Windows 11 OS Release Info

[corsair91]

Can Your PC Run Windows 11? Not On Ones Four Years Old or Older, Says Microsoft

https://uk.pcmag.com/migrated-3765-windows-10/134145/can-your-pc-run-windows-11-not-on-ones-four-years-old-or-older-says-microsoft

By Michael Kan
25 Jun 2021

AMD and Intel processors from before late 2017 are absent from the list. But Microsoft's CPU requirements for Windows 11 may not be as strict as they seem.

The company has released a list of which CPUs will officially support Windows 11 — and it reveals AMD and Intel processors launched before late-2017 supposedly won’t support the OS.

The requirement is already angering consumers. But before you join in, there's some evidence the CPU requirement may be easy to bypass.

For Intel Core products, Microsoft says Windows 11 should only run on processors starting with the Coffee Lake family (for example, the i3-8300), which arrived in Oct. 2017.

As for AMD, the Windows 11 support starts with the Ryzen 2000 series, which launched in 2018. The first generation Ryzen CPUs from the year before are conspicuously left out.

The CPU requirements were underscored on Friday when Microsoft released a new version of its PC Health Check app. The software has been updated to tell you why a laptop or desktop can’t run Windows 11 if the hardware fails the compatibility test.


See article link for full info




Windows 11 May Spark Scalping for TPM2.0 Chips, a Requirement To Run the OS

https://uk.pcmag.com/migrated-3765-windows-10/134132/windows-11-may-spark-scalping-for-tpm20-chips-a-requirement-to-run-the-os

By Michael Kan
25 Jun 2021


The price for TPM 2.0 modules soared for two eBay listings after Microsoft disclosed the security chip is necessary to run Windows 11, which begins rolling out this holiday season.

The price for this TPM2.0 module shot up from $24.90 to $99.00 in a matter of hours.

..

Not helping the matter is the current chip shortage, which is constraining supplies for PC components.

But before you panic, know this: Your PC may already have a TPM 2.0 chip built in. The technology was first introduced in Oct. 2014. So a laptop or desktop from the last five to seven should have a TPM 2.0 function. However, the security chip isn’t always turned on by default.
To enable it, you’ll need to go into your PC’s BIOS settings, and look for the feature. On AMD motherboards, it’s called “fTPM.” Intel, on the other hand, can sometimes dub it as “IPTT.”

..

If you do need to buy a TPM 2.0 module for your PC, we’d recommend you first do some research on your specific product model before buying the chip from a third-party seller on eBay.

It’s possible your PC’s motherboard may not even possess the connector necessary to slot in a TPM module.

see article link for full info

[fleetp]

I ran the health check. It said my desktop won't run Windows 11.

[corsair91]

The Windows 11 health check utility can't tell the difference between no TPM
or TPM disabled in the Bios (usual default).
Secure boot should be enabled in the Bios if present.

Microsoft have already updated the health check utility,
it should update itself when next run.

There is currently a very restricted list of processors
that can pass the health check. This may be subject to change
or not.
Microsoft is getting considerable User push-back on
some of the ridiculous hardware requirements for an OS upgrade.
(Windows 10 may turn out to be another OS like windows 7 or XP
that people hang onto much longer than Microsoft would like)


The windows Adminstration Tool - System Information -
System Summary
may give slightly more info
but still can't tell if TPM is disabled, only that it not currently present


Intel call TPM - PTT, or Platform Trust Technology,

“PSP fTPM” on AMD devices (Firmware TPM)
Bios - Advanced > AMD fTPM configuration > enable a Firmware TPM.



Part of the problem is an early version of Windows 11 was leaked
and Microsoft haven't as yet completely firmed up the final OS requirements.
They are still apparently testing older CPUs.



TPM 2.0 required say 2014ish vintage or more recent hardware

(TPM functionality can actually be done in software
but Microsoft aren't interested in that, and specify TPM 2.0 hardware.

