Windows 11 has been officially released, and many enthusiasts are eager to get their hands on it. The new OS has a redesign and can run native Android apps. Windows 10 users will receive the update free of charge.
There are so many new features coming out that one would expect the system requirements to increase. Is Windows 11 dead or alive in low-end laptops? We’ll be looking into that today.
What are the requirements for Windows 11?
This is the minimum system requirement to run Windows 11.
- Processor: 64bit dual-core processor/SoC, 1Ghz clock speed
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64 GB Free
- Security: TPM 1.2
- Graphics compatible with DirectX 12
- Minimum Display: 720p
- Internet connectivity
Windows 11 is compatible with systems that meet the above requirements. To take the test, you can click on this link. Microsoft AMD Processors Supported by Windows 11 Intel Processors
Is Windows 11 compatible with a low-end computer?
Microsoft did not make any changes to Windows 10’s system requirements when it was first announced. Windows 8.1 users could install and run Windows 10. Microsoft has made many changes, including the following.
Processor
Microsoft’s release note states that not one Intel 6th or 7th generation processor will be eligible for the Windows 11 upgrade. This is surprising considering most of these processors can run Windows 10. The AMD FX-series and A-series processors will not be able to run the latest OS.
RAM
Windows 10 requires 2GB RAM to run the 64-bit version. Windows 11 requires 4GB.
Storage
Windows 10 required 20GB of free space on your hard disk, but Windows 11 demands 64GB. Please make sure that you must have enough space on your system drive.
Graphics and display
Windows 11 requires a system with a 720P display and a DirectX 12-supported GPU. Windows 10 requires DirectX 9 only with a display size of 800 x 600.
Security
To install Windows 11, you will need a TPM1.2 chip. TPM2.0 is recommended.
It seems to be an easy operating system to use if you take a quick look. Although, if you look closer, you will see that there is no support for any processors released before 2017. To run Windows 11, you will need an 8th-generation Intel CPU or AMD Ryzen 3000. Very few low-end computers have these processors. Microsoft’s Surface laptop, released in 2017, is not officially certified to run Windows 11.
You should note that a PC with an “unsupported chipset” may still be capable of running Windows 11. Microsoft does not guarantee it.
Windows 11 features new
Windows 11 provide a variety of new features and improvements that make it stand out from Windows 10. Windows 11 has an entirely new user interface (UI), designed from the ground up to be simple and easy to use. Microsoft has simplified the UI as much as possible to create a fluid, clean space for both work and play.
Microsoft claims the new UI will allow you to stay productive and in your creative flow. The OS does its best not to interfere with the process. Microsoft offers new productivity features, including the “Snap Navigator” menu, which drops from an app’s maximize button. This enables you to snap an application to a predetermined grid layout without having to drag your window to its edge.
There is also a new chat app that you can integrate into the Taskbar. This allows you to share files, text, and video with your friends, family, colleagues, or through Microsoft Teams for consumers. Microsoft integrates Teams into Windows 11 in many other ways. For example, you can share an app window directly from the Taskbar into a Teams call, and you can also mute your microphone from the System Tray.
Microsoft has created a new Start menu experience and Taskbar experience. It is now centered by default. Live tiles are gone, and instead, there is a grid of app icons that can be rearranged. The Taskbar now has pinned and running apps centered. There are also subtle animations for clicking and moving things about. This has resulted in the System Tray and Action Center being redesigned. Notifications and Quick Actions are now separated into separate menus.
Quick Actions, also known as Quick Settings, are available when you click the System icons at the bottom of the Taskbar. You can use this area to connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices, activate nightlight, set focus mode, or configure other functions. You can view your calendar and get notifications by clicking on the date and hour.
The new experience includes a lock screen and a modern File Explorer interface. Microsoft also introduced a new panel called “Widgets.” It houses features like To Do, Calendar, and Photos, as well as news from MSN.
Its overall is more open than Windows 10 and its predecessors. Microsoft also spoke about Windows 11’s gaming-friendly features, including Direct Storage and Auto HDR.
Windows 11 offers new touch improvements.
Windows 10 has fallen behind in touch experience. It’s great that Microsoft is refocusing on Windows 11’s touch experience. Microsoft is adding many new gestures and features to Windows 11. These are designed to make Windows 11 feel fluid and fast on tablets.
Microsoft has increased the size and accessibility of hitboxes surrounding app windows to make it easier for users to adjust their sizes using touch. To make touch more natural and fluid, there are various subtle animations that can be used to manipulate windows.
Three to four-finger gestures can be used to swipe away apps or open Task View. Microsoft also introduced a new Touch Keyboard that supports SwiftKey-like theming and integrates with emoji panels supporting gifs. Pen users will be happy to know that the Pen Workspace now has a brand new UI. You can also pin any app to your Pen quick-launch bar.
It is possible to now set the actions of your Surface Pen by using a single, double, or tap-and-hold tap. It can open any app or function you choose, as it is built into Windows 11.
Windows 11 features a new Microsoft Store.
Microsoft will be launching an entirely new app store. This is one of the major announcements in Windows 11. The new Microsoft Store app has a fluid UI that matches Windows 11. But that’s not all. Microsoft is updating some policies that regulate what apps can be allowed to the storefront.
App developers now have the option to submit unpackaged Win32 applications in.exe and MSI forms. Without Microsoft taking a cut of revenue, developers can use their content delivery networks and commerce platforms. End-users can now list almost any app that runs on Windows.
Microsoft claims it is adding apps such as Teams, Office, and Visual Studio to Microsoft’s new Store to show that it is serious about the effort. Those other app developers, like Adobe and Mozilla, will follow suit. Microsoft also announced that Android apps, such as TikTok, would be supported by Windows 11 and the new Microsoft Store.
Windows 11 will receive one major update per year.
Microsoft announced that it would be releasing only one major feature update per year with Windows 11. Microsoft attempted to release two major updates for Windows 10, but it was often difficult to do so without significant bugs that caused problems for end-users.
One major update per year will bring Windows 11 in line with other competitors and allow Microsoft to develop new features for every release. This will make each version more meaningful. Windows 11 will be available in the fall. This means that we’ll likely get a new feature update at the end of each year.
Windows 11 update would be available as a free upgrade.
It will arrive later in the year and will be available as a free upgrade to Windows 10 users. Microsoft claims there is no time limit, so you don’t need to upgrade to Windows 11 immediately.
However, OEMs will still need to pay for a Windows 11 license. Although the license isn’t free by itself, you can upgrade to Windows 10 and keep your license active. This is what happened with Windows 7 and Windows 8 moving to Windows 10. Windows 11 will also be available as a standalone purchase for consumers, just like Windows 10.
FAQ
Is it worth upgrading to Windows 10 on a low-end PC?
If your computer is not high-end, it may be possible. You will need a pukka copy to get the job done. If safety is not a problem, you can keep using your current version. A new computer with bundled Win 10 (or, as some say, a light Linux distribution) is an alternative.
Linux route: If you have older hardware, you may need to disable ACPI to prevent the installation from locking up. Some distributions won’t allow you to use old video controllers. It is best to test a few distributions. You can burn them to DVD and not overwrite your hard drive.
Can we get Windows 11 for free?
It is not for everyone. Windows 10 users can only get it for free.
