lack reading skills and/or good reading glasses and comprehension.

If I had treated this upgrade as no big deal, THAT... would have been the first question and comment. Now that DU and others know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they are not compelled to upgrade, everyone relaxes and either stays with Windows 10 or upgrades.

I know how most of DU feels on this issue. If an "upgrade" to Windows 11 was mandatory, there would have been howls of protest and the entire thread would have been consumed with THAT issue.

I think I've explained my reasoning very thoroughly. It obviously worked.

[MrModerate]

43. I'm not able to work up much of an emotional response to an OS upgrade.

Maybe it's me.

[Tommymac]

47. I've had 2 Windows OS upgrades brick pc's. That get's one emotional.

And I am a Windows Certified Professional.

And that is only my personal boxes.

Don't get me wrong - I am a MS geek through and through - Bill Gates and Windows 'features' have paid my bills since the mid 1990's.

I love M$. Seriously.

The OP is absolutely right, and not just here on DU - 90% of the internet public will complain endlessly about anything MS upgrade related...

...and then go out and buy a brand new Windows PC for their 11 year old daughter. Who is the demographic MS designs the OS to ascetically appeal to.

[MrModerate]

48. I guess I've just been lucky. I've had about 20-odd computers over the last 30 years...

What with ones of my own and those provided by my employers (and even a few Macs), and I've never had an OS upgrade issue I can remember.

[KPN]

45. See Post 44.

[OhZone]

53. Because they forced WIN10 on people.

[rickyhall]

44. I have been using Windows since it was first marketed and have never successfully upgraded

without building or buying a new pc; 3.1 to 95 to 98 to 2000 to 8.0 to 10.0, all required new equipment.

[MrModerate]

46. Yeah, that's not my experience. I tend to upgrade hardware in the middle of an OS cycle. n/t

[steve2470]

50. Windows 11 will be officially available October 5, 2021

https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2021/08/31/windows-11-available-on-october-5/

Today, we are thrilled to announce Windows 11 will start to become available on October 5, 2021. On this day, the free upgrade to Windows 11 will begin rolling out to eligible Windows 10 PCs and PCs that come pre-loaded with Windows 11 will start to become available for purchase. A new Windows experience, Windows 11 is designed to bring you closer to what you love.

snip

For customers 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.

snip

*Note, certain features require specific hardware; see our Windows 11 specifications page for more information.

**The Windows 11 upgrade will start to be delivered to qualifying devices beginning on October 5, 2021 into 2022. Timing varies by device.

[BSdetect]

51. Finally found the Intel PTT enable option on my PC - same as TPM

Ran the Health Check and passed every metric EXCEPT the cpu which is not supported!

WTF

An Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-7700K CPU @ 4.20GHz 4.20 GHz

Its about 4 years old.

Microsoft offers to shop for a new PC.

How about they fix this crap.

[Aussie105]

52. 4 years old is too old.

7th gen Intel and earlier, Ryzen generations before ones starting with a '3', don't have the internal structures to work with Microsoft's new approach to security. So no Windows 11 for you. And a lot of others.

It's not a 'new' approach really, MS has been pushing Intel and AMD to get it right for a few years now.
Hence the successive generations of chips from both.
Intel is now up to 11.
Chip design has moved along since you bought your 7th generation i7.

Not crap, not going to be fixed - stay on 10, or buy new hardware. Your choice.