YOUR pricey Windows 10 PC might not be able to upgrade to Microsoft’s new Windows 11.

The huge update starts rolling out for free later this year – but you might not be able to get it.

Windows 11 won’t run on every computer – especially if you’re using an older machine

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Windows 11 won’t run on every computer – especially if you’re using an older machineCredit: Microsoft

You’ll be able to bag the next-gen PC software from October 5 – but only if your computer is good enough.

According to Microsoft, the roll-out will be staggered.

That means the free upgrade will only be available to select devices initially.

But Microsoft said that all eligible devices will be able to upgrade by the middle of 2022.

It brings sweeping improvements, design changes and new features.

Importantly, it replaces Windows 10 – which will eventually lose support, including vital security updates.

Now Microsoft has warned that many PCs simply won’t be able to run Windows 11.

We’ve got the full spec details on what you’ll need below, as well as the easiest ways to check.

But one of the big concerns is that Windows 11 requires 8th-gen Intel Coffee Lake processors or newer.

Or if you have an AMD processor, your PC or laptop will need a Zen 2 CPU or better.

That will shut out millions of older PCs or laptops that simply won’t be able to run the new Windows 11 software.

Probably the easiest way to check if your computer can run Windows 11 is to download Microsoft’s own app.

It’ll check for you – grab it here:

If you already know what sort of hardware your computer has, you can check against the official list manually.

Microsoft says that at a minimum, you’ll need:

Processor: 1GHz or faster with two or more cores (64bit)

RAM: 4GB or more

Storage: 64GB or more

Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable

Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver

Display: HD (720p) bigger than 9 inches diagonally, 8bits per colour channel

You’ll also need an internet connection and a Microsoft account to set up a Windows 10 Home Edition for the first time.

Microsoft has also warned that any laptops built and sold from 2023 onwards will need to have a webcam to run Windows 11.

For some computers, you’ll be able to install Windows 11 regardless of whether it meets requirements, according to a recent update to the beta – spotted by The Verge.

But doing so makes you sign agree to special terms and conditions.

It means you have to agree that your PC will no longer be supported, won’t receive updates, and your computer warranty may be voided.

Windows 11 makes some major changes

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Windows 11 makes some major changesCredit: Microsoft
The new layout shows the Taskbar in the centre of the screen

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The new layout shows the Taskbar in the centre of the screenCredit: Microsoft

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In other news, check out our iPhone 13 review and iPhone 13 Pro review.

Take a look at the new Lamborghini Huracan Evo that can clean your house and cook you dinner.

Find out about the wildly impressive Panasonic 65HZ1000 TV, which makes most tellies look rubbish.

Read our complete guide to Call of Duty 2021.

And Dell’s Alienware R10 Ryzen Edition is a gaming PC powerhouse that crushes both the new consoles.


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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk

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