Windows 11 & What My Clients Need To Know
What Is Going On?
So Windows 11 is out and already prompting you to upgrade! However, this is only happening to people who’s technology is 4 to 5 years old or newer. Why? Because Microsoft is increasing the security of the Microsoft Windows 11 operating system and many computer systems do not have the technology needs to meet the new operating systems minimum requirements.
I Need A What?
A good number of my clients will have a computer, whether desktop or laptop, that meets the minimum requirements for CPU, memory and storage. The issue that has hung up many older systems in the requirement for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), version 2.0.
Older computers can be upgraded to Windows 11, without the minimum requirements, but involves more work and knowledge to execute. The other issue is that Microsoft will not support computers that had Windows 11 installed that way, so there will be no assistance from them if you run into trouble. (Honestly, there really isn’t any difference as they really don’t support their customers now in a meaningful way, with chatbots, hard to understand support and no way to speak with support locally.) Not only that, Windows most likely will not support operating system updates for this method.
Intel and AMD Processor Limitations
New information has come out showing that the list for processors is somewhat small, with Intel CPU’s supports starts at the 8th generation and above, which really limits the technology from mid-2017 going forward. I currently have a 7th generation CPU that I was able to install Windows 11 on but the issue is Microsoft says the unsupported CPU’s will have a very high crash rate. There may also be some built in obsolescence from manufacturers who will not produce updates for software or drivers on unsupported hardware – causing even more trouble for the community.
The same issue goes for AMD processors as well, with the supported processors starting at 2018 going forward. Even if a processor meets the minimum requirements for secure boot, TPM 2.0, number of cores, memory, etc, Microsoft will still put certain CPUs in the unsupported category.
What Are My Options?
There are several things you can do if your computer doesn’t pass the hardware test for running Windows 11. The first one is to do nothing. Windows 10 support ends October 1st of 2025, so chances are if you are running a computer today, even brand new, you won’t be using it for anything meaningful at the end of 2025.
The second option, depending on the computer, is to install a TPM. This only applies to custom computer builds that have an interface for a TPM, but one isn’t currently installed. This is a sub $30 fix and then off you go!
The third option, and least desirable for normal users, is to install it anyway and take your chances. This is fine if you are a computer guy like myself as I can demo a computer without it affecting my day-to-day activities, but if you want to upgrade your main computer, that doesn’t meet the requirements, and it crashes, you may be dealing with a repair bill with your IT guy or gal.
What Is Your Recommendation, Michael?
For my clients, this is what I would do – wait. Wait until the issues are ironed out, because there still are some plaguing the operating system. You have until 2025, so it’s not a rush to get anything done yet. However, if you just have to have it, install it on a secondary computer to test with, if you can. There are a lot of cosmetic differences between the operating systems that you have to take into consideration.
Everyone who is waiting can also check back on my blog for any updates or comments on how the test installation is progressing. You can also call, email, text or message me anytime to check or just to chat!
