Install Windows 11 on 'incompatible' systems using Microsoft's official registry hack to bypass the TPM 2.0/CPU check
Although Microsoft would prefer it if people waited to be invited to install Windows 11 on compatible hardware, you can jump the queue now and install it in a number of ways, including by downloading the ISO file, or using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
Microsoft has warned against installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware but -- in the perfect display of the mixed messaging the company seems so adept at delivering when it comes to the new OS -- it’s also revealed the steps you need to take to do exactly that.
Microsoft security features are hampering game performance in Windows 11
With Windows 11 now available for more people to download and install, more and more problems are starting to emerge. We've already seen a short list of known issues, and users have already complained of high memory usage by File Explorer.
Another issue that is causing some annoyance is an apparent reduction in gaming performance under Windows 11. The slowdown is measurable in benchmarks and has been blamed on the Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) and Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI) security features.
Debian-based MX Linux 21 RC is here to spoil Microsoft's big Windows 11 launch party
Today is October 5, which is particularly significant as it is the official Windows 11 release date. This is even more special as Microsoft's latest desktop operating system isn't just good... it's great. Yes, this is probably the best version of Windows ever, and if you are a Windows user, you should absolutely upgrade if your computer is compatible.
Unfortunately, that is a pretty big "if" this time around. You see, Microsoft is quite strict with the system requirements, meaning many computers will not be compatible or officially supported. Even though Windows 10 will continue to be supported for a while, understandably, some users will want to jump ship immediately knowing their PC has no future in Microsoft's eyes. Thankfully, these users have a wonderful alternative to Windows 11 -- Linux!
Windows 11 installation failing with an '0x8007007f' error? There's a workaround
Microsoft started to roll out Windows 11 yesterday -- a day earlier than originally stated -- and many users chose to immediately jump on the new OS, installing it via either the Media Creation Tool or the Windows 11 Installation Assistant. The latter is the method I used to painlessly upgrade both my desktop and laptop PCs.
For some users however, the process has been far from painless, with a number of eager upgraders reporting the installation stalling with error code '0x8007007f', despite their having compatible hardware.
Here are all of the known issues with Windows 11
After months of waiting, Windows 11 is finally here. Microsoft has started the roll-out of the latest version of its operating system to people whose computers make the grade, but if you were hoping for perfection you are going to be disappointed.
Despite all of the testing with beta and developer builds, Windows 11 is still shipping with a number of known issues. Microsoft has shared details of these so you can weigh up whether they will affect you and whether you would like to upgrade to Windows 11 now or wait until things improve.
Windows 11 is generally available starting today -- will you install it?
When Microsoft announced that Windows 11 would start to become available from October 5 it didn’t specify a time zone. That’s because its new operating system will be released in each country as the day begins.
That means, for some lucky users, Windows 11 is already available to install and users can start to buy new PCs with Windows 11 preinstalled on them from today.
Ahead of tomorrow's big launch, Microsoft releases Windows 11 Build 22471
Tomorrow is a huge day for Microsoft as it’s when Windows 11 starts to roll out to the first batch of compatible systems.
Work continues apace on the new operating system though, and Microsoft today releases a new build to Insiders in the Dev Channel. Build 22471 is the lone build this week and comes with a large number of fixes.
Microsoft reveals pricing details for Office 2021
We may be in the tail end of 2021, but Microsoft is on the verge of releasing the latest edition of the non-subscription version of its office suite bearing this year in its name. Microsoft Office 2021 is due for release on October 5, the same day as Windows 11, and will be available for Windows and macOS.
If you want Office without a subscription, you will have to be willing to pay upfront for Office 2021. Microsoft has now revealed that pricing starts at $150, but you could pay much more than this.
Microsoft releases KB5005611 update to fix numerous Windows 10 problems
Ahead of Patch Tuesday, Microsoft has released a preview of its KB5005611 update for Windows 10. The patch includes numerous fixes, such as addressing Outlook crashes and the unwanted appearance of "News and interests".
Available for Windows 10 versions 2004, 20H2 and 21H1, this is a non-security update but it includes various quality improvements that make it worthy of attention.
Start11 will let you defy Microsoft and move the taskbar in Windows 11
Starting next week, Microsoft will start to rollout Windows 11 to people with compatible computers that qualify for the free upgrade. While there have been numerous previous versions of the operating system for people to play with, it is not until October 5 or later that the vast majority of people will get to play with Windows 11.
And it is at this point that more people will become frustrated at some of the changes that Microsoft has implemented -- one of which means that it is no longer possible to move the taskbar from the bottom of the screen. But with an updated version of Stardock's Start 11 utility (which we've mentioned before) it will be possible to get around Microsoft's limitations and move the taskbar to a different position.
Microsoft releases PowerToys v0.47.0 -- download it now!
Microsoft has released an update to PowerToys, taking the utility collection up to version 0.47.0. Although the company has said that this release cycle would be focused on stability updates and optimizations, installer updates, general bug fixes, and accessibility improvements, there's still a welcome change for the Shortcut Guide tool.
Perhaps more interestingly, there is also news about the next experimental release -- PowerToys v0.48 -- which will appear just before the rollout of Windows 11 begins.
How to install Windows 11 on any computer, even those without TPM 2.0
Windows 11 is now less than a week away from rolling out to people around the world. Despite the launch being so close, there is still great confusion surrounding system requirements for the operating system, especially the need for TPM 2.0.
Many people using the PC Health Check app to test their system's compatibility with Windows 11 have been disappointed to learn that they do not have TPM 2.0 and therefore will not be able to upgrade. But a new, open-source install script has been released that makes it possible to install Windows 11 on just about any hardware, bypassing the TPM check. Say hello to MediaCreationTool.bat.
Redesigned Windows 11 Paint app rolling out now
Microsoft has completely redesigned its forthcoming operating system, and Windows Insiders have been testing it out for months, ahead of its official launch on October 5.
The apps that come with the new OS have been updated also, and Insiders in the Dev Channel now have the chance to try out the all-new Paint tool, which Microsoft describes as a "modern spin on the classic app".
Upgrading to Windows 11? Here are the compatible antivirus products you need
Microsoft is set to begin rolling out Windows 11 next week. For the most part, any programs you run on Windows 10 should run just fine on the new OS, although there will be exceptions.
Antivirus and security solutions are not all certified yet and installing security software that hasn't been fully tested with the new operating system could prove disastrous. Don't worry though, as antivirus testing service AV-Comparatives has done the hard work for you and today releases a list of "approved" security software. Is yours on the list?
Microsoft promises big changes for Skype
In a world of Zoom, Google Meet, Slack, Microsoft Teams et al, Skype has somewhat fallen out of favor. But this does not mean that Microsoft has given up on this particular messaging tool, and the company is keen to let users know that they have not been forgotten.
Promising that it will be "fast, playful, delightful and buttery smooth", Microsoft has revealed some of what it has in store for Skype. In addition to a makeover, in the pipeline is a raft of new features including call recordings, animated backgrounds and support for multiple cameras across multiple devices with TwinCam.
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