Russ Harvey Consulting - Computer and Internet Services

Windows 11

Features, requirements, updates & recovery

What's New | Issues | Requirements | Downloads | Windows Updates | Recovery

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Windows 11 preview release desktop.
Indeed, Windows 11 makes it crystal clear: the computer exists to serve Microsoft's vision, not yours. That, more than any missing feature or bloated process, is why users cling to Windows 10 even as support ends. They're not merely resisting change; they're defending a shrinking space of autonomy in a world where every machine wants to manage them, instead of the other way around.
— Tom's Hardware
Microsoft very much sees the future of the consumer space as shifting Windows 11 to the cloud, and an installation of the OS being managed on a remote server, and streamed to any device, anywhere, rather than sitting on your local PC. And these fresh rumors are certainly a weighty hint that this could happen more quickly than we anticipated.

 

However, before going all-in with the cloud PC, and ruling out local installations completely, Microsoft might first visit some sort of compromise on Windows 11 users, involving a dual-boot system that can either be used locally or as a cloud PC.
— TechRadar July 2023

 

About Windows 11

Released on October 4, 2021 Windows 11 support for each update is provided for 24 months on consumer devices:

Windows 11 is a free upgrade, but most Windows 10 computers cannot meet the system requirements. Microsoft's recommendation to purchase a pre-loaded Windows 11 computer ensures the best experience.

Microsoft's Windows 11 Resources

Microsoft Windows 11 resources include these basic pages:

Media Information

The media has been prolific in its reporting on Windows 11.

Windows 11 Reviews

Windows 11 is designed to handle some significant changes to future technology that Windows 10 is not. Significant changes to the interface make the option to move to another operating system easier because you're facing a learning curve no matter which choice you make.

Microsoft has decided to abandon much of its own years of interface design knowledge in favor of chasing a new competitor. Chrome OS only has under 3% of desktop OS market share with Windows over 75%, according to StatCounter
— PCMag
I would argue that Microsoft does not want to cater to the older customer or business. The new business model is subscriptions, not the packaged product that so many of us cut our teeth on. That means all of us are faced with a decision related to Windows 11: do we want to participate in that cloud-based Microsoft ecosystem?
— Susan Bradley
These aren't the actions of an attentive company that cares about its product anymore. Microsoft isn't a good steward of the Windows operating system. They're prioritizing ads, bundleware, and service subscriptions over their users' productivity.
— Daniel Aleksandersen

Working with Windows 11

These are some of the helpful hints and documentation that will get you started.

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New Features

Many of the new features showing up in Windows 11 have faced significant backlash. Certain documented Windows 11 features may require additional hardware that is either not available on your computer or may not have been supported on hardware designed for Windows 10 or earlier. Windows 11 may have changed how it looks and improved some functions, but the transition from old school Control Panel and many archaic menus are still in process.

Although we haven't asked for an official survey, it's a safe enough statement that trust in Windows — and, by extension, Microsoft — is at its lowest point since the crash-prone, insecure Windows 98/Me. Despite a strong initial release, Windows 11's subsequent enshittification turned users away, many of whom see the OS as a direct downgrade from the now-unsupported Windows 10.

 

One of Windows 11's most-repeated criticisms is its RAM usage and performance unevenness. There are far too many and too active background processes that cause CPU usage spikes and lag in desktop usage and games, and are particularly bad for latency-sensitive work like audio production.

 

Perhaps the staggering success of the MacBook Neo and the rise of Linux gaming have forced the execs to reconsider. Here's to hoping these improvements actually materialize.
— Tom's Hardware

Windows 11 adoption has not been as widespread as Microsoft had hoped with many complaints from Windows 11 users.

Microsoft appears to be paying attention and has recently released promises that they are going to work on these issues.

It reads like a wishlist put together by a disillusioned Windows 11 user: we're getting fewer "unnecessary Copilot entry points" (less AI slop), and that reduction in AI includes features pushed out to apps like Photos and Notepad. Desktop widgets are also being made "quieter" and less distracting, with improved personalization controls.
— Tech Radar

There has been considerable coverage in the tech community and on social media. Let's hope that Microsoft is going to carry through.

Start Button in the Middle

We put Start at the center and made it easier to quickly find what you need. Start utilizes the power of the cloud and Microsoft 365 to show you your recent files no matter what platform or device you were viewing them on earlier, even if it was on an Android or iOS device.
— Microsoft
The centering makes sense in some cases. Specifically, for convertible or detachable laptops with a tablet mode, where it simply feels normal. But otherwise, the taskbar is a large downgrade.
— Tom's Hardware

The Start Button and Start Menu layout has become more flexible in response to user feedback. You can now move the Start Button to the left side of the task bar. Update 25H2 restored Start Menu flexibility including the ability to view items by category, grid or list:

Windows 11 Start Menu
The open Start menu.

The image above shows the pinned apps on top with the listing of unpinned apps shown in category view). I've pinned shortcuts to Documents, Downloads, Network, Personal Folder, and Settings next to the Shut Down icon at the bottom.