TPM was only really used previously with Windows 10 Pro Bitlocker
drive encrpytion key on Laptops or notebooks with encrypted drives.
Something that is probably singularly useless for Desktops and this
feature is probably not available anyway for the Windows 10 or 11
Home OS verson as Bitlocker is typically a Pro version OS feature.
TPM was typically disabled on Windows 10 pre-installed desktop Systems
anyway.)


Direct X12 say 2015ish vintage or more recent Graphics hardware


CPUs currently say 2017ish vintage or more recent CPU Chip
hardware (subject to change or not)


Windows 11 as originally announced by Microsoft is really more
a pre-installed modern hardware OEM OS
(i.e. current 2021 retail shipping hardware).

(OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer.
Branded Computers such as HP, Dell etc
typically with a pre-installed OS version)

(If it was an actual OS upgrade it should have more or less the same hardware requirements as Windows 10, which it doesn't
Claiming it is an upgrade is probably PR spin to make Microsoft look better).

A new version of DirectX and new file manager is enough to
change the OS version number from 10 to 11. Microsoft tend to include
these in a new release version and typically never in a feature pack
update to an existing OS.
Security updates can be included in cumulative updates.


some links


Microsoft won’t confirm exactly which CPUs work with Windows 11 — yet
https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/28/22554245/microsoft-windows-11-cpu-intel-7th-gen-amd-zen-1-pc

By Mitchell Clark
Jun 28, 2021




Microsoft keeps hinting at an October release for Windows 11
https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/28/22553666/microsoft-windows-11-october-20th-release-date-hint-rumor


October 20th may be the Windows 11 day

By Tom Warren
Jun 28, 2021




Why Windows 11 is forcing everyone to use TPM chips
https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/25/22550376/microsoft-windows-11-tpm-chips-requirement-security

By Tom Warren
Jun 25, 2021


..
Microsoft has required OEMs to ship devices with support for TPM chips since Windows 10, the company hasn’t forced users or its many device partners to turn these on for Windows to work

(if your system shipped with windows 10 pre-installed
then should have a TPM module probably disabled in the Bios)


A Windows 10 upgrade from an older OS need to check the Bios
for TPM, if not there, then looking at purchasing a New System
or Staying With Windows 10 for now and eventually
source a new system prior to late 2025.
Windows 11 required minimum 4GB Ram & probably more for apps
and 64 GB storage, DirectX-12 graphics, TPM 2.0,
no 32-bit OS version. 64-bit only




Windows 11 is free, but your CPU might not be officially supported
https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/25/22549725/microsoft-windows-11-cpu-support-tpm-hardware-requirements

Microsoft’s Windows 11 hardware changes are surprising some

By Tom Warren
Jun 25, 2021

[corsair91]

Windows 11 released October 5, 2021


Windows 11 is out now: here's what you need to know before you upgrade
https://www.pcgamer.com/windows-11-release-date-features-specs-pricing/

October 5, 2021


Windows 11 was made available for new machines starting October 5, 2021 and the Windows 11 ISO download went live at the same time, so anyone can either update their existing machine without waiting for a prompt or do a fresh install themselves


Links from article


https://www.pcgamer.com/windows-11-review/

https://www.pcgamer.com/how-to-install-windows-11/

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11

Windows 11 Disk Image
A blank DVD Dual Layer disc with at least 8GB (and DVD burner) required
(note the Dual layer and NOT the more common single sided blank Disk)

USB flash drive: Attach a blank USB flash drive with at least 8GB of space.


Windows 11 can only run on 64-bit CPUs
& TPM 2.0 compatible machine.

https://www.pcgamer.com/windows-11-demands-tpm-20-and-heres-what-that-means-for-you/

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications



WARNING: Installing Windows 11 media on a PC that does not meet the Windows 11 minimum system requirements is not recommended and may result in compatibility issues. If you proceed with installing Windows 11 on a PC that does not meet the requirements, that PC will no longer be supported and won't be entitled to receive updates. Damages to the PC due to lack of compatibility aren't covered under the manufacturer warranty.



