You Probably WON'T Be Able to Use Windows 11 In a recent video by Gary Sims titled “You Probably WON'T Be Able to Use Windows 11,” the stark reality of Microsoft's new operating system requirements for Windows 11 is evaluated. The discussion centers around the arbitrary limitations imposed by Microsoft, leaving many users with older yet capable systems unable to upgrade to this latest OS.
Overview of Windows 11 Requirements
Windows 11 has been heralded for its new features, including the ability to run Android apps. However, the system requirements have raised eyebrows and led to frustration among many computer users. According to Sims, if your PC's processor dates back before 2018, you are likely out of luck.
Key Requirements
Processor: A 64-bit dual-core processor is the minimum requirement. However, Microsoft has defined a cutoff, stating that only those with processors from the eighth generation and onwards from Intel or AMD Ryzen 3000 series will be considered eligible. This arbitrary cutoff has left many users, including Sims himself with several functioning PCs, unable to install the new OS.
Memory: Users will need at least 4 GB of RAM, which is relatively standard.
Storage: The minimum storage requirement is set at 64 GB, which is achievable for most modern systems.
TPM and Secure Boot: Perhaps the most controversial hurdles are the requirements for TPM (Trusted Platform Module) and Secure Boot. Many users have faced challenges even if their machines included these features, as the software detection tools may not always accurately report their availability.
The Impact of These Restrictions
Sims emphasizes that these strict criteria for Windows 11 could lead to significant e-waste. Machines that still perform well may be rendered obsolete not due to their functionality, but due to Microsoft’s arbitrary cutoffs. The concern is that good machines, even those with powerful processors and ample storage that still receive support for available software, will not be considered worthy of the upgrade to Windows 11.
The Community's Response
As Microsoft pushes for newer hardware sales by restricting OS upgrades, questions arise about the ethics of such decisions. Many users may not upgrade their machines frequently and could find themselves stuck on older versions of Windows, facing security risks and compatibility issues by the time mainstream support ends for Windows 10 in October 2025.
Conclusion
Gary's video invites viewers to share their experiences with Microsoft's PC Health Check tool and to voice their opinions on the new requirements. This portrayal of Windows 11 serves as a wake-up call for many long-time Windows users: an operating system should adapt to the needs and capabilities of its users rather than exclude them. This discussion is particularly relevant for anyone engaged in or interested in Windows OS discussions on forums like our own. How are you adapting to these changes? Are you planning to upgrade your hardware, or are you considering sticking with Windows 10 for a while longer? Let's hear your thoughts!