Restrictions still exist. Categories cannot yet be renamed or created, drag & drop currently only works from "All" to "Pinned", and touch navigation currently lacks support for swipe up gestures. The start menu is supplemented by the option to display system folders such as "Settings" or "Explorer" as fixed icons in the bottom bar, which enables quick access to frequently used functions.
— PCWorld

Third-party Fixes

Traditional desktop users may want to install Start11 (annual subscription) to replace the default Windows 11 Start menu.

Microsoft has blamed third-party apps for breaking the Start menu and doesn't plan to fix those issues. You may need to uninstall third-party apps prior to updating to avoid such issues. Microsoft's handling of third-party software when upgrading or reinstalling Windows is similar. Given the massive range of hardware and software supported by Windows, this is understandable.

Snap Improved

New in Windows 11, we're introducing Snap Layouts, Snap Groups and Desktops to provide an even more powerful way to multitask and stay on top of what you need to get done.

 

You can also create separate Desktops for each part of your life and customize them to your liking — imagine having a Desktop for work, gaming or school.
— Microsoft

Snap is the one area that I think Microsoft has significantly improved Windows productivity. Snap allows you to quickly compare content in multiple windows and is greatly improved in Windows 11. Multiple desktops now offer additional options including remembering custom layouts for each desktop.

Support for Mobile Devices

As Macs and Chromebooks begin to merge their interface with iOS and Android systems, Microsoft is attempting to integrate those mobile systems into Windows with varying degrees of success.

Widgets

Windows 11 brings you closer to the news and information you care about faster with Widgets — a new personalized feed powered by AI and best-in-class browser performance from Microsoft Edge.

 

When you open your personalized feed it slides across your screen like a sheet of glass so it doesn't disrupt what you're doing.
— Microsoft

If you aren't a fan of the News & Interests feature added to Windows 10 in 2021, you may be less enamored with those changes in Windows 11 (you can now hide the news feed entirely).

While more functional than they were in Vista, some widgets automatically run with Windows. There is more activity on the taskbar as it tries to draw you into Microsoft's news feeds and weather.

Widgets can be distracting and consume resources that might be better utilized with the software you want to run. If you find Widgets too distracting, click on Start ⇒ Settings ⇒ Personalization ⇒ Taskbar; then uncheck Widgets (as well as any other taskbar features you don't want).

Microsoft Teams Embedded

Windows 11 has embedded Microsoft Teams call and chat into the desktop. While free, it is unlikely to be used much outside of business. Most people use Zoom or Facebook for their virtual connections.

Gaming

If you're a gamer, Windows 11 is made for you. Windows 11 unlocks the full potential of your system's hardware, putting some of the latest gaming technology to work for you.
— Microsoft

Windows 11 aimed to become an excellent platform for gaming by embedding Xbox. Microsoft launches a screen at launch asking you to sign up for Game Pass using the Xbox app (which launches automatically with Windows).

Stop Xbox from Starting with Windows

Unless you're an Xbox gamer, Xbox and its leader boards is simply annoying and wastes system resources.

To stop it from loading with Windows, right-click the Xbox app icon in the taskbar then select Settings from the context menu. Under the General tab, uncheck the “automatically launch app at startup” box. Check the other settings while you're there.

Most of the uninstall options for Xbox are greyed out by Microsoft. Use CCleaner's uninstaller feature to remove Xbox and its related settings.

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Windows 11 Issues

There remains a significant number of users refusing to upgrade to Windows 11, largely because of significantly increased system requirements, but also because of changes that users find unacceptable. The biggest of these are the bloat, significant RAM usage, built-in advertising and, more recently, unwanted Copilot AI integration.

Users' frustration with Windows 11 isn't born of Luddism, miserliness, or nostalgia. It's that the "new" operating system — "new" as it has actually been out for four years already — represents the culmination of a long cultural drift inside Microsoft that treats the computer less as personal property and more as a rented interface to corporate infrastructure. Microsoft has largely ignored negative feedback since its release, and the frustrations have mounted high.

 

Users' complaints are everywhere: a taskbar that can't be repositioned, a Start menu that favors web results over local ones, nagging users to use Edge, first-party bloatware that reinstalls itself after every update, third-party bloatware that siphons your data, telemetry that cannot be fully disabled unless you're running an Enterprise edition, and even Office defaulting to OneDrive for every saved file.

 

Windows 11's most basic interface, the Start Menu, has been gloriously redesigned in React Native to be slower and heavier than ever before. Every single part of the operating system feels like a triumph of form over function.
— Tom's Hardware

Microsoft has moved from its traditional role as software developer to become a services company modelled after Google. The nature of Windows has changed from an independent desktop system (Windows 7 and earlier) continuing to one embedded in the cloud.

Microsoft Account Required

By default, Windows 11 won't install until you provide your Microsoft Account. While you can add a local account after the initial installation, your computer is still tied via your TPM and Bitlocker encryption keys to your Microsoft Account.

This requirement is not unique to Windows. Apple and Google require you to sign into your Apple or Google account to run their operating systems. However, neither charge for their operating systems (including upgrades). Some are fighting inside Micrsoft to drop the mandatory requirement.

