Last week, we presented the most important new features in Windows 11 in this space. What has been improved by Microsoft (e.g., arranging multiple windows), what is new – and what is not yet so well done, such as new functions and new design of the task system. This week, we will show you how to get to know and try out Windows 11 yourself.
Windows 11 System Requirements: What You Need to Know:
Increased demands from Windows 11 require higher performance. We already presented the requirements to you on September 29th in the blog post Overview of the new Windows 11, but can now specify them somewhat. To get to know the new Windows 11, you need the following for your upgrade from Windows 10:
- Processor: Dual-core CPU (1GHz or more) with 64-bit support. A list of supported processors can be found here: Windows Processor Requirements
- RAM: 4GB RAM
- Storage: 64 GB or more
- Graphics card: DirectX 12 compatible or higher with WDDM 2.0 driver
- Firmware: UEFI firmware, Secure Boot with TPM (Trusted Platform Module) version 2.0
- Monitor: Display with at least 720p resolution, larger than 9 inches and 8 bits per color channel
- Internet connection: for updates
- Microsoft account: for software, apps and certain functions
In addition, you will need a version of Windows 10 – version 2004 or newer – already installed on your device. Version 2004 was released on May 27, 2020. Here you can find an overview of Windows 10 versions.
Important: Before you upgrade to Windows 11
You've probably heard this advice countless times, and it's nothing new. However, we at our blog will never tire of reminding you of this step. Back up your most important data and secure it. Save it in the cloud or on an external hard drive. You should also consider browser settings, saved internet passwords, PC game save states, app settings, the Start menu, etc. Once you have saved your most important system data securely, you can proceed with the upgrade.
Get to know Windows 11: These are your options for obtaining Windows 11
One way to get the Windows 11 update is to wait. The newer and more powerful your PC, the sooner Microsoft will offer you the update. However, since over a billion Windows 10 users worldwide are waiting for an update, this could still take some time. But in addition to waiting, there are two other good ways to get to know the new Windows 11:
1. Actively search in the Update Settings
On your Windows 10 PC, go to "Settings," "Windows Update," and then "Check for updates." If the update is available for your device and you want the update, download and install it.
2. An update via the Windows 11 Installation Assistant
You can download this, for example, from chip.de for free to your desktop. Simply double-click the executable file after downloading, and then follow the instructions of the installation assistant.
Buy Windows 11 new
Of course, you can also buy Windows 11 new and get to know it this way. One option: The ISO file of Windows 11. You download the ISO files of Windows 11 as a 64-bit version. The file itself is free, but you will then need a license. The ISO file for Windows 11 can also be obtained directly from chip.de and saved to your desktop. However, this method is not recommended for PC beginners.
Or you can go to a specialized retailer. Currently, Windows 11 is only distributed digitally. So you would have to buy a new PC with Windows 11 already pre-installed. This path to Windows 11 is certainly the most expensive, but also very fast. However, if you are planning to organize a new, more powerful PC anyway, keep Windows 11 in mind when buying it. Either your new PC already has the latest operating system – or it is at least upgrade-capable.
After the update: Pay attention to drivers
Have you successfully switched from Windows 10 to Windows 11? Then you should quickly check the currency of your drivers after the installation is complete.
Because regardless of whether it's the motherboard, graphics card, sound card, or external devices: your hardware needs up-to-date drivers. If these are not installed automatically during the update, you should call up Windows Update. This works just like in Windows 10: You go to the Start menu of Windows 11. Then click on "Settings", "Windows Update" and then select "Check for updates".
In the rare cases that you cannot find your drivers this way, we recommend searching for the driver on the manufacturer's website. You would then have to install them manually. Often, a Google search for the drivers can also help in this case. Of course, there is no guarantee that all manufacturers already have their drivers ready for Windows 11. However, since Windows 11 has been distributed for over 2 months, most manufacturers should have updated their drivers long ago and made them available for download. So, a routine check in most cases, and after that, nothing stands in the way of getting to know Windows 11.
