The one thing that we seem to be getting the most calls about here at the Tampa Bay Technology Center is windows 11 and when can we have a class on it. Well golly, try as we might and we have been trying we can get no one who is an expert on windows 11 to come in and talk. Well actually there is a club member who could do it but he won’t do it because he’s mad at me for turning a classroom at our previous location into a podcast studio. I understand but I don’t apologize for that. All of this being said I went on to that Internet thingy and pulled up the following information that I did not write about Windows 11 and from all of this information I am slowly but surely creating a PowerPoint presentation which I will put on video and put on our YouTube channel so you can watch it as many times as you like.
I truly don’t like presenting writings on the Wednesday newsletter that did not come out of my brain. Unfortunately my brain just doesn’t know hardly anything about windows 11 other than the fact that I’ve got one of the computers in my house that run on it and for my limited use of my home computer which is primarily writing and some audio editing it seems to do just about the same as Windows 10 did. As you may be aware, support for Windows 10 will soon be discontinued, if it has not already. Consequently, we will need to transition to using Windows 11. In this article they cover if your current computer is compatible with windows 11. Spoiler alert, it probably is not. But anyway enjoy the following and next Wednesday I hope to be back with all original material.
Windows 11 is Microsoft’s latest and most refined operating system, designed to elevate both productivity and user experience. Whether you’re just curious or considering upgrading, this blog post will walk you through everything you need to know—from new features to system requirements and how to check if your current computer is eligible for the upgrade.
What Is Windows 11?
Released on October 5, 2021, Windows 11 is a modern, sleek evolution of its predecessor, Windows 10. It comes with a refreshed design, streamlined interface, and new features that cater to both casual users and power users alike. Its goal? To make computing more intuitive, efficient, and secure.
Key Features of Windows 11:
- Centered Start Menu: Unlike previous versions, the Start Menu is now centered, offering a cleaner look and quicker access to your most-used apps.
- Snap Layouts: These help you organize open windows neatly and efficiently—perfect for multitasking.
- Virtual Desktops: Easily create and manage separate desktops for work, play, or anything in between.
- Widgets: Get quick access to weather, news, calendar events, and more—all personalized to your preferences.
- Microsoft Teams Integration: Chat and video call directly from your desktop.
- Gaming Enhancements: Features like DirectStorage and Auto HDR improve load times and graphics quality.
Minimum System Requirements
Before you get too excited, you need to know if your PC can handle Windows 11. Microsoft has set some specific requirements:
- Processor: 1GHz or faster with at least 2 cores on a 64-bit processor
- RAM: 4GB or more
- Storage: Minimum 64GB
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
- Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible
- Display: 720p or higher
- Secure Boot capable
These security and performance enhancements mean some older devices won’t qualify without hardware upgrades.
How to Check Compatibility
Microsoft provides a tool called the PC Health Check Tool to help you determine if your current system is eligible for the upgrade.
- Go to the official Windows 11 website.
- Click “Check for Compatibility.”
- Download and install the PC Health Check Tool.
- Run the tool and click “Check Now.”
The tool will give you a clear yes or no—and offer suggestions if your device is not ready.
Understanding TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot
You might come across terms like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in the compatibility report. TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module, a hardware-based security feature required by Windows 11. You can check if your PC has TPM 2.0 by pressing Windows + R, typing tpm.msc, and pressing Enter.
Secure Boot ensures that your PC only boots with software trusted by the manufacturer. Both TPM and Secure Boot settings can usually be enabled in your system’s BIOS or UEFI settings. Access this by pressing keys like F2, DEL, or ESC during startup (this varies by manufacturer).
Preparing for the Upgrade
Before you make the leap, back up your files. Whether using OneDrive, an external hard drive, or backup software, protecting your data should be your first priority.
How to Upgrade
There are several ways to upgrade to Windows 11, depending on your situation:
- Via Windows Update
If your PC is compatible, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” If Windows 11 is available, you’ll see the option to install it. - Windows 11 Installation Assistant
Download this tool from the Microsoft website to guide you through the upgrade with fewer manual steps. - Create Installation Media
More advanced users can download the Media Creation Tool to build a bootable USB or DVD for clean installations or upgrades across multiple PCs.
Clean Install vs. In-Place Upgrade
A clean install wipes your existing files and apps, giving you a fresh start. This is ideal if your PC is cluttered or if you’re upgrading from an older version like Windows 7. An in-place upgrade, on the other hand, keeps your existing files and most settings intact, making it the more convenient option for most users.
Post-Installation Tips
Once Windows 11 is up and running, spend some time customizing it:
- Personalize your Start Menu by pinning favorite apps.
- Use Snap Layouts to manage your open windows.
- Try out the new widgets and customize your news feed.
- Get comfortable with Teams for video and chat communication.
Also, be sure to update your drivers and reinstall any necessary applications to ensure everything works smoothly.
Windows 11 for Gamers
Gamers will appreciate the improvements Windows 11 brings. DirectStorage allows for faster load times by enabling games to load assets directly from the SSD. Auto HDR enhances the visuals on compatible displays, and Xbox Game Passis tightly integrated for seamless gaming experiences.
Boosting Performance
Want to make your Windows 11 machine even faster? Here are a few quick tips:
- Disable unnecessary startup apps
- Turn on Storage Sense to automatically clear junk files
- Keep drivers and apps updated regularly
Final Thoughts
Windows 11 is more than just a visual overhaul. It’s a meaningful step forward in performance, security, and ease of use. If your device is eligible and you’ve done your backups, upgrading is a smart move that positions you for the future of computing.
For more information, visit Microsoft’s official Windows 11 page. Whether you’re a student, professional, or gamer, Windows 11 offers something for everyone.