Creating a Local Account

Microsoft tells you how to create a secondary Local Account (one in addition to your Microsoft Account) but that still leaves you vulnerable.

A local account limits or removes some of the capabilities of Windows 11 including “personalized” searches (a sneaky term for trackable), access to Microsoft cloud services like Microsoft 365, OneDrive, Xbox, or the ability to continue your current work on another device.

You will probably find that you don't need all these features and disabling them preserves some of your privacy. You might see a warning in the Windows Security panel that you're not signed into your Microsoft account. You can click “dismiss” to send it away but you may need to deselect the .

If you wish to run a local account without being signed into your Microsoft Account, you need to employ a work-around (each of which Microsoft continues to defeat).

Microsoft Account Work-around

If you wish to run a local account without being signed into your Microsoft Account, you need to get around that requirement during the setup of Windows 11.

There have been several ways to get around the requirement for a Microsoft Account when setting up a computer. Many work-arounds require third-party utilities or the use of the command line. Try one of these sources for hints on current work-arounds:

These hacks fail to work after a while. Microsoft doesn't want you to have a computer that isn't tied to a Microsoft account.

Privacy

Privacy is not about hiding something or secrecy. Privacy is power over your own information which is required for dignity and respect. Privacy is not a Microsoft priority.

Windows 11 continues big tech's trend of indiscriminate collection of personal information. Microsoft has embedded advertising along with tracking and surveillance, labelling this invasive marketing program as “personalization.” As services move to the cloud, your data has become the product.

Increasingly, Microsoft is treating Windows as a giant billboard where it can promote and cross-sell other products.

 

This really shouldn't be a surprise, of course. If you're a humongous global software company selling a mature product in a market that's no longer growing and where there's significant downward pressure on the price of the product, you need to start looking elsewhere for the revenue that will keep that business unit relevant.
— ZDNET

Check Privacy Settings

While your privacy settings should be retained after an update, verify those settings afterwards. Windows 11 is more actively moving you to cloud-based computing on Microsoft services. While it may be convenient to have your Edge bookmarks, photos, documents and other personal data synced between devices, that data can be collected and monetized

In our heavily connected, heavily surveilled world, anxiety about government and big tech overreach is at a fever pitch. And Microsoft has increasingly fallen on the wrong side of this argument.

 

Microsoft has already been criticized extensively for the amount of data Windows 10 feeds back to the company, and it looks as though Windows 11 will continue the trend.
— Windows Central

Changes to Icons and Task Management

Rather than improve productivity, the changes to icons for tasks like copy and edit take getting used to. Right-clicking got more complicated, requiring additional clicks for no apparent reason other than to make it different.

These aren't the actions of an attentive company that cares about its product anymore. Microsoft isn't a good steward of the Windows operating system. They're prioritizing ads, bundleware, and service subscriptions over their users' productivity.
— Daniel Aleksandersen
If you want to turn this off, go to Settings > Personalization > Start. Turn off the toggle for Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more.
— Microsoft

New “microsoft-edge://” Links

Microsoft now forces users to use Microsoft Edge for many tasks that you could otherwise employ your default (or any) browser:

Microsoft uses microsoft-edge:// links instead of https:// for specific features in Windows, like links to online news, weather, or Start Menu search results.
— PCMag

Mozilla Firefox is better mainstream browser from a privacy and safety point of view unless you choose a privacy-focused alternative like Brave. Edge has better privacy than Google Chrome but both are heavily focused on advertising.

AI Embedded

AI bloat is one of the biggest complaints about Windows 11. Microsoft has focused on the process of embedding Copilot AI with the eventual goal of moving everyone onto a Copilot PC, whether you want it or not.

Like other AI contenders, Microsoft has staked its future on AI which is being developed at a breakneck speed that is perhaps not sustainable. More has been promised than delivered and there have been many issues with accuracy (AI hallucinations) as well as with ethics and privacy.

AI has its uses, yet remains controversial to consumers. Windows 11 users are often force-fed AI features nobody asked for, arguably propping up all of the companies that are heavily invested in the tech. Should the AI bubble burst, it could take the economy with it. Thus, there is a very real incentive to shove AI into everything, including your Windows 11 OS and apps: Note the recent push for an agentic Windows OS. This explains why AI continues to be forcefully implemented in Windows and its apps, despite the loud outcry from users who don't want it — and when you couple that thought with the fact that even Microsoft's CEO wants the entire company to rethink how to implement the technology, it seems clear AI isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
— BGR

This has led to controversy because AI is not fully ready. Recent updates have resulted in broken apps leading to revelations that about 30% of Windows 11 is now coded by AI, rather than humans. Moving ahead with AI has overshadowed the need for stability and functionality in Windows 11. In response, critics have rebranded Microsoft as “MicroSlop.”

An AI Agentic System

Rob Braxman contends that Microsoft Windows is becoming essentially an AI agent rather than an operating system. Your data is no longer private as Microsoft uploads it into their OneDrive cloud system.

Microsoft's AI CEO, Mustafa Suleyman, has shared his opinion after recent pushback from users online that are becoming frustrated with Copilot and AI on Windows. In a post on X, Suleyman says he's mind blown by the fact that people are unimpressed with the ability to talk fluently with an AI computer.

