Just like the upgrade from Windows 7 and 8/8.1 to Windows 10 the upgrade to Windows 11 will be given to users as a free upgrade if you are running Windows 10. However this time the upgrade comes with major caveats in the form of very specific hardware requirements.
The first requirement is that your system MUST boot UEFI AND have Secure boot enabled. If both of these features are not available on your system’s motherboard then the system will NOT run Windows 11. If neither of these features are available on your system, you will need to replace the system.
The next requirement is that you must have TPM version 2.0. Now what is TPM? The Trusted Platform Module is essentially a chip that provides hardware level encryption. This is what enables hard drive encryption, BIOS and HDD passwords, and other security features to be used. However not all systems, especially those targeted at home users have a TPM chip. This means that once again if you want to upgrade to Windows 11, you will need to replace your system if it’s a prebuilt, or upgrade your hardware if it is a custom build.
Another requirement specifically targeted at Windows Home users is that you can no longer initially set up the system with a local account. Not only does the initial setup REQUIRE a Microsoft Account, but you will also need to have the system connected to the internet in order to even get the prompt to start the setup of a user.
Previously you were able to leave the system disconnected from the internet and setup a new local user without the need for a Microsoft Account, but that is now only reserved for Windows Pro users. If the added privacy and security of a local account is a major feature that you need, then you may want to consider purchasing a system with Windows 11 Pro on it.
These requirements will cause many users to purchase a new system. However, there is a silver lining to these requirements. Windows 11 may be releasing on new systems in 2021 but you can continue using the current Windows 10 until October 2025, when it reaches its official end of life/support deadline. So unless you specifically require Windows 11 for app development or want to take advantage of some of the advanced features (Auto HDR, DX12 Ultimate, etc); stick with your current Windows 10 system and run it into the ground, then upgrade to a much better system.
We at Frankenstein computers will be keeping you up to date on matters regarding Windows 11 and any issues that may come during the initial adoption and implementation. If you are wanting to upgrade to Windows 11 as soon as possible, let us know and we will look over your system to determine if you can, or if you will need a new system due to these requirements. Feel free to give us a call if you have questions regarding the upgrade.
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