Windows 11 is now available to download. Microsoft released Windows 11 beta build today, but this preview build is only for beta testers. Windows Insider is the beta testing program for Windows. To be able to download and use early versions, you must be a member. Build number 22000.51 is the first available version of Windows 11. This version is not recommended for your PC or laptop, as it may cause problems.
Microsoft revealed that Windows 11 preview builds include a new Start menu, icons, a new startup sound, and other visual changes. The new File Explorer replaces the ribbon and adds a command bar to simplify your tools. You will also notice a revamped notification center, rounded edges for windows, and volume flyouts. The Windows 11 widget, which brings together all your personal information and can be accessed via the taskbar, has been updated as well. This preview build of Windows 11 supports new themes, including wallpapers and light and dark modes.
While most of the features appear intact, this preview version does not support Android support or Microsoft Teams integration. Amazon Appstore support is a crucial stay of Windows, as it will likely bring more customers to the OS.
Teams integration is a result of the pandemic-induced shift to Windows. Microsoft Skype has officially retired as the preferred app for video calling and will be replaced with Teams in Windows. These features are still in development and will be available in later builds. However, they should be available in the stable release build in October.
Is Windows 11 compatible with my laptop or PC?
Yes and no. The new Windows from Microsoft is the most significant upgrade to Windows for many years. One of the changes involves an updated set of hardware requirements for the latest operating systems. Most PCs running Windows 10 will be able to run Windows 11. However, many PCs will not.
Windows requires that your device have the TPM2.0 (TPM stands for Trusted Platform Modul) security module enabled. This instantly excludes several processors from supporting Windows 10 right now. Microsoft lists 8th Gen processors or newer Intel Core processors and AMD Zen 2 processors or newer as supported processors for Windows 11.
Microsoft stated that Windows 11’s secure nature requires hardware to ensure that it can be used. The Intel 8th generation processors and AMD Zen 2 processors are compatible with that requirement. Microsoft suggested in a blog post that Windows may be supported by the Intel 7th and AMD Zen 1 processors. This has confused me.
Microsoft also announced that Windows preview builds will support the Intel 7th-generation and AMD Zen 1 processors as if the confusion wasn’t so severe. This is because Microsoft is waiving TPM 2.0 and the CPU family requirements for this version. Microsoft stated that it is doing this because it wants to see how Windows 11 performs across different CPU models and inform any future adjustments to our minimum system requirements.
The Windows 11 preview build will work on any PC or laptop with an AMD Zen 1 or 7th Gen Intel Core processor. Microsoft has determined that the stable version of Windows will not support these CPU families. Microsoft could change its position at the release date depending on how it receives feedback on the Windows 11 preview build. Microsoft offers a PC Health, which you can download to check if your Windows 10 PC supports Windows 11.
Windows 11 Minimum System Requirements
Windows 11 is built to provide a full range of experiences. It unlocks the full power of the computer our customers have come relying on. This includes security, reliability, and compatibility. To adapt software and hardware to meet people’s needs and expectations and harness the PC’s true power and value, we need a minimum system requirement. These principles were our guide to help us achieve this goal:
- Security. Windows 11 sets new standards in security. Windows 11 requires hardware that can enable protections such as Windows Hello, Device Encryption, and virtualization-based protection. These features can be combined to create a powerful combination. Reduce malware by 60% Tested devices. All supported Windows 11 CPUs include an embedded TPM, secure boot support, and VBS support.
- Reliability. Windows 11-upgraded devices will remain in a supported, reliable state. Choose CPUs that support the new OS. Windows Driver modeler OEM and silicon partners are supporting us in achieving a 99.8% crash-free experience.
- Compatibility. Windows 11 is compatible with all the apps that you use. It features the basic requirements of >1GHz, 2-core processors, and 64GB storage. This is in line with our minimum system requirements for Office or Microsoft Teams.
We are confident that devices using the Intel 8th generation processors, AMD Zen 2 and Qualcomm 7 Series, will comply with our security, reliability, and Windows 11 minimum system requirements. We will be testing devices that run on Intel 7th and AMD Zen 1 as we release them to Windows Insiders. In partnership with OEMs, we also test these devices.
PC Health Check App
The PC Health Check app was created to check whether a Windows 10 PC can be upgraded to Windows 11. We have received feedback that the app was not ready to provide the information or accuracy you expected. The app will be temporarily removed to allow our teams to address your feedback. It will be back online shortly in preparation for general availability later this fall. To learn more, visit our minimum system requirements webpage.