 

Suleyman's post is also curiously timed with a recent damning report from The Verge that found Copilot's current capabilities don't match what Microsoft is advertising. The report found that in most cases, Copilot was unable to seamlessly or fluently achieve requests made by the user, the same requests that are shown in Copilot advertisements.
— Windows Central

More recently, there have been indications that Microsoft is responding to this concern by making it easier to avoid or remove AI components. Time will tell.

Recall

Microsoft views Recall as a way to use AI to improve searches for content on your computer. Recall captures everything you do in a format that AI can use to search quickly to locate previous work.

Recall utilizes Windows Copilot Runtime to help you find anything you've seen on your PC.

 

Search using any clues you remember or use the timeline to scroll through your past activity, including apps, documents, and websites.

 

Once you've found what you're looking for, you can quickly jump back to the content seen in the snapshot by selecting the relaunch button below the screenshot.
— Microsoft

The Privacy Risk

Recall is a considerable privacy risk. While the data is stored locally, that doesn't protect it from being accessed by other applications or malicious software. Microsoft's attempts to obscuscate sensitive information like credit card numbers, government IDs and similar have failed because the AI can't recognize them if they aren't clearly identified as such in the saved snapshots.

Because Recall (and Windows itself) is becoming an Agentic AI, Copilot can do many routine tasks for you such as reading and responding to emails, managing your calendar, and much more.

Essentially, AI can do almost anything you can do, which is necessary to be able to function as Microsoft intends. That requires the permissions to access all your files in order to perform these tasks.

Unfortunately, that also makes any errors or glitches potentially disasterous. Imagine if that results in files, emails and other confidential data being deleted or leaked. What if emails are misdirected or calendar events are misrecorded or files are named in a manner that doesn't make sense to you? Any and all of these possibilities could affect your life significantly; certainly your privacy.

Everything on OneDrive

Microsoft's is moving Windows and other Microsoft services into the Cloud to generate monthly services income rather than the traditional model of operating system and office purchases every ten years. Everything is tied to your Microsoft account, including searches, data, and more. Microsoft collects “anonymous” data about your activities which isn't so good for your personal privacy.

Your Desktop and Files Moved to OneDrive?

During Windows 11 setup, Microsoft encourages you to ensure that your stuff is backed up. Of course you want to ensure your stuff is backed up.

Don't enable OneDrive backup during Windows 11 setup because that choice changes settings so that Windows 11 saves your desktop and all your files on OneDrive without making the result of that choice clear. Once those settings are implemented, it is a pain to fix.

Microsoft 365 also stores your data on OneDrive by default. You can override this, but Microsoft seems to nag you to restore that default and has been known to change settings during a Windows Update without permission.

This is fine if you require the sharing of files between multiple devices. Many recent computers have insufficient storage on the device with the assumption that you'll store data on OneDrive because of the rising costs of storage and RAM.

But this can throw a wrench into the works, especially if you're logging into the same Microsoft Account on multiple computers and don't want to mirror the same files on all of them. By enabling OneDrive Backup, everything is stored on your OneDrive account, including your Desktop.

Microsoft's emphasis on backing up your data during setup could have misled you to enable OneDrive Backup by mistake. By enabling OneDrive Backup for your Desktop, Documents, Downloads, etc. your Desktop and data will no longer be stored locally. Instead, it is stored on the OneDrive cloud account. The OneDrive folders on your computer are virtual folders, reflecting what is stored on OneDrive.

If multiple computers are using the same Microsoft Account, all the files from all the computers will be combined and show up on all your computers. You could even lose data if you exceed your OneDrive storage limits. If you store large files or large numbers of files, the cost could become significant over time, much more than a one-time purchase of a larger hard drive.

Restoring Local Storage

To restore saving your files on your computer, you have to turn off OneDrive Backup then restore the files you want onto the desktop of each computer you want there. You may be able to delete the OneDrive Desktop folder, but only after you're sure you've restored everything onto all your computers.

Back Everything Up First

Start by backing up everything in the OneDrive folders labelled Desktop, Documents, Downloads, etc. onto an external drive. This ensures that you don't lose anything during the transition process. Create new comparable folders on the removable drive, then copy all the items from each of the OneDrive virtual folders into the newly-created comparable folders on that drive. Ensure that you're copying actual files, not creating shortcuts.

Stop OneDrive Backup

Before changing the default save location, you'll need to stop OneDrive from backing up your files. This doesn't restore the files into the local folders. Microsoft simply places a shortcut to the OneDrive folder, which doesn't actually restore local storage. Deceptive on Microsoft's part.

Because the process is rather involved, I suggest you follow the excellent explanation by Leo: Why is my Desktop in OneDrive? on YouTube. The companion article provides a clear and straight forward solution.

