NguyenDucQuang/Getty Images
As Windows 11 enters its fourth year, it is running on hundreds of millions of PCs worldwide. When it was first introduced in 2021, Windows 11 seemed like a minor upgrade to Windows 10, with a new look and feel but similar core code. However, the major change came with new hardware compatibility requirements that rendered many existing PCs ineligible for upgrades, marking a significant shift for Windows, which has historically prioritized backward compatibility.
Since its initial release, Windows 11 has seen several updates and improvements, including changes to the Start menu, taskbar, and Settings app, as well as the addition of features like the Widgets pane and improved window snapping. The new OS also includes enhanced security features, a revamped Microsoft Store, and the Windows Subsystem for Android (which will be discontinued in 2025).
Windows 11 requires relatively new hardware, with specific system requirements including a compatible processor, at least 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, a TPM 2.0, UEFI firmware, DirectX 12-compatible graphics card, and more. To check for compatibility, users can run the PC Health Check app.
Overall, most apps and devices that work with Windows 10 should also work with Windows 11, with the exception of those that require custom drivers or are not compatible with the new hardware requirements. Users have 10 days to roll back an upgrade to Windows 10 if they encounter compatibility issues.
Windows 11 also requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), UEFI firmware, and Secure Boot support. Microsoft has discontinued the sale of retail licenses for Windows 10, and support for Windows 10 will officially end in 2025. Corporate customers with Windows 11 Pro licenses can downgrade to Windows 10 if needed.
In conclusion, Windows 11 represents a significant evolution of Microsoft’s flagship operating system, with new features, improved security, and updated hardware requirements.