Archives for October 2021

After 6 years of no major updates in Windows 10, Microsoft has announced a big update on its operating system. The largest computer software company will roll out Windows 11 on October 5, 2021 with some great changes in user interface. We found out that, even though there are changes in look, it is not really different from Windows 10.  

Check Compatibility 

To download Windows 11, the first step is to check the compatibility of your PC. There are some basic hardware requirements to install Windows 11. Technically, for your PC to run Windows 11, it will need a processor that has two or more cores and a clock speed of 1GHz or higher. It will also need to have RAM of 4GB or more, and at least 64GB storage. The PC will also need a TPM security version of TPM 1.2 or higher and SecureBootCapable support. 

If you don’t want to wait for the OS update, there’s good news for the members of the Windows Insider Program who can download the Windows 11 Insider Preview build today and test out some of its new features, such as widgets, snap layouts, virtual desktops and the new Microsoft Store. 

The Windows Insider program is divided into three channels:

The Dev Channel

 This channel is best for technical users and developers. It is where new features are introduced for initial testing. These builds will have rough edges and some instability that could block key activities or require workarounds.

The Beta Channel

Ideal for early adopters. Insiders and IT Professionals in the Beta Channel can check out upcoming Windows 10 features, while still getting relatively reliable updates that are validated by Microsoft.

The Release Preview Channel

 The Release Preview Channel is where Microsoft recommends companies preview and validate upcoming Windows 10 releases before broad deployment within the organization. It’s meant for final testing of an upcoming release and is best for those who want the most stable builds.

Here’s how you can download Windows 11 Previews

If you’re not a member of the Windows Insider Program, make sure you sign up now as it is  for free.You can now download a preview build of Windows 11. For most people, it’s best to wait for the general release starting in October. This first build also doesn’t include every new feature that will eventually arrive with the general release. 

If you still want to try it out? Here’s how. 

1. Make sure you’re an administrator on the device and running a licensed version of Windows 10. Register to join the Windows Insider Program if you haven’t already. Or sign into your Windows Insider account. Click Start flighting.
2. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program. Click Get Started. 
3. To get started select + under Pick an account, to connect the Microsoft account you registered with and continue.
4. Follow the instructions to choose the experience and channel you want to get Insider Preview builds through: the Dev channel (for developers), the beta channel (for early adopters) or the release preview channel (for those who want to get the latest version just before it’s generally released). Note that this build is coming to the Dev channel.
5. Review the Privacy Statement and terms, and click confirm. Click Restart Now. 
6. After restarting, make sure your data settings are correct so you can download preview builds. To do this, go to Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics & feedback, and make sure the Optional Diagnostic Data switch is flipped On. 
7. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Click the Check for updates button. You should see the latest Insider Preview build based on the settings you selected. 
8. From there, your device should update the same way it does with any other Windows update and you’ll be good to go.

Update to Windows 11 When Generally Available!

Once Windows 11 becomes generally available, you’ll download it the same way you would any new version of Windows. Most users will go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for Updates. If available, you’ll see the Feature update to Windows 11. Click Download and install.

Windows 11 is the successor of Windows 10 and is built on the same core architecture as Windows 10. 

For starters, there’s a new user experience, with refreshed colors and icons, major changes to the Start menu and taskbar, an extensive reworking of the Settings app, a Widgets pane designed to deliver chunks of news and reminders, and an improved way to snap windows into position.

Since the moment Windows 11 has been made as an official announcement, PC users are concerned about just one question, that is ‘Will my PC be able to run Windows 11?’ Well, let us tell you that if your PC meets the basic Windows 11 requirements, you’ll be good to go. 

Here are some Hardware and system requirements for Windows 11

Before we move on to requirements, make yourself aware that PCs can run Windows 11 within the Insider Program. But when the official release goes out on October 5, 2021, those machines will no longer be able to upgrade to newer Windows 11 versions.

• Processor: 64-bit architecture at 1 GHz or faster; Intel: eight-generation or newer; AMD Ryzen 3 or better; Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c or higher
• RAM: 4 GB or higher
• Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device
• System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
• Graphics card: Directx 12 or later capable; WDDM 2.0 driver or newer
• Display: High-def (720p) display, larger than 9” diagonal in size, 8 bits per color channel (or better)
• Internet connection/MSA: Windows 11 Home edition requires internet connectivity and a Microsoft Account (MSA) to complete device setup on first use. Switching out of Windows 11 Home in S mode likewise requires internet connectivity. For all Windows 11 editions, internet access is needed for updates, and to download and use certain features. An MSA is required for some features as well.

Check Windows 11 compatibility

To check the compatibility, Microsoft has its own tool named Microsoft PC Health Check. To download PC Health Check, you must be a registered Windows Insider and logged into the associated Microsoft account. Follow these steps to test whether your computer can run Windows 11. 

1. Download Microsoft’s PC Health Check- Open the file, agree to the terms of service and click Install. Make sure the box is checked that says Open PC Health Check, and click Finish. 
2. The app home page that pops up says, “PC health at a glance” At the top, a box reads, “Introducing Windows 11” Click Check now. 

You will be notified saying ‘This PC doesn’t currently meet Windows 11 system requirements’ if your PC is not compatible. On the contrary, if your machine is compatible, you can download the Windows 11 update for free once it is available. 

There are other options as well to check the compatibility. Check hardware requirements for Windows 11 on the WhyNotWin11 app. It is a Github app created by a developer who is not associated with Microsoft but may give you detailed information regarding all the Windows 11 requirements.

The other option is to go through the list of specifications for Windows 11 released by Microsoft.