Windows 11 is almost here, but will your laptop be able to run it? Here’s how to find out using the PC Health Check app, WhyNotWin11 and more.
Windows 11 is almost here, and the big question on a lot of PC-users’ minds since Microsoft unveiled its first major operating system upgrade in six years is: Will my computer be compatible? There’s been some confusion about device compatibility since Microsoft’s big announcement of the updated OS earlier this summer. But the short answer is that Windows 11 should work with most PCs, according to a company blog post.
Annoyingly, Microsoft’s own tool for determining device compatibility — the PC Health Check app — wasn’t up to par when Microsoft first announced Windows 11 earlier this year (there were reports it didn’t give people enough information about why their devices weren’t compatible), so the company temporarily removed the app. But Microsoft’s PC Health Check is now back online and in working order. The app will tell you if your computer meets the requirements to run Windows 11, and if it doesn’t, it will tell you why and provide links for more support.
But that’s not the only way to check if your device will work with Windows 11, which you’ll be able to download for free once it’s available. Read on for all of your options for checking Windows 11 device compatibility. With the Windows 11 release date just a couple days away (note, however, that it’ll be a staggered rollout), it’s a good idea to check your own computer. In the case that your device doesn’t meet eligibility requirements, you may need to replace your PC by 2025 as Microsoft phases out Windows 10 over the next several years.
Option 1: Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check app to see if your computer can run Windows 11
Microsoft’s own tool is now available even if you’re not in the Windows Insider program. Follow these steps to test whether your PC meets the system requirements for 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.
Here’s what you’ll see after running the updated Microsoft PC Health Check app, if your device is not compatible with Windows 11.
Microsoft
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.
If your machine is not compatible, you’ll get a message that says, “This PC doesn’t currently meet Windows 11 system requirements,” with more information below.
If your machine is compatible, you can download the Windows 11 update for free when it becomes available. The official Windows 11 release date is Oct. 5, but Microsoft is planning a staggered rollout, and many devices will not see the upgrade until 2022. If you’re part of the Windows Insider Program, you can download the Insider Preview build version now.
Option 2: Try the WhyNotWin11 app to check Windows 11 compatibility
An open-source app called WhyNotWin11 is a good alternative to the PC Health Check app. The Github app, created by a developer not affiliated with Microsoft, has a less friendly interface, but it should give you more information and go into more detail about various potential compatibility issues. Here’s more information from TechRadar on how to use it to determine your own device compatibility with Windows 11.
Option 3: Check Microsoft’s list of system specifications for Windows 11
To determine if your current PC will be able to run Windows 11, you can check out this list of system specifications on Microsoft’s website, or in the chart below. If your machine is compatible, you can download the Windows 11 update for free when it becomes available. If you’re part of the Windows Insider Program, you can download the Insider Preview build version now.
What are the system requirements to run Windows 11?
Here’s the full list of system requirements for Windows 11, including at least 4 gigabytes of RAM, 64GB of storage and a 720p display larger than 9 inches diagonally.
SOURCE: CNET.COM
