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What happens when you install windows 11 on unsupported hardware?

If you are thinking of installing Windows 11 but are not sure if your hardware is supported this may not go to plan.
Windows 11 update

Does your device support Windows 11

If you are thinking of updating your device to the Windows 11 update but are unsure if your hardware can support Windows 11, here’s a simple want to check.

You will need to download the PC health check tool from Windows, simply click here and download this tool to get started.

You will then need to download this file and follow the simple installation instructions.

Once installed you can open the PC Health Check Tool on your device.

To check the compaitibility with Windows 11, click on the check now button within this tool, the tool will analyse you system and let you know if your hardware meets the requirements for Windows 11.

These are the requirements you must have in order to update to the Windows 11 update.

  • Processor: Must be 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor.
  • RAM: you will need, 4 GB or more.
  • Storage: 64 GB or larger storage on your device is required
  • System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
  • TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
  • Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x.
  • Display: >9” with HD Resolution (720p).
  • Internet Connection: Internet connectivity is necessary to perform updates and to download the Windows 11 update.

What happens when you install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware?

If you’re keen on installing Windows 11, but you intend to do it on unsupported hardware, you are likely to hit problems. Before proceeding with installation, here are some important issues to be aware to so you are better prepared.

What are the hardware requirements?

Windows 11 has some specific systems requirements. If it won’t run on your device, it’s likely that your machine doesn’t have two key security settings enabled; these are TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 and Secure Boot.

It may also be that you don’t have enough RAM, or you have a lack of drivers. You could even have software that doesn’t support new features on Windows 11.

Microsoft makes it clear that using Windows 11 on unsupported hardware is done so at your own risk.

What problems may occur with the Windows 11 update?

You may experience a number of issues, including:

  • Instability
  • Data loss
  • Poor performance
  • No updates
  • Reduced security 
  • Void warranties
  • Increased costs

Working with software that isn’t operating fully can cause frustration and a loss of productivity for users, so it isn’t just the impact on your device that’s important but how it reduces the efficiency and morale of your team and the impact this has on business.

How can I check if my hardware meets the requirements?

To check that your device is able to run Windows 11, you may be able to run the PC Health Check app. This will assess the ability of a device to run the software and identify the components in the system that don’t meet the system requirements. You then receive advice on changes that can be made to so that your device is Windows 11 compliant.

What to do if my device can't run Windows 11?

Windows 10 will continue to be supported and updated until October 2025 so if you are happy with your current operating system there may be no urgency for moving to Windows 11.

You may also want to check the difference in features offered between Windows 10 and 11. Again, this will help you decide whether a change is necessary or makes much difference to you.

If you are able to install Windows 11 on an unsupported device, it’s critical that you back up your data before going ahead to ensure you don’t lose anything if installation goes wrong.

We can support with trouble fixing this issue simply reach out to us at hello@syn-star.co.uk

Learn more about upgrading to Windows 11

If you want to know more about Windows 11, our team of software experts at Syn-Star can help you to understand your options and decide which best meets your needs.

Our range of IT services and affordable IT support ensures that you have IT in place that you can swear by, not at. For IT support and advice to help your business thrive and grow, contact us today.

 

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