Windows 11

Basic Information

• Model: Operating System (OS)
• Version: Windows 11 (current major release of Windows NT operating system)
• Release Date: October 5, 2021
• Minimum Requirements:
  • Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device
  • System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
  • TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
  • Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
  • Display: High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel
  • Internet Connection: Required for updates and some features; Windows 11 Home edition requires an internet connection and a Microsoft Account to complete device setup on first use
• Supported Operating Systems (for upgrade): Windows 10, version 2004 or later
• Latest Stable Version: Version 24H2 (released October 1, 2024)
• End of Support Date: Varies by version and edition:
  • Version 23H2 (Home & Pro): November 11, 2025
  • Version 23H2 (Enterprise & Education): November 10, 2026
  • Version 24H2 (Home & Pro): October 13, 2026
  • Version 24H2 (Enterprise & Education): October 12, 2027
  • Windows 11 SE (last supported version 24H2): October 9, 2029 (Enterprise LTSC)
• End of Life Date: Varies by version and edition, aligning with end of support dates. For example, version 23H2 Home and Pro reaches end of life on November 11, 2025.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not a single date; tied to the end of support date for each specific version. Devices automatically update to stay supported.
• License Type: Proprietary. Available as Retail, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), and MAK (Multiple Activation Key) for volume licensing. Enterprise editions are licensed through Microsoft 365 subscriptions (E3, E5, F3) or Volume Licensing agreements.
• Deployment Model: Free upgrade for compatible Windows 10 devices through Windows Update, pre-installed on new devices, or via installation assistant/media.

Technical Requirements

• RAM: Minimum 4 GB. Realistic recommendation for smooth performance and multitasking is 8 GB, with 16 GB for productive work and 32 GB or higher for creative professionals and gaming.
• Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC). Official support is limited to 8th-generation Intel Core or newer, 2nd-generation AMD Ryzen or newer, or Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 or later. Windows 11 ends support for 32-bit processors, running only on x86-64 and ARM64 architectures.
• Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device. Additional storage may be required for updates and specific features.
• Display: High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel.
• Ports: Specific ports are not universally mandated, but features like 5G support require a 5G capable modem, and BitLocker to Go requires a USB flash drive.
• Operating System: N/A (as it is the OS).

Analysis of Technical Requirements: Windows 11 significantly raises the bar for hardware requirements compared to its predecessor, Windows 10. The mandatory inclusion of UEFI, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0 is a foundational shift towards enhanced security, but it excludes many older, yet still capable, machines. While 4GB RAM is the minimum, real-world usage often demands 8GB or more for a responsive experience. The move to 64-bit only architecture and specific processor generations streamlines development and security but limits upgrade paths for users with older hardware. These requirements aim to ensure a more secure, reliable, and compatible computing experience.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Version 24H2 (2024 Update), released October 1, 2024.
• OS Support: Windows 11 itself is the operating system. It runs on x86-64 and ARM64 architectures.
• End of Support Date: Varies by version and edition, typically 24 months for Home/Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise/Education editions from release date. For example, version 23H2 Home and Pro ends support on November 11, 2025.
• Localization: Supports a wide range of languages and regional settings globally.
• Available Drivers: Extensive driver support through Windows Update, manufacturer websites, and third-party driver providers. Compatible with WDDM 2.0 drivers for graphics.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: Windows 11 maintains strong support and compatibility with modern hardware and software. Microsoft provides annual feature updates and monthly security updates. The strict hardware requirements, particularly TPM 2.0 and specific CPU generations, mean that older devices may not be officially supported for upgrades, potentially limiting compatibility for some users. However, for compatible systems, app compatibility with Windows 10 applications is high. Driver availability is generally robust due to the broad ecosystem.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • Mandatory Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0
  • UEFI Secure Boot
  • Virtualization-Based Security (VBS)
  • Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI)
  • Hardware-enforced stack protection
  • Windows Hello (multi-factor and biometric authentication)
  • Microsoft Defender Antivirus (real-time protection)
  • Smart App Control (screens apps for safety)
  • Enhanced Phishing Protection
  • Controlled Folder Access (ransomware protection)
  • BitLocker encryption (Pro and Enterprise editions)
  • Microsoft Defender Credential Guard (Enterprise editions)
• Known Vulnerabilities: Windows 11 has accumulated close to 2,000 unique CVEs since its release, including privilege escalation, remote code execution, and information disclosure. Microsoft regularly releases monthly security updates ("Patch Tuesday") to address these.
• Blacklist Status: No general blacklist status; individual components or applications may be flagged if they pose security risks.
• Certifications: Adheres to various industry security standards and certifications, though specific lists are extensive and vary by component.
• Encryption Support: BitLocker for full disk encryption (Pro and Enterprise editions), device encryption for Home editions.
• Authentication Methods: Windows Hello (PIN, fingerprint, facial recognition), traditional passwords, multi-factor authentication, and passkeys.
• General Recommendations: Enable built-in security tools, use passwordless login options, switch on reputation-based protection, manage application permissions, and encrypt data. Keep the OS updated to receive the latest security patches.