Security

Windows 11 is also secure by design, with new built-in security technologies that will add protection from the chip to the cloud, while enabling productivity and new experiences. Windows 11 provides a Zero Trust-ready operating system to protect data and access across devices.
— Microsoft
"Windows 11, like all Microsoft operating systems, will be the 'most secure' ever made, just like Windows 10 was and before that Windows 7," Thornton-Trump says. "But Windows 11 will be proven to be vulnerable just like Windows 10 and Windows 7," he concludes, "as Windows 11 shares a lot of the codebase (and even previous versions) with its parent OS's so it will get attacked and will most likely be exploited."
— Forbes 2021

TPM, Secure Boot and Bitlocker Encryption

Windows 11 can take advantage of recent hardware and software security improvements which requires encryption based upon TPM and Secure Boot being enabled as well as encrypting your whole drive with BitLocker.

BitLocker provides maximum protection when used with a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), which is a common hardware component installed on Windows devices. The TPM works with BitLocker to ensure that a device hasn't been tampered with while the system is offline.
— Microsoft

Privacy Issues

Sounds good, doesn't it? But here's the catch. Microsoft ties both Bitlocker and TPM security to your Microsoft Account. The Bitlocker recovery key is stored in the cloud where it is vulnerable to hacking. You can't format or access your hard drive without that recovery key.

Microsoft ties your Microsoft advertising ID, Bing searches, Recall, Microsoft 365, OneDrive and Copilot to your Microsoft account. Anyone that can hack your Microsoft account can gain access to these security features.

There is no longer an option to install Windows 11 without a Windows account. Sure, you can create a local account afterwards, but the computer itself is still tied to your Microsoft account because of the TPM. Microsoft is working to remove the various workarounds to avoid this requirement.

Rob Baxman covers more about the implications of these choices, including his personal experience with Windows overwriting a Linux partition without warning or permission (he's primarily a Linux user dual-booting Windows and Linux) but experienced the same issues with virtual machines (different operating systems running on top of Windows).

You Need Good Security Software

There are documented hacks to get around these security features so you still need a good security suite. Window's built-in security system is a nice fallback:

Not only is Microsoft Windows Defender Security Center baked into the operating system, it automatically takes over protection when it detects no other antivirus, and just as automatically steps aside when you install third-party protection.

 

The thing is, this built-in antivirus just doesn't compare with the best third-party solutions. Even the best free ones are way better than Windows Defender. Don't rely on it; you can do better.
— PCMag

The problem many users with older systems have is that the security software overloads their system. Windows Defender is lighter, and probably is sufficient if you don't using online banking and similar riskier activities.

Secure Boot Certificate Updated

Secure Boot will require an updated security certificate by June 2026.

Secure Boot helps ensure that your device starts using trusted software. The Microsoft Secure Boot certificates originally issued in 2011 begin expiring in June 2026. To maintain protection against new boot-level threats, Microsoft is updating devices with a new set of 2023 certificates. Most devices will receive these updates automatically, but some systems may require additional firmware updates.
— Microsoft

If the certificate doesn't update everything except boot-related security features requiring the updated certificates will work as before.

If your device reaches the expiration date without the new certificates, it will still start and operate normally. Standard Windows updates will continue to install. However, the device will no longer be able to receive new security protections for the early boot process. This includes updates to Windows Boot Manager, Secure Boot databases and revocation lists, and fixes for newly discovered vulnerabilities in the boot chain.

 

As new threats emerge, a device in this expired state becomes progressively less protected. Scenarios that rely on Secure Boot trust (such as BitLocker hardening, boot-level code integrity, or third-party bootloaders and Option ROMs) may also be affected if they require updated Secure Boot trust.
— Microsoft

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System Requirements

Windows 11 minimum system requirements are virtually the same as they were for Windows 10 except for these significant requirements:

  1. at least an 8th gen processor; and
  2. a TPM security chip which must be Secure Boot capable.

You may need to change the way your hard drive is formatted as well as ensuring that your computer is running Secure Boot on the UEFI boot environment.

Minimum Requirements Demanding

Many older PCs are unable to upgrade.

Since launching Windows 10…a lot of hardware innovation has happened in the PC space. For Windows to move forward and take better advantage of the latest innovations, we need to update the baseline system requirements for modern PCs.
— Microsoft Blog
If you're still wondering just why your relatively recent computer may get abandoned by Windows 11, it's likely because your CPU's performance would take a nose dive when all of the security features in the new operating system are enabled.
— PCWorld

It may be possible to enable Secure Boot and the TPM if the necessary hardware is present or installable. You usually need to access your boot environment to enable these features, possibly requiring an update to the firmware.

By requiring Secure Boot and a TPM 2.0 chip, Windows 11 totally neutralizes a whole class of malware attacks, attacks that gain total control over the computer by subverting the Windows boot process or getting into the system before bootup.
— PCMag, October 2021

However, the requirement for an 8th gen processor is harder to get around.

To be clear, Windows 11 runs well on older hardware. It is not like older Intel 6th Gen processors cannot handle the OS — far from it. This discussion is all about security.
— Windows Central, June 2021

Minimum System Requirements

The minimum system requirements have changed since the initial announcement:

*Plus storage to keep Windows 11 up to date.

