Microsoft’s minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11 have been confusing. The software maker has attempted to clear them up, but at the heart of the changes is a push for security.
Microsoft has had six years to prepare for the launch of Windows 11, but the company is still struggling to explain its new hardware requirements. Windows 11 will officially support Intel 8th Gen Coffee Lake or Zen 2 CPUs and up, leaving behind millions of PCs that were sold during the launch of Windows 10. It’s an unusual surprise if you purchased a new PC for Windows 10, or perhaps you have a perfectly capable machine that’s even older.
“Microsoft’s CPU selections for Windows 11 don’t appear much at all to do with performance but look like security mitigations for side-channel attacks,” says Patrick Moorhead, principal analyst at Moor Insights and Strategy. “It also helps chipmakers focus driver work on the future, not the past.” Side-channel attacks like Spectre and Meltdown were revealed just before Intel implemented hardware mitigations to protect against some speculative execution attacks in some 8th Gen chips in 2018.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
A new Windows alternative could launch on PCs later this yearHuawei has developed a new operating system to be used in its desktops and laptops, and it could launch later this year.
Read more »
Has Microsoft’s AI Chief Just Made Windows Free?I have been a technology writer and editor for more than 20 years. I was assistant editor of The Sunday Times’ technology section, editor of PC Pro magazine and have written for more than a dozen different publications and websites over the years.
Read more »
Microsoft Windows Deadline—You Must Update Your PC By July 4Zak is a widely recognized expert on surveillance, cyber and the security and privacy risks with AI, big tech, social media and smartphones. He is regularly cited in the media, with appearances on BBC, Sky, NPR, NBC, Channel 4, TF1, ITV and Fox. Zak has 25-years real-world experience in AI, cyber and surveillance.
Read more »
Microsoft Windows Deadline—Update Before July 4Zak is a widely recognized expert on surveillance, cyber and the security and privacy risks with AI, big tech, social media and smartphones. He is regularly cited in the media, with appearances on BBC, Sky, NPR, NBC, Channel 4, TF1, ITV and Fox. Zak has 25-years real-world experience in AI, cyber and surveillance.
Read more »
Get Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for only $22.97 during our version of Prime DayHurry, this limited-time deal ends on July 21 at 11:59 p.m. Windows 11 Pro offers an unmatched computing experience that considers the modern professional.
Read more »
Grab Microsoft Office Pro for your Windows or Mac for only $24.97The offer runs through July 11. If you don't have the suite installed on your personal computer just yet, consider grabbing this lifetime license.
Read more »