Analysis of Overall Security Rating: Windows 11 boasts a strong security posture, built on a "zero-trust" architecture starting from the hardware level. The mandatory TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and virtualization-based security features provide a robust defense against modern threats, including firmware and hardware attacks. Regular updates address known vulnerabilities, though the sheer number of reported CVEs highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining security in a complex OS. Overall, Windows 11 is designed to be significantly more secure than its predecessors, especially when all recommended security features are enabled.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Benchmarks often show Windows 11 performing similarly to or slightly better than Windows 10 in many scenarios. Some tests indicate minor improvements in single-core CPU performance and significant increases in SSD write performance.
• Real-world Performance Metrics:
  • Boot Speed: Generally boots faster, especially on modern hardware with SSDs and UEFI.
  • Application Launch: Similar speeds to Windows 10, with minor improvements due to task scheduling optimizations.
  • Multitasking: Enhanced features like Snap Layouts and Snap Groups improve efficiency.
  • Gaming: Nearly identical to Windows 10 in raw performance, but offers advanced features like Auto HDR and DirectStorage on supported hardware for improved visuals and faster loading times.
  • Storage Performance: Can show significant increases in write performance on NVMe SSDs compared to Windows 10.
• Power Consumption: Performance can be impacted by features like Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), which may increase latency and power usage if not optimized.
• Carbon Footprint: No specific carbon footprint metrics are widely published for the OS itself; however, its efficiency and hardware requirements contribute to the overall energy consumption of the devices it runs on.
• Comparison with Similar Assets:
  • Vs. Windows 10: Windows 11 offers a more modern UI, improved multitasking, enhanced security, and advanced gaming features. Performance is generally comparable, with some gains in specific areas, but higher system requirements.
  • Resource Usage: Windows 11 uses noticeably more memory during regular operation than Windows 10, making the 4GB RAM minimum a tight fit for practical use.

Analysis of Overall Performance Status: Windows 11 delivers comparable, and in some cases, slightly improved performance over Windows 10, particularly benefiting from modern hardware. Features like DirectStorage and Auto HDR enhance the gaming experience. While the minimum requirements are stated, a more robust hardware configuration (e.g., 8GB+ RAM, NVMe SSD) is recommended for optimal real-world performance and multitasking efficiency. The impact of security features like VBS on performance should be considered, though for most users, the difference is negligible.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for Windows 11 are mixed. Strengths frequently highlighted include its modern and visually appealing user interface, with a redesigned Start Menu, rounded corners, and improved aesthetics. Users appreciate the enhanced multitasking capabilities through Snap Layouts and Snap Groups, which offer more intuitive window management. The integration of Microsoft Teams and the ability to run Android apps (via Amazon Appstore) are also seen as positive additions. Security enhancements, particularly the mandatory TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, are recognized for providing a more secure computing environment.

Common weaknesses cited by users often revolve around the strict system requirements, which prevent many older but still functional PCs from upgrading, leading to frustration. Some users find the redesigned Start Menu less functional than Windows 10's, particularly with the removal of Live Tiles and a less direct "all apps" list. Initial releases also faced criticism for performance inconsistencies, though subsequent updates have largely addressed these. The requirement for a Microsoft account and internet connection for Windows 11 Home setup is also a point of contention for some.

Recommended use cases include users seeking a modern, secure, and visually refined operating system, especially those with newer hardware that meets or exceeds the recommended specifications. It is well-suited for productivity tasks benefiting from improved multitasking, and for gamers who can leverage features like Auto HDR and DirectStorage. Businesses can benefit from the enhanced security features and management capabilities of the Pro and Enterprise editions.

Summary

Microsoft Windows 11 is the current major release of Microsoft's Windows NT operating system, launched on October 5, 2021. It represents a significant evolution from Windows 10, featuring a redesigned user interface with a centered Start Menu, rounded corners, and enhanced multitasking tools like Snap Layouts and Snap Groups. The operating system is available as a free upgrade for compatible Windows 10 devices and comes pre-installed on new hardware.

Key strengths of Windows 11 lie in its robust security architecture, which mandates hardware features such as TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, alongside built-in protections like Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) and Microsoft Defender. This makes it a highly secure platform against modern cyber threats. Performance is generally on par with or slightly better than Windows 10, particularly on newer hardware, with notable improvements in boot times and storage write speeds. Gaming experiences are enhanced by features like Auto HDR and DirectStorage. The user interface is widely praised for its modern aesthetic and improved workflow for multitasking.

However, Windows 11's primary weakness is its stringent minimum system requirements, which exclude a substantial number of older PCs from official upgrades, leading to compatibility concerns and potential e-waste. While technically possible to install on unsupported hardware, Microsoft does not guarantee updates or support in such cases. Some users also express minor dissatisfaction with changes to the Start Menu functionality and the initial requirement for a Microsoft account and internet connection for Home edition setup.

Overall, Windows 11 is a capable and secure operating system best suited for modern hardware. It offers a refined user experience and advanced features that benefit productivity and gaming. For enterprise environments, its enhanced security and management capabilities in Pro and Enterprise editions provide a strong foundation. Users with compatible hardware are recommended to upgrade to leverage the improved security and user experience. Those with older systems should carefully consider the hardware requirements and potential lack of official support before attempting an upgrade. Regular updates are crucial for maintaining security and accessing new features.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.