Naturally, an internet connection is needed to download the installer when it is first released, unless purchasing a computer that has Windows 11 pre-installed. Some security features that are fairly standard on newer computers, like UEFI and Secure Boot are on the list, as well as the Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM). Microsoft explains that Windows 11 requires a 64-bit processor, at least 4-gigabytes of memory and 64-gigabytes or more of storage space, a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card, and a display that is at least 9-inches diagonally with a resolution of 1280-pixels by 720-pixels or more. Windows 11 promises major changes, bringing mobile apps right to the desktop and offering more flexibility for use on a variety of devices and form factors, but some older PCs will not be compatible. Related: Windows 11 Developer Preview & Insider Program Explained

Windows 10X was teased as a variation that would better support tablets and folding screen devices, but it has since been canceled. However, this took six years, highlighting just how difficult it is to convince many Windows users to install major updates. By the middle of 2021, Windows 10 has reached an adoption rate of nearly 80-percent of PCs worldwide. After three years, only about half of PCs had upgraded to the latest operating system. Launched in 2015, Windows 10 was billed as the last operating system Microsoft would ever release, instead of providing ongoing updates and fixes to keep it perpetually current.

After frustrating experiences for some customers when switching from Windows XP to Windows 7, 8, and 9, the final big change was to be with Windows 10.

Windows 11 requirements check