Windows 11 has arrived, but here's why not everyone will get the upgrade yet

https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/windows-11-has-arrived-but-heres-why-not-everyone-will-get-the-upgrade-yet/

Oct. 24, 2021

Microsoft is rolling out its new operating system in phases. We'll explain what that means for you and your computer.



Windows 11 Release blog

https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2021/08/31/windows-11-available-on-october-5/



Microsoft PR spin - Windows 11 was built for gamers.

https://www.pcgamer.com/windows-11-made-for-gamers/

Microsoft says 'if you're a gamer, Windows 11 was made for you'

claims superior graphics, amazing speed, and an incredible selection of games.

AutoHDR
adds high dynamic range (HDR) enhancements to a standard dynamic range (SDR) game, so long as it was built using DirectX 11 or higher.
render more levels of brightness and more colours

DirectStorage

Xbox Games Pass integration
(subscription probably required)

assuming they ever get the Start Menu & File Manager to even work


Windows 10 will still be getting updates until 2025

[corsair91]

Some initial Windows 11 issues


Windows 11 hit by Start menu and File Explorer Bugs

Windows users report after opening the Start Menu
unable to type anything

Initial problem reports on this a few hours after
Windows 11 released October 5, 2021

Users complained they could not search using the start Menu

Microsoft workaround fix

Launch Run
(windows Key +R)

then click cancel to close it


The Start menu has moved to the center of the taskbar in Windows 11,
so expect muscle memory issues with this

It can be moved back to the left corner like as with Windows 10

Settings - Personalisation - Taskbar
Taskbar behaviours
select Left in dropdown menu beside beside Taskbar alignment

To hid the Taskbar when not in use
select automatically hide the taskbar

Move cursor to the bottom of screen for taskbar to pop back up



File Explorer's Memory leaks

Early Users of Windows 11 report File Explorer major 'memory leaks'

This is where a program allocates too much RAM to a task,
but then doesn't release any unused cache memory

The problem appears to continue until File Explorer has siezed 1GB of RAM . severely slowing PCs or making them unresponsive.

The only solutions seem to be to restart File Explorer from Task Manager or reset your computer.


You can use task Manager to check how much RAM File Explorer and other Tolls are using.

Press Windows key + X

select Task Manager
then Click the Memory tab
This opens a list of processes ranked by how much memory they're using.

If the RAM sharply increases when you use File Explorer
(Called 'Windows Explorer' in Task Manager), you may have a problem


Microsoft has acknowledged that preview versions of windows 11
suffered from memory leaks, but apparently the problem was not
fixed before the system launch a week later.


(Some corporates won't even rollout a New OS until after the
release of the first Service pack or Feature Update
which can take about a further year.
Corporates like all-in-one installs with as much content as possible
included because of the large numbers of PCs typically involved)

End users have to hurry to avail of the free update period.
Corporates don't.


Microsoft may rush out the first Feature update even it doesn't
actually fix anything, to rush past this corporate wait period
and keep the cashflow rolling in)


Memory leaks is a sign of sloppy development coding and
completely inadequate testing,
product not fit for purpose as should have been immediately
rejected by QA department.
(assuming there even is a Microsoft QA department)




----------------------------------------

A side issue, the EU has now legally mandated that all new Smartphones & Tablets on sale in the EU, now only use the USB-C connector.
(or whatever in the future, is the latest USB standard as defined by the USB trade body)

One single cable to charge them all.

Apple to be compliant now have to ship all products in the EU
with a UBS-C connector or supply a lightning to USB-C connection convertor
with the device for a USB-C cable
(only some ipads are now USB-C but iphones probably use the Apple
lightning connector)

The EU had a protracted consultation period and most manufacturers are fine with the change as simplifies production to a single connector type.
Manufacturers were given the chance to all agree a common USB standard
connector and failed to do so, so the EU is now imposing one for the EU
as part of consumer protection laws and will upgrade this to future standards if required.

