Support for Upgrading Your PCs for Windows 11 Release
Microsoft will soon release Windows 11, and the update is not so much about its features but more about its security. The stringent requirements have left many wondering whether the new platform is for them and what they can do to prepare. However, instead of complaining, this is the best time to work on making your PCs ready for the move.
Undoubtedly, Microsoft could have done a better job explaining what users need to do to get Windows 11 on their PCs. Luckily, our team of experts at Lan Infotech has been researching Windows 11 and testing the pre-lease versions of the software when they become available. Armed with this knowledge, we are prepared to offer Windows 11 installation and other support services to businesses in South Florida. Keep reading to gain insights into what you should expect with the upcoming OS.
Minimum System Requirements on Windows 11
Windows 11 comes as a complete set of new experiences with the potential to unlock the full power of the PC to users. Microsoft says that the need for the minimum system requirements is to enable it to keep pace with users’ expectations and needs. The aim is also to harness the true power and value of the PC for the best user experience, now and in the future. As such, the new requirements are guided by these crucial principles:
- Reliability: all devices that will upgrade to Windows 11 will receive support and remain in a reliable state for a long time. Microsoft says that it will be possible to achieve a 99.8% crash-free experience by choosing CPUs with the new Windows Driver Model.
- Security: The primary reason behind the release of Windows 11 is to raise the security standards. The new platform only works with hardware enabling protections like Device Encryption, Windows Hello, hypervisor-protected code integrity (HVCI), virtualization-based security, and Secure Boot. These features have been found to work together to reduce malware by an impressive 60% on tested devices. To become achievable, all Windows 11 supported computers must have an embedded TPM, support VBS, support secure boot, and have specific VBS capabilities.
- Compatibility: Windows 11 is compatible with most regular apps. It comes with fundamental features like 4 GB memory, >1GHz, 2-Core processors, and 64 GB storage. All these are features that align with the minimum system requirements for Microsoft Teams and office.
Based on these three principles, Microsoft is confident that devices that run on Intel 8th generation processors, Qualcomm 7 and 8 series, and AMD Zen 2 will meet the principles around reliability and security. They also are compatible with the minimum system requirements for Windows 11.
Upgrading to TPM 2.0
One of the security requirements for Windows 11 is the TPM feature. It refers to a Trusted Platform Module, a small chipset embedded with modern laptops. Without it, you will not be able to upgrade to Windows 11. The feature serves to make the operating system more secure by providing hardware-based, security-related functions. It carries out cryptographic operations and comprises multi-physical security mechanisms to reduce its vulnerability to tampering and malicious interference.
Using the TPM chip comes with several advantages:
- It ensures platform integrity by taking and recording security measurements
- By using the TPM’s unique RSA key, users can enable device authentication
- The chip limits the use of cryptographic keys
You will need to first check if your computer or motherboard is equipped with a TPM chip. Open the Windows search box and type tpm.msc. If a TPM chip exists on your device, the resulting display will show you. If it doesn’t exist, you may need to boot your system. In other cases, it is more complicated than this and calls for expert involvement.
You may also need to check if your hard drive is encrypted with BitLocker or a third-party encryption tool. If it is encrypted, it will be necessary to unencrypt it and re-encrypt it after upgrading the firmware.
Upgrading the Processor
Despite upgrading your TPM chip to the latest version, you will find that it is not the actual block to installing and using Windows 11. The processor is the biggest determining factor. Unless Microsoft backs down on the processor requirements, or you have an Intel generation 8 or equivalent, you won’t be able to run the OS.
While you can upgrade the processor to the ones stipulated by Microsoft, how easily you do it depends on the kind of computer you have. It’s more difficult if you have refurbished business desktop machines.
PC Health Check App
Given all these minimum system requirements, Microsoft provides a PC Health Check app to help you check if your machines will be compatible with Windows 11. Based on the feedback coming from users so far, it’s clear that the app doesn’t provide the level of accuracy expected on why some devices operating on Windows 10 don’t meet the upgrade requirements.
For this reason, Microsoft temporarily removed the app to allow its technical team to address the feedback. However, it will be back online in preparation for Windows 11 release. In its place, a new independent tool called WhyNotWin11 is available to help you figure out your machines’ compatibility with Windows 11. Alternatively, you can rely on expert help to do a complete device check for Windows 11 compatibility.
Are You Ready to Upgrade Your PCs for Windows 11?
Some users are wondering if it’s mandatory to switch to Windows 11. The truth is that the OS comes with a higher security level, which is the primary reason for its release. However, if you think that Windows 10 is good enough for your business, there is no rush to upgrade. After all, Windows 10 will still be fully supported for the next four years. However, this is bound to change if there won’t be enough people using the platform to warrant its support.
The bottom line is that it’s a good idea to evaluate your computers before Windows 11 release. Doing so will help you determine in advance which ones cut the new OS and those that can’t. With such preparedness, you can decide whether to switch to Windows 11 when the time comes.
The entire process is not straightforward if you lack the technical skills, but we are here to help. At LAN Infotech, we thrive in offering IT support to businesses in South Florida. Call us today to book an initial consultation with your trusted and reliable IT partner.
LAN Infotech is a Microsoft Cloud Services Provider, IT Managed Support company and a leader in helping law firms, nonprofits and medical organizations deploy cloud solutions, manage computer networks, keep data protected and top technology management company. Businesses like yours need technology support to run highly-effective organizations.
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