Windows 11 – What are the requirements? Is it worth upgrading?
Six years after the launch of Windows 10, Windows 11 was unexpectedly released in early October, without any major announcements. It is currently available as a free update for users of previous versions of Windows. However, not everyone will be able to test it, as Microsoft has set some rather stringent requirements.
What's new in Windows 11?
What's new in Windows 11? The first thing that catches the eye after launching Windows 11 is the change in appearance. Microsoft has opted for rounded window corners, similar to macOS, and some core system apps have also undergone a facelift. By default, the taskbar has been moved to the center, but you can change its position in the settings to resemble previous versions of Windows. System icons have pastel colors, and the appearance of right-click slide-outs has been changed. To return to the old look, you must now select "Show more."
Android App Support in Windows 11
The second major change is the addition of native support for Android apps. While Samsung previously offered similar functionality to its phone users, it is now an integral part of the system. Thanks to the Amazon App Store, every Windows user will soon be able to run their favorite mobile apps.
Microsoft has also recognized the growing popularity of fast NVMe drives and ported the Direct Storage technology, already known from the Xbox Series X console. This will ensure significantly faster data transfer, reducing level loading times in games. Simply put, this solution allows for direct transfer of information from the graphics card to storage, bypassing the processor. Of course, to take advantage of this technology, it must be implemented in existing games. Another feature that may be of interest to gamers (and graphic designers) is AutoHDR, which improves the quality of displayed colors and tones. HDR stands for High-Dynamic Range.
Microsoft Teams Integration in Windows 11
Another feature is Microsoft Teams integration. Previously part of the Microsoft 365 suite, it will now become part of the system and serve as the primary messaging app for Windows users.
Windows 11 Requirements
The official Microsoft website provides basic information on the requirements computers must meet to install Windows 11. In addition to the basic requirements of memory and processor speed, the system also requires TPM version 2.0 and UEFI with Secure Boot support.
What is a TPM module and why is it required? It's used to create and store cryptographic keys for services like Bitlocker, Windows Hello, and private keys. Microsoft states that they chose this solution to increase the security of their operating system.
To check whether a Windows 10 computer has the aforementioned module, simply open System Settings, go to the Updates and Security tab, then Windows Security, and select Device Security. Among the several available options, you'll find the Security Processor Details option.
For those whose computer meets the requirements, there are several ways to install Windows 11. The first and most basic method is, of course, installing the system from a USB drive or DVD. Existing Windows 10 users can also perform a free, automatic update from the System Settings menu. For computers that meet the above requirements, you should see the information shown in the screenshot below.
Additionally, Microsoft has prepared a special tool for checking your computer's health, called "PC Health Check." It also lets you check whether your computer meets the minimum requirements. You can download it directly from this link.
Windows 11 - An Evolution Worth the Wait?
The final question remains: is it worth updating to the latest version? Beyond the purely cosmetic changes, new features for gamers, such as AutoHDR, Direct Storage, and DirectX 12 support, are undoubtedly the focus. Another interesting feature is the ability to run Android apps natively in Windows.
Most of these features will take time to arrive, as they weren't introduced with the system's launch. Currently, only beta testers have access to them, and the Amazon App Store app isn't yet available in the Microsoft Store. The new features are certainly not something that will convince users to upgrade to the new version of the system. This is definitely not a revolution, but an evolution, with the focus primarily on visual changes.
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