Apple because it licenses the Apple lightning connector and
gets royalty payments on the cables is not a happy bunny
at losing that cash.

The EU is a big enough market, to make the USB-C
the defacto global USB standard.
(The EU is also probably the largest China Export market for
Smartphones & Tablets)

There are cables available which have multiple device connection headers -
Apple lightning, Micro USB & USB-C are common.
(charge any one of those devices with the cable)

USB-C also offers a fast charge feature (USB-C cable & charger required)
and the connector fits regardless of which way around it is inserted

[corsair91]

One further issue with windows 11 file manager

missing the ribbon bar, now has a 3 dots menu


https://www.elevenforum.com/t/restore-classic-file-explorer-with-ribbon-in-windows-11.620/


File Explorer in Windows 10 has a ribbon, tabs, and a title bar with color. The ribbon includes common tasks, such as copying and moving, creating new folders, emailing and zipping items, and changing the view. The tabs change to show extra tasks that apply to the selected item.

In Windows 11, Microsoft made File Explorer modern with a clean look and brand-new command bar instead of the ribbon.

If you prefer, you can restore the classic File Explorer with ribbon in Windows 11.

see website article for registry change details to re-enable the ribbon bar



A google search on say
windows 11 file explorer ribbon bar
should give further links

for example

https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/restore-windows-10-explorer-windows-11

--------------------------------

Microsoft appear to have tampered with things
and made changes apparently for the sake of tampering
and of questionable improvement value

you may want to read some windows 11 OS product reviews when they become generally available

A Linux OS is beginning to look an even better option now
and should run emulated Windows SM pirates

[corsair91]

Comparison of windows 10 vs 11


Windows 10 vs 11 | Features & Changes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWOlJKnwFHM

TrigrZolt
4 Oct 2021


------------------------

AMD Ryzen 2000 Series CPU reports of 15% slowdown with Windows 11
especially when gaming

Microsoft apparently did a patch and AMD slowdown is now even worse
than before

Windows 11 apparently initially is an Intel CPU OS
as not optimized or tested at all for an AMD CPU.
(what works on an Intel CPU does have to be tested on an AMD CPU
and vice versa, as differing CPU internal architectures)

(which is bizzare as Windows is an AMD CPU register OS
Intel are AMD compatible in this regard
Although various CPU cross-licensing agreements do muddy this somewhat)

Limited info on testing so far

Lawyers ought to have fun with anti-trust issues on this

AMD is reportedly working on a fix which had to be restarted
after Microsoft's failure of a patch made things a lot worse
(Microsoft cumulative update patch and AMD driver update fix are reportedly now available)

There are unofficial workarounds to bypass the Win11
install TPM requirement, they do exist
but you need to know what you are doing
Basically use windows 10 installer dlls which don't care about TPM
This will never be supported by Microsoft which may not supply
full Windows updates to a system that doesn't meet the minimum
Windows 11 system requirements
(they did something similar to late Windows 7, back in the day
to help/force encourage people to upgrade the OS).

Windows 11 in general appears undertested - inadequately tested.
Too many issues if anyone had actually sat at the keyboard
couldn't help but trip over them with only a few seconds of usage.
Nothing new there. Been an ongoing Microsoft issue for forever.
Yet again people report issues which need fixing and are ignored
and ship bugged product anyway.

Microsoft have had about 5 years now to get a fully functional
optimized working OS (given how much windows 11 is based on 10)
and further away than ever from getting there.

Just press the pause button on any new features and spend
at least 3 years fixing what is already there, starting with the File Manager
or simply buy in something that works. A Linux version
running Windows ought to better than the current crapware.
Tripling the amount of OS testing would be good.


Windows 10 will still be getting updates until 2025

[corsair91]

windows 11 removes the Web Browser option from Default apps
in a new install
Default is set to Microsoft Edge Browser
and can't be changed in default apps anymore like with Windows 10.
(unless you want to go through all the browser file associations individually
and reset them)

upgrades from Windows 10 do retain the default Browser setting
even if not Edge,


In your Browser now need to set as default Browser
as no longer available in default apps to change.