Microsoft lists additional requirements for updates, as well as requirements to turn on specific features within the OS:

Certain features require specific hardware. System requirements to run some apps will exceed the Windows 11 minimum device specifications. Check device compatibility information specific to the apps you want to install. Available storage on your device will vary based on installed apps and updates. Performance will scale with higher end, more capable PCs. Additional requirements may apply over time and for updates.

About Windows 11 Built-in Encryption

More than anything, this will provide for upgraded built-in Bitlocker encryption denied to Windows 10 Home users.

Windows 11 raises the bar for security by requiring hardware that can enable protections like Windows Hello, Device Encryption, virtualization-based security (VBS), hypervisor-protected code integrity (HVCI) and Secure Boot. The combination of these features has been shown to reduce malware by 60% on tested devices.
— Microsoft

However, it is not going to be a panacea.

Secure Boot makes it harder for an attacker to modify the OS or tamper with specific system files. However, it certainly doesn't prevent all malware or ransomware from getting on your computer and working.

 

While it improves the security of a device, some attacks and malware still work fine on TPM protected systems.
— Forbes, July 2021

One example is a zero-day elevation of privilege vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Installer where even a fully-patched Windows 11 machine is vulnerable.

As well, the option to pull the encrypted hard drive from a dead Windows 11 system to recover the data is more difficult (sometimes impossible). While backups should resolve this issue, every tech knows that most folks don't backup regularly enough to recover everything in a fatal crash.

Very Recent CPU Needed

Although not clearly indicated by the specs, the processor must be very recent — 2018 or newer. Systems with older generation processors may fail Microsoft's Windows 11 compatibility test even though they appear to meet the minimum listed in the specs. Notice these processor's “generation” (Gen) in the official assessments:

Windows 11 will only officially support 8th Gen and newer Intel Core processors, alongside Apollo Lake and newer Pentium and Celeron processors.
— The Verge, June 2021

Check Microsoft's listings of supported processors:

Windows 11 is intended to work better on newer hardware, but not at the cost of retaining legacy support.

Trusted Platform Module

The biggest obstacle for most people with be the presence of a Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) running in a UEFI Secure Boot environment.

What is TPM?

The Trusted Platform Modules (TPM) is a chip that is either integrated into your PC's motherboard or added separately into the CPU. Its purpose is to protect encryption keys, user credentials, and other sensitive data behind a hardware barrier so that malware and attackers can't access or tamper with that data.
— The Verge, June 2021

TPM 2.0 is a requirement for encryption on sensitive computers like those used by the military. Few consumers have either that requirement or the inclination to run it.

A Practical Guide to TPM 2.0 on Your PC (PDF) by Will Arthur and David Challener is a technical read, but provides insight into what TPM 2.0 does and how it works.

You may need to activate the TPM in your computer, something that may stump many consumers.

TPM Requirements May Be Hard to Meet

TPM 2.0 may be the hardest requirement to meet.

While many modern laptops have a TPM 2.0 chip, desktop motherboards do not. Third-party TPMs are available, but they can be tricky to install.

Checking the TPM Status

To check if your PC has TPM and if it is active, enter TPM into Windows search box then click on Security Processor from within the search results. If present, ensure that it is TPM 2.0.

Enabling TPM

You may need to enable TPM 2.0 on your computer before you're able to upgrade to Windows 11 if your TPM is turned off. This requires messing with the computer's BIOS to enable it.

Our PC was only Windows 11-eligible after we went into our PC's BIOS settings, and activated the TPM firmware—a process that may be too technical for the average consumer.
— PCMag, June 2021

Intel CSME

Intel supports TPM within their Converged Security and Management Engine (CSME).

If your machine does not have a dedicated TPM chip, your CPU may have an equivalent built in. Specifically, Intel integrates Platform Trust Technology (Intel PTT) in its modern processors, while AMD uses something called PSP fTPM.
— NotebookCheck

Bypassing TPM 2.0 Requirements

If you have a TPM 1.2 chip you may be able to upgrade to TPM 2.0 by way of a firmware update from the computer vendor at no cost or you may be able to bypass the TMP 2.0 requirement if your computer has TPM 1.2. However, most documentation for upgrading TPM 1.2. was written when Windows 11 was first released and may not work with current versions.

[I]f your computer has TPM 1.2 (which is incredibly old) and at least a 1GHz processor, you can still get Windows 11; it is just “not advised.”
— Windows Central

This work-around could cause you to lose support at any time. It may also damage hardware that isn't up to the task.

This PC doesn't meet the minimum system requirements for running Windows 11 — these requirements help ensure a more reliable and higher quality experience. Installing Windows 11 on this PC is not recommended and may result in compatibility issues. If you proceed with installing Windows 11, your PC will no longer be supported and won't be entitled to receive updates. Damages to your PC due to lack of compatibility aren't covered under the manufacturer warranty.
— Microsoft

Purchasing a new computer with provide you with hardware more suitable to getting the most from Windows 11 and its newest features.

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Windows 11 Downloads

Ready to install Windows 11? Be sure that your computer will support it and prepare for recovery in case something goes wrong.

There are three options below for installing or creating Windows 11 media:

  1. Windows 11 Installation Assistant
  2. Create Windows 11 Installation Media
  3. Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)

All three options are included on Microsoft's Windows 11 download page. I strongly recommend reading the warnings and recommendations for each (the “before you begin” section) before choosing.

