Windows 11 brings several new improvements and features to the existing capabilities of Windows 10. These include a new Start Menu, new themes, improved productivity using the snap assist tool, the ability to run Android updates, and much more. But what about other things? You might have several questions regarding the Windows 11 update. Here we answer 11 frequently asked questions about Windows 11.
1. Will Windows 11 Be a Free Upgrade for Windows 10?
Yes, Windows 11 will be available for free for existing Windows 10 users. You don’t need to pay anything if you have a genuine Windows 10 copy running on your computer. Do note that if you are buying a new PC that doesn’t run Windows 10, the fresh installation of Windows 11 will cost you money.
2. Can Windows 11 Run on My Existing Computer or Do I Need a New One?
Yes, Windows 11 will be able to run on your existing Windows 10 computer provided it meets certain system requirements to be eligible for the free upgrade. You need to buy a new computer if you have a PC that doesn’t support Windows 10 and want Windows 11 pretty badly.
3. What Are Windows 11 System Requirements?
With each Windows update, Microsoft upgrades the minimum system requirements for the operating system. For Windows 11, you need at least 4GB of RAM.
Here are the minimum system requirements that your computer would need for Windows 11.
Earlier, Microsoft released the PC Health Check tool to check whether your PC meets the system requirements. However, it has been taken down. You will need to manually verify whether your PC is compatible with Windows 11.
4. What Is TPM and Why Does It Need to Be Enabled to Upgrade to Windows 11?
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is one of the major hardware requirements of Windows 11. It’s a security chip that is either installed on your computer’s motherboard or added separately to the CPU. TPM helps in protecting sensitive data, such as encryption keys and user credentials, from malware and attackers by providing hardware-level safety and protection.
TPM mostly deals with security. Since Microsoft is trying to make Windows secure in every possible manner, it has made the TPM 2.0 chip mandatory for Windows 11.
5. Can I Continue to Use Windows 10 and Until When?
In case your computer doesn’t meet the system requirements for Windows 11, or you don’t want to upgrade for other reasons, you can continue using Windows 10. It’s not necessary to upgrade, as your system won’t stop working all of a sudden. However, do note that Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in 2025.
6. Will I Have to Buy Windows 11 If I’m Using Windows 8?
The answer to that question is both yes and no. While Microsoft hasn’t clearly mentioned yet what happens to Windows 7 and Windows 8 devices, a report suggests that Microsoft will offer a direct upgrade to Windows 11. However, that would require a clean installation – meaning you will lose your files if you don’t create a backup.
Alternatively, you will first need to update to Windows 10 from your Windows 7 or 8 device. If the above-mentioned system requirements are met, then you can update to Windows 11.
In case your Windows 8 computer doesn’t support Windows 10, then you cannot update to Windows 11. You will have to buy a new computer to run Windows 11. If you are worried about the price of a new computer, there would be different models at different price points depending on the configuration offered. You can choose one according to your budget. You may want to check our guide on whether you should continue using Windows 8/8.1 devices.
7. Will Windows 11 Address the Major Issues in Windows 10?
Windows 10 has had several issues over time. Like all updates, Windows 11 will also try to fix all the problems of Windows 10. The problems will be fixed either by adding new features or deprecating others.
8. What Happens to Touch Features in Windows 11?
The specific Tablet mode has been removed from Windows 11. However, that doesn’t mean Windows 11 won’t run on touch-enabled devices. Microsoft has integrated the touch features directly into the main interface. For instance, icons, spacing, and padding have increased in a bid to make touch functionality easier to use. You will also get new features for keyboard attach and detach positions.
9. When Will I Be Able to Get Windows 11?
If you are a developer, you can enroll right now in the Windows Insider preview program and get ahold of the beta version of Windows 11.
However, if you don’t want to jump the gun, you will have to wait until fall. That’s when Microsoft will start releasing the Windows 11 update for eligible Windows 10 devices. This will continue into 2022. If you are planning on buying a new PC running Windows 11, you can lay your hands on one of them during the upcoming holiday season.
10. How Can I Download Windows 11 Once It’s Available?
Similar to other Windows 10 updates, you can easily download Windows 11 from your computer’s settings once it’s available. Go to “Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update” and click on “Check for Updates.” You will see a feature update to Windows 11 or something similar. Click on it to download and install it.
11. What Happens to My Files When I Upgrade to Windows 11?
Your files and personal data will not be affected when you upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10. However, we would still suggest that you make a backup of your files before installing Windows 11.
We hope we were able to clear your doubts about Windows 11. Interestingly, you can use some of the Windows 11 features in Windows 10, too. For instance, if you like how the taskbar icons look in Windows 11, find out how to center Windows 10 taskbar icons. Similarly, know how to use Windows 11 snap layouts in Windows 10.
Mehvish is a tech lover from Kashmir. With a degree in computer engineering, she’s always been happy to help anyone who finds technology challenging. She’s been writing about technology for over six years, and her favorite topics include how-to guides, explainers, tips and tricks for Android, iOS/iPadOS, Windows, social media, and web apps.
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