[corsair91]

recommended that you check

Windows 11
settings -- privacy & security - General

may want to turn off sliders for


Let apps show me personalised ads by using my advertising ID

Let websites show me locally relevant content by accessing my language list

Let Windows improve Start and search results by tracking app launches

Show me suggested content in the settings app


as all enabled by default


Optionally Click the
privacy resources - Privacy dashboard link

log in using you Microsoft account to access more extensive
online privacy controls


---------------------------

Windows +I keys
launch Settings

[jlangsdo]

The hardware requirements may perhaps not be as ridiculous as they seem.

In my day job, I work for Intel. Sometimes I get to hear talks from the people who work on hardware security. The exploits that they describe are terrifying - horrible ways that viruses can get deep into the system and hide their tracks. Part of the motivation for moving to newer generations of CPUs is getting protection from known exploits.

It seems likely to me that Microsoft has done this because they can see some horrible malware coming for Windows 10 machines that simply cannot be stopped with the older hardware.

[Pirate]

Most people run into issues by looking at naughty stuff and deals to good to be true. Clinking unknown links killed many a pc and caused much suffering. I’ve gotten email from Hillary Clinton, Rich People on their deathbed wanting to leave me their fortunes. FBI threatening to arrest me if I don’t send a prepaid fine to them. Those are the easy ones but some can fool people other than the stupid.

[corsair91]

TPM modules previous was used typically to hold the encryption key for windows pro bitlocker encrypted drives on laptops

Most people will probably be using Windows Home
(bitlocker not included)

all windows 10 OEM systems with a pre-installed OS apparently included a TPM module as Microsoft insisted on it
but all the OEMs typically disabled it, so apparently not all that useful

Now suddenly every system has to have TPM
and this is supposed to be an upgrade OS
for older Systems
in a current global chip shortage caused by the pandemic

(If is that important a TPM USB chip version should be included with Windows as standard)

TPM modules not used as far as I know for banking currently

The EU has just rolled out Secure Authentication for
bank card internet purchases

Smartphone app (android or iOS) or a keypad device (for non-smartphone users) which generates a code and the user also creates their own personal access code when they initially register with the bank

When you make a purchase or pay a utility bill,
then on the redirect to the bank website
are prompted to confirm via the code generated from app or keypad
and also enter your personal access code
Internet banking is also typically available using the same Authentication,
banking card readers are also available

Windows OS isn't even even a listed option for any of this
for obvious reasons

Microsoft need to give further info on what the hardware improvements
can be actually used for, other than driving new computer system sales
and improving their cashflow.
Windows 11 is touted as a Win10 replacement which didn't use TPM
anyway


Car makers, Smartphone OEMs and Computer builders are all
trying to source chips from a very short supply currently
in a pandemic.
The Car and smartphone guys are typically better payers than the computer
people
Very much the wrong time ever, to require additional hardware components to upgrade.


Most security exploits currently are people not changing from shipping
default passwords or using easy to guess passwords

phisting emails with trojans is still a big problem
and infected web servers with drive by Browsing infections

Or Scam type emails from some nigerian prince etc
offering to share the contents of the nigerian treasury if you only would
send him some money (apparently unable to take it from the offered treasury)


Ransomeware scams from people claiming to have encrypted your
hard drive contents and pay up or lose it all
(they just email the scam email to everyone on whatever
hacked website contacts list they got hold off)


People are typically compulsive link clickers
or want to see the latest joke email or meme
which may include some nasty payload


Yes there are some advanced exploits out there,
but they were also there back in the windows 10 days also
(why wasn't these 'advanced security features' done for Windows 10
which also had unused TPM on OEM systems?

The biggest recent security flaws as far as I can recall
were the CPU cache security exploits - Meltdown and Spectre
which were due to defective CPU chip design.)

