Background
Microsoft Windows 11 has been out for a couple of weeks.
You may want to determine if your computer can run the new OS.
WhyNotWin11
WhyNotWin11 is an application that does a pretty job at looking at your computer’s hardware and identifying where it lags in being able to install Microsoft Windows 11.
Artifacts
WhyNotWin11 is available at:-
Releases
Releases are available at https://github.com/rcmaehl/WhyNotWin11/releases/ ( Link ).
Assets
Please access the Assets section to review the binaries.
Images
Textual
- 64-bit
- WhyNotWin11.exe
- 32-bit
- WhyNotWin11_x86.exe
Download
Based on your OS bitness, please download the corresponding artifacts.
That is, if your OS is 64 bit, please reach for WhyNotWin11.exe.
If your OS is 32 bit, please reach for WhyNotWin11_x86.exe.
Usage
Once downloaded, please run the downloaded file.
Tests
| Area | Target | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | 64-Bit CPU 64-Bit OS |
Hardware Bitness OS Bitness |
If the CPU is not 64-bit, then the hardware ( Motherboard ) needs to be upgraded. If OS is not 64-bit, the current 32-bit needs to be wiped out, and completely re-installed with a 64-bit installation media. |
| Boot Method | UEFI | A Method your motherboard uses to load Windows. | Legacy results can be fixed on newer motherboards in your BIOS/UEFI Settings |
| CPU Compatibility | A “compatible” 1 GHz or faster dual-core 64-bit processor from Intel, AMD, or Qualcomm. | On desktops, CPUs via motherboards replacements can sometimes be changed. On Laptops, it is likely impossible to change the CPUs |
|
| CPU Core Count | The number of CPUs and the number of Cores | On desktop, requires physical replacement. On laptops, it is not replaceable. |
|
| CPU Frequency | The CPU’s speed | On desktop, requires physical replacement. On laptops, it is not replaceable. |
|
| Disk Partition Type | GPT | Computer disks have to be partitioned prior to use. Partition options available in MS Windows include legacy options such as MBR and newer options such as GPT. | Non GPT Partition can be remediated by using tools such as Microsoft’s MBR2GPT Tool. |
| CPU Frequency | The CPU’s speed | On desktop, requires physical replacement. On laptops, it is not replaceable. |
|
| RAM Installed | 4 GB of RAM | The memory size | On desktops, memory can be added to a max level based set by the hardware & bios. On high-end laptops, memory can be added to a max based on the laptop’s motherboard. |
| Secure Boot | UEFI Secure Boot supported and enabled | The method your motherboard uses to load MS-Windows | On newer desktops and laptops, Secure Boot can be enabled |
| Storage available | 64 GB of Storage | Hardrive Size | On desktops and high-end laptops, hard drives can be replaced. |
| TPM Version | TPM v2.0 | A Security module used by MS-Windows | All modern AMDs CPUs contain TPM 2. Some modern Intels, contain TPM 2, as well |
Results
Computer Is Lagging
Computer Is Lagging – Computer 01
In our first case, our targeted computer is lagging.
Image
Computer Is Good and Ready
Computer Is Good and Ready – Computer 01
In our second case, our targeted computer is good and ready to run MS Windows 11.
Image – Your Windows 11 Compatibility Results are below
Image – Your Computer is ready for Windows 11
How To
Some of the settings listed above require you to access your BIOS.
Here are the pathways for accessing your BIOS and finding the settings.
Andrew Cunningham ( ArsTechnical )
How to upgrade to Windows 11, whether your PC is supported or not
How do I get into my PC’s BIOS?
Usually, you can enter your BIOS by pressing some key after turning on your PC but before Windows begins to boot. The key varies, but common ones include the Delete key, F2 (for Dell systems), F1 (for Lenovo systems), or F10 (for HP systems).
The consistent but more roundabout way of opening your BIOS is to go to the Windows Settings app, then Windows Update, then Recovery, and then Restart Now under “Advanced startup.” In the basic blue screen you see next, click Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options, then UEFI Firmware Settings.
How do I enable my TPM?
Enabling your processor’s built-in firmware TPM is easy, but finding the setting to do it sometimes isn’t. If you’re not sure what you’re doing, try searching for “[manufacturer of your computer or motherboard] enable TPM,” because many manufacturers have created help pages specifically because of Windows 11.
For Intel systems, if you can’t find a setting marked “TPM” somewhere in the chipset or security settings, look for “Platform Trust Technology” or “PTT” and enable that. AMD systems usually just refer to it as an “fTPM,” though you may also see it called the “Platform Security Processor,” or “PSP.”
Once you’ve enabled your TPM, reboot into Windows and use the Health Check app to make sure it’s working properly.
How do I enable Secure Boot?
Any computer made since Windows 8 was released in 2012 ought to support Secure Boot, which helps prevent unsigned and potentially malicious software from being loaded during your PC’s boot process. You should be able to turn it on in your PC’s BIOS if it isn’t already enabled, usually either in a “Security” or “Boot” section. As with enabling your TPM, if you can’t find the setting, check your PC’s or motherboard’s manual.
Summary
WhyNotWin11 does a very good job at determining your computer’s readiness to run Microsoft Windows 11.
Dedicating
Dedicating this post to:-
- Companies and Institutions
- That does a very good job at recycling their hardware and making sure that their computers are new and fairly new
- Software developers
- Robert C. Maehl
- Creator of WhyNotWin11
- Availing WhyNotWin11 as open-source
- Robert C. Maehl
- Technical Writers
- Andrew Cunningham
Referenced Work
- ArsTechnical
- Andrew Cunningham
- How to upgrade to Windows 11, whether your PC is supported or not
Link
- How to upgrade to Windows 11, whether your PC is supported or not
- Andrew Cunningham
Learning in the Open 