Microsoft has officially reinstated the PC Health Check app, which anyone can download to check if your computer is compatible with Windows 11. This will allow you to see if your computer is up and running ahead of Windows 11's October 5th launch. The company had removed the app in August because it was misleading. However, Windows Insiders were able to download a stronger version in August. If you don't mind downloading direct, you can find the app at this page's bottom.
The new PC Health Check app can still be misleading in that it implies my 7th-gen Core i7 desktop gaming PC doesn't have the right software to run Windows 11. This despite the fact I've installed Windows 11 and it is running fine. This screenshot is actually from Windows 11 beta, which I just finished.
This is a long way to say what Microsoft said in August: Windows 11 won't block older CPUs from installing Windows 11 simply because they aren't on its whitelist.
Microsoft reserves the right to refuse Windows Updates to you, including security updates, if these CPUs prove to be a problem. This brings me to the waiver.
When I recently tried to upgrade my system to the Windows 11 beta, the installer popped up an unusual message: a press-button-to-accept acknowledgment that my PC would no longer be supported and that I might even be voiding my PCs warranty if I were to continue.
I have asked Microsoft for additional information about the waiver, but have not heard back. I'll let you know what I hear.
If you're not sure what Windows 11 requires, the PC Health Check app can help.
Microsoft will host a Surface event tomorrow (September 22nd). Here's what you can expect.