A decent internet security package (Firewall, AV, Ransomware protection etc)
seems a lot more important requirement.
Also keeping your Browser and OS (with actual tested updates) updated
Software encryption has been around for quite some time now


Windows 11 is a 2021 systems OS
The old system upgrade is a PR spin
If they were serious about an upgrade it would have the same
system requirements as Windows 10


Increasing the memory requirements by a factor of 4 simply means
they have abandoned any attempt to optimize
the OS. (something windows 10 has badly needed for years,
Windows 11 is just the latest tweaked Windows 10)


I recall what Microsoft did with the windows 8.1 free upgrade

Windows 8 would install on older Systems
The windows 8.1 upgrade, Microsoft decided to use a new
CPU instruction (which has to be supported by the motherboard chipset)
that was only available in much newer systems

So people went from Win 7 to 8 and found they
could not upgrade further to windows 8.1
(info on the CPU instruction change was in the win 8.1 readme file
but not included in the upgrade installer screen prompts)

Windows 8 suffered from Microsoft tablet focus.
Windows 8.1, was more traditional mouse & keyboard
and was a recommended upgrade that you would really want if on Win 8
(a 3rd-party replacement shell such as Classic shell, later open-shell
also recommended as gave back Win7 or XP Style start menu)


(lots probably went back to Win 7 rather
than buy a new system as intended
after initially going thermonuclear ballistic with rage
as an initial reaction.
This was seen as Microsoft helping out New OEM computer sales
).

of course people looked at it and if you changed to a previous OS
installer dll , it would install ok on older systems using the older CPU
instruction

When Microsoft did the windows 10 upgrade
Back to the original CPU instruction that would work
on older system (and newer systems) to drive the Windows 10 adoption
(but they apparently couldn't manage this for windows 8.1 earlier?)

Anyway windows 11 appears as another attempt at forced obsolescence
to force new system sales
Something that really does annoys people.
(Windows 10 claimed to be at launch, the last ever Windows OS version and all)

New hardware anyway means Users more like to do more stuff that could get them infected with malware, not sure new hardware features offset the
increased risk

The windows OS itself is currently the biggest piece of malware around.

Windows 10 performance can be abysmal so Windows 11
(based on 10) can easily be more of the same.
Early bug reports suggest normal bad service has continued.

[corsair91]

Windows 11 on an AMD Ryzen System - After the Fix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hIbG5cTWUs

Techtesters
24 Oct 2021

checking out Windows 11 on an AMD Ryzen Laptop. Should you upgrade?

HP Pavilion 15 (15-eh0947nd)
CPU - AMD Ryzen 5 4500U
Graphics - AMD Radeon (Integrated)
Memory - 8GB (2x4GB) DDR4-3200
SSD - 256 GB M.2 SSD
Display - 1080p IPS 60Hz (250 nits)

timecodes on youtube page

[corsair91]

WINDOWS 11 WILL LEAVE MILLIONS OF PCS BEHIND, AND MICROSOFT IS STRUGGLING TO EXPLAIN WHY

Microsoft’s big security push is complicated


https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/29/22555371/microsoft-windows-11-cpu-support-hardware-requirements-tpm-response

By Tom Warren

Jun 29, 2021

[corsair91]

I am DONE with Windows!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yz0vRKeQdtk

Liron Segev
30 Oct 2021

Since Windows 11 doesn't have a must-have feature, is now the time to look around and see what else is out there? Could now be the time to leave Windows for Linux?


Suggests this version of Linux

Zorin OS 16 : (Core edition)
https://Zorin.com




Zorin OS 16: Windows Alternative Linux Distro
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTMBFtl_xs4

ExplainingComputers
5 Sept 2021

Zorin OS 16 Linux distro review, covering both Zorin OS 16 Core and Zorin OS 16 Pro. Includes installation, layouts and themes, applications and their installation, running Windows programs, and even a little on gaming!