Windows 11 Installation Assistant

This is Microsoft's recommended option for upgrading your Windows 10 computer to Windows 11. The installation assistant only works on 64-bit Intel hardware (it doesn't work on ARM-based PCs).

Create Windows 11 Installation Media

This option allows you to perform a reinstall or a clean install of Windows 11 on a new or used PC.

Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)

This option is for users that want to create a bootable installation media (USB flash drive, DVD) or create a virtual machine (.ISO file) to install Windows 11. Your product key will unlock the correct edition.

Installation on Unqualified Hardware

While you can bypass the TPM 2.0 requirements, Microsoft advises against doing so when assessed for Windows 11:

This PC doesn't meet the minimum system requirements for running Windows 11 - these requirements help ensure a more reliable and higher quality experience. Installing Windows 11 on this PC is not recommended and may result in compatibility issues. If you proceed with installing Windows 11, your PC will no longer be supported and won't be entitled to receive updates. Damages to your PC due to lack of compatibility aren't covered under the manufacturer warranty.
— Microsoft

Problems Installing from Windows 10 Home Upgraded to Pro

Most consumer computers are preinstalled with Windows Home edition.

If you upgraded a Windows 10 Home machine to Pro, the upgrade may not recognize the Pro status of your new Windows 11 system during the upgrade (or perhaps after) including the requirement to be connected to your Windows Account before you can install Windows 11.

Even after upgrading to Pro, PCs that start with Windows Home can retain several critical Home limitations that royally foul up future from-scratch reinstalls and upgrades.
— Fred Langa

More Options

There are 3 options for installing or creating Windows 11 media on the Windows 11 download page:

  1. Windows 11 Installation Assistant
  2. Create Windows 11 Installation Media
  3. Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices

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Windows Updates

Don't fall for phone calls telling you they have your new Windows license —those are scams.

New versions of Windows 11 will be released once per year and will receive monthly quality updates that include security and non-security updates. Customers should always install the latest version before the current version reaches end of servicing to remain supported by Microsoft.
— Microsoft

Don't let your Windows 11 licence expire. You must keep it updated. Windows 11 requires a currently supported version installed on supported hardware. Expect frequent security updates, at least once per month and as often as three times.

Support expires:

Dates on this page will reflect only the Home and Pro editions which are listed on Microsoft's Lifecyle page.

Supported Lifetime of the Device

The Modern Lifestyle Policy requires that you continually maintain Windows 11 feature updates and meet other criteria to retain support.

New versions of Windows 11 will be released once per year. Customers should always install the latest version before the current version reaches end of servicing to remain supported by Microsoft.
— Microsoft

This is currently defined as 24 months of support for each of the annual updates for Home and Pro versions (36 months for enterprise and education versions). However, specific hardware which is no longer supported by the manufacturer may also mark the end of support for Windows 11 by Microsoft.

While Microsoft recommends installing the annual updates immediately, there are usually some issues to resolve given the vast array of hardware and software Microsoft must support. It is prudent to let more experienced users find and resolve these issues before upgrading, given that support lasts for 24 months.

Feature Updates

The latest installed “feature updates” determines what version of Windows 11 you're running:

Earlier versions are no longer supported. If your hardware will not support the upgrade, you need to consider the alternatives.

Determine the Version You're Running

Update 25H2

Windows 11 25H2 is a minor update, and it shares the same platform release as Windows 11 24H2, which means both versions will get the same cumulative updates, features and fixes every month.
— BleepingComputer

Update 25H2 is now is now available to all eligible Windows 11 devices for users who have turned on the setting “Get the latest updates as soon as they're available.” If you're still running Windows 10 or Windows 11 23H2, you'll need to upgrade to version 24H2 before the option to install version 25H2 becomes available through the Windows Update settings page.

What's New?

Windows 11, versions 24H2 and 25H2 share a common core operating system with an identical set of system files. Therefore, the new features in Windows 11, version 25H2 are included in the latest monthly quality update for Windows 11, version 24H2 but are in an inactive and dormant state. These new features will remain dormant until they are turned on through the "enablement package," a small, quick-to-install "master switch" that activates the Windows 11, version 25H2 features.

 

The enablement package is a great option for installing a scoped feature update like Windows 11, version 25H2 as it enables an update from version 24H2 to version 25H2 with a single restart, reducing update downtime. This enables devices to take advantage of new features now. For version 24H2 devices that receive updates directly from Windows Update or Windows Server Updates Services (WSUS), devices automatically get the enablement package by installing the feature update to Windows 11, version 25H2.
— Microsoft

Issues

While update 25H2 broke USB in the Windows Recovery Environment, a fix for the WRE USB issue was released with KB5070773 on October 20, 2025 — automatically installed with Windows Update.

Learn More

Update 24H2

What's New?

New core code, convenience features, and eye candy, along with exclusive Copilot+ PC bonuses make the latest version of Windows 11 worth a look.
— PCMag
The latest Windows 11 2024 update is all about enhancing connectivity with the introduction of Wi-Fi 7, boosting productivity with new quick settings, and improving accessibility with advanced assistive hearing devices support. Plus, it introduces energy-saving features that extend battery life and reduce energy consumption.

