According to Microsoft, it is known that Windows 11 will be released later this year. Additionally, the company said that only eligible devices will receive their new operating system (OS) through Windows Update. If your desktop doesn't support Windows 11, the company says you can try out the new OS through the media creation tool, although it's not recommended.
Previously, Microsoft even provided the specs necessary for the computer to become an eligible device for upgrading to Windows 11. Your PC will be officially compatible with the new OS if it has an 8th generation (or higher) Intel processor or a Ryzen 2000 CPU (or above). In the list made available by the company, there are also compatible 7th generation Intel processors, such as the Core X-series, the Xeon W-series and the Core i7-7820HQ.
According to Microsoft, unfortunately no more chips will be added to the compatibility list, at least for now. In addition, according to the company, its Surface notebook series has models that will not be updated to Windows 11 and only newer models will support the installation of Windows 11.
Microsoft currently recommends using the PC Health Check Tool program to check if your PC is compatible with Windows 11 (check out our WhyNotWin11 article here, a better replacement for this check). However, in the Windows Insider Program channel, Microsoft has added a notification to Windows Update for Windows 10 to let you know about compatibility with the new OS.
As per the image above, it says in the Windows Update message that the user's computer is ready for Windows 11:
"Great news - your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. The specific timing for when it will be offered may vary as we prepare it for you. Note: Some Windows 10 features are not available in Windows 11. Certain apps and features may have extras."
In the message there is also a link to access information about Windows 11 requirements and removed functionality. This functionality of Windows Update in Windows 10 is useful, because this way the user will know more easily what are the requirements to update to the new OS.
"PC Health Check" program receives a new update
Microsoft recently released a new update to its Windows 11 compatibility check program, "PC Health Check". Now the application informs you if Secure Boot is disabled or if your desktop does not support TPM 2.0 (understand here what TPM is).
