Here, we have answered some of the most common questions about Windows 11, be it related to TPM, CPU generation, launch date, or specific Windows 11 features. We have also included questions on Windows 10 end-of-life support and what are the ways to run Windows 11 on unsupported machines. I would suggest you go through all of the questions from top to bottom to remove all your doubts regarding Windows 11.
Microsoft is offering a free upgrade to Windows 10 users, but there are a few caveats. You can check out this free app that tells you if your PC is compatible with Windows 11 or not. The official PC Health Check app from Microsoft will also let you check if your PC can run Windows 11, but it has been taken down due to bugs for the time being.
Currently, Windows 11 is available only to people who are part of the Dev Channel of the Windows Insiders Program. You can enroll in the program and upgrade to Windows 11 in only a few easy steps. If you need help, follow our tutorial on how to upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10.
3. Does Upgrading to Windows 11 Erase Data?
No, if you upgrade to Windows 11, nothing will be erased. All your files, programs, and even the activation key will remain intact.
If you are on Windows 10 and meet the system requirements, you don’t need to pay anything as the upgrade to Windows 11 is completely free. Also, you do not need to buy a separate license key for Windows 11.
Yes, if you don’t like Windows 11 and want to roll back to Windows 10 with all your files and programs intact, then you can do so. However, you must perform this action within 10 days of moving to Windows 11. Post the 10-day period, you need to clean install Windows 10 manually. Also, make sure to back up all your files as a clean install will erase files from the C drive.
You can simply use the Windows keyboard shortcut “Windows +R” and run tpm.msc to find if TPM is available on your PC or not. For detailed steps, follow our guide on how to check and enable the TPM chip on Windows PC.
7. Why is TPM Mandatory for Windows 11?
TPM is a hardware security chip that stores all of your passwords, private credentials, encryption keys, and more. Due to the increased risk of attacks on PC’s motherboards, Microsoft wants to guard these critical and private keys against malicious hackers. To learn about this topic in detail, head over to our explainer on what is TPM and why it is essential for Windows 11.
Currently, Windows 11 is compatible only with 8th-Gen Intel and above processors and AMD Ryzen 2500 or later processors. You can find the complete list of Intel, AMD, and Snapdragon CPUs compatible with Windows 11 here.
The minimum system requirements for Windows 11 are a 64-bit processor, 1 Gigahertz (GHz) or faster CPU, 4GB of RAM, TPM chip, 720p display, and more. You can go through the complete list of official hardware requirements for running Windows 11.
If your PC does not meet the minimum hardware requirements to run Windows 11, you can continue using Windows 10 and will receive updates until 14 October 2025.
11. What Happens When Windows 10 Reaches End-of-Life?
As I have mentioned above, Windows 10 will reach end-of-life in 2025. After that, you will still be able to use your computer, but you will not get new features or quality updates.
If we go by earlier trends, it seems like Windows 11 will be supported for the next 10 years – until 2031. For the first 5-6 years, there will be features and quality updates, and for the last four years, you are likely to receive support and service updates.
It has not been announced yet, but generally, the window to free upgrade lasts for one year since the beginning of General Availability (GA). So if the Windows 11 GA starts in October this year, the offer will last till October 2022. Keep in mind, this offer window is at Microsoft’s discretion, and they generally extend the upgrade window, as has happened before.
14. Can We Install Windows 11 on Unsupported CPU & Without TPM?
Officially, you can’t install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware – without TPM or an incompatible CPU. However, there are several workarounds that you can try. You will need to make some changes to the Registry, and you will be good to go.
Microsoft has officially stated that they will not be releasing ISOs of early Windows 11 preview builds. We need to wait for the beta channel release, which might happen in July, to access the ISO image. Keep a close eye on this download page for the Windows 11 ISO image. Make sure you are signed in with your Microsoft account.
Sadly, Windows 7 users won’t get the free upgrade to Windows 11. However, you can move from Windows 7 to Windows 10 with the free Media Creation Tool. If you want to activate your Windows 10 PC after installation, you can get Windows 10 key for cheap using the linked guide.
Some of the major features removed from Windows 11 are Internet Explorer, Classic Start Menu, Live Tiles, Windows Timeline, and more. Most importantly, the next-gen desktop OS has removed the ability to resize the taskbar and move it to the top or sides. Now, that’s a disappointing change but worry not as we have you covered. Here’s an in-depth guide that you can use to customize the taskbar in Windows 11.
You can check out the complete list of features Microsoft removed in Windows 11 here.
Microsoft has not confirmed the date, but Android app support for Windows 11 will most likely arrive in the Windows Insiders Dev channel in the latter half of July. To learn more about how Microsoft intends to run Android apps on Windows 11, check out our in-depth explainer on Project Latte.
Yes!
Currently, Windows 11 is going through the testing phase, which will last for the next four months. According to some leaks, the Windows 11 stable update is supposed to go live on October 20, 2021.
According to Microsoft, the first batch of Windows 11 laptops and desktops will arrive in the market during the holiday season this year.
Yes, you can upgrade to Windows 11 Home Edition in S mode. However, you must meet the minimum hardware requirements that I have mentioned above.
23. How Many GB is Windows 11?
For Windows 11 Home Edition, it’s around 2.8GB. For Windows 11 Pro and other editions, the ISO size is around 4.6GB.
Windows 11 does not offer any user-facing option to change the placement of the new centered Taskbar in Windows 11. However, using some Registry tweaks you can move the Taskbar in Windows 11 easily. Just follow our guide on how to customize the Taskbar on Windows 11.
Yes, you can get the classic Start Menu back on Windows 11 by changing a few Registry values. I would suggest you follow our tutorial on how to switch back to Windows 10 Start Menu on Windows 11.