 

And for those eager to embrace the future, we've got a slew of features designed specifically for a new generation of Copilot+ PCs. These cutting-edge devices are built to harness the power of AI, offering unprecedented speed and intelligence. With Copilot+ PCs, you're not just keeping up with the times; you're setting the pace for what's possible in personal computing.

 

Built by listening to your feedback, this update also increases security to ensure a safer and more reliable experience.
— Microsoft

Issues

Most of the issues with 24H2 have been resolved, although there have been reports of issues with some of the monthly security updates, at least one of which was unable to be duplicated but apparently rare problem with certain SSD drives.

The September updates triggered issues for some folks who were still using SMBv1. Specifically, anyone using guest access was suddenly blocked for access.

 

The updates have slowly dribbled out to fix this with the final version for 24H2 coming out yesterday.

 

However not all issues have been fixed with this preview. There are still problems playing protected content in some BluRay/DVD/Digital TV applications:
Resolution: This issue is partially resolved. Problems affecting certain applications that use Enhanced Video Renderer with HDCP enforcement have been addressed in the September 2025 Windows preview update (KB5065789), and later updates. We recommend you install the latest update for your device as it contains important improvements and issue resolutions, including this one.

 

However, some applications using DRM for digital audio might continue to experience problems.

— Susan Bradley, September 30, 2025

Once installed, there are issues with the April 2025 Update KB5055523. In many cases it fails to update, sometimes going to 100% before failing. If successfully installed, it causes issues with Windows Hello authentication.

The Windows 11 April update KB5055523, while an essential shield against pressing security vulnerabilities, has unexpectedly triggered a serious installation crisis and disrupted Windows Hello's biometric sign-in — especially on privacy-oriented devices with advanced security features enabled.

 

Although temporary fixes provide some respite, this episode underscores the tightrope walked between maintaining robust system defenses and ensuring a flawless user experience. Windows users and administrators alike should remain cautious about forced updates, stay informed of official guidance, and prepare for interim measures until Microsoft delivers a comprehensive correction.

 

Meanwhile, this incident offers a revealing glimpse into the challenges of modern OS maintenance, where the pursuit of security sometimes comes with the unintended cost of usability.
— Windows Forum
[OS Security] After installing this update or a later Windows update, a new %systemdrive%\inetpub folder will be created on your device. This folder should not be deleted regardless of whether Internet Information Services (IIS) is enabled on the target device. This behavior is part of changes that increase protection and does not require any action from IT admins and end users.
— Microsoft Support

Learn More

Earlier Windows 11 updates are no longer supported.

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Windows 11 Recovery

Preparing for Disaster

There are bound to be some issues with any new version of Windows (or major update) no matter how carefully it was tested. You should always be prepared for a failure. Disasters are unpredictable by their very nature. Have a plan for how to recover if something goes wrong with Windows.

Write it Down

Write down your plan then print it out. You won't have access to any electronic documentation if your computer fails to boot unless you have another working computer with copies of those files on that device.

Recovering from Boot Failure

Your recovery plan should include knowing how to boot your computer into Recovery Mode as well as having the necessary recovery tools available.

Maintain a Current Backup

You should regularly backup your files using a system that ensures that critical files are always recoverable.

I recommend creating a separate backup of all your files, including the AppData folders where many programs including browser and email programs keep their data. If your backups fail, then you'll at least have copies of your data.

Critical Points of Failure

Windows updates and the move to a new operating system are both critical points where failures can occur. Backup your system prior to installing updates or upgrading.

Create a Recovery Drive

A recovery drive can speed up recovery times if Windows fails to boot.

Recreate it After Significant Changes

You will need to recreate your recovery drive after each significant change to your system. Keep it current.

Recovery Mode

If Windows 11 won't load, you'll need to be able to get into recovery mode.

Windows 10 saw the removal of the F8 recovery options as a universal default. Learn how your computer loads the recovery console before disaster happens then write it down.

Turn On System Restore Now

You can probably use System Restore to recover from a bad upgrade to Windows 11. You'll have to turn on System Restore and create a restore point before upgrading to Windows 11.

Resetting Windows 11

Resetting Windows 11 allows you to clear up problems with Windows or prepare it for a new owner by resetting it to factory settings. The menus are much like those in Windows 10, but you should take care in your selection to be sure that you understand the consequences.

Open Settings ⇒ System ⇒ Recovery then choose Reset this PC.

You're given the option to either keep your files (if you plan to continue using the PC) or remove everything — a clean install — if you want to pass the PC on to someone else or simply want a cleaned up experience.

Next, your options are either a cloud download or a local reinstall. Choose the cloud install if system files are corrupted on your PC.

You can also choose to clean the drive which will help make it harder for someone to recover the files. This can take hours to perform, so choose this option only if you're selling or passing on the computer.

At the end of this process, you will need to perform the initial setup for Windows (country, keyboard layout, etc.).

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Updated: March 27, 2026

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