Microsoft has confirmed the new recommended minimum specs for the forthcoming Windows 11 operating system, giving PC users an idea of whether their current machine can support the update.
The free Windows 11 update – coming later this year and free for eligible Windows 10 machines – won’t ask too much of desktop or laptop machines running the current operating system.
Microsoft has published the minimum specs required for the update, which can be seen below. The long and short of it is a 64-bit processor with just 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.
It’s largely great news for those not quite ready to buy a new Windows PC in order to access the dramatically revamped operating system. However, 32-bit machines won’t be invited to the party. Here’s the lowdown from the horse’s mouth.
Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a Chip (SoC)
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device
System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0Graphics card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x
Display: Above 9″ with HD Resolution (720p)
Internet connection: Microsoft account and internet connectivity required for setup for Windows 11 Home
Microsoft also says the PC Health Check app will enable PC users to perform a check to ensure their machine can handle the update. That app can be downloaded here.
The Windows 11 operating system enjoyed a spectacular debut during the live stream on June 24. You can get a run down of the new Start menu, taskbar, widgets, snap tools, Android apps, app store and gaming features in our Windows 11 hub.
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The company hasn’t confirmed whether Windows 7 machines will be eligible for the free upgrade, or whether there’ll be a charge involved. There’s usually loopholes most users can exploit one way or another anyway.
Are you impressed by Microsoft’s offering? Will Windows 11 have you switching from Mac to PC? Let us know @trustedreviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
