WDDM Archives

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Did Microsoft Change Windows 11 Requirements? – Here’s the Truth

Microsoft has not changed the official requirements for Windows 11 since its launch. Users need a compatible 64-bit processor (1GHz or faster with at least two cores), a minimum of 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. Essential features include UEFI firmware that supports Secure Boot and TPM version 2.0, DirectX 12 compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver, and displays of at least 9 inches with a resolution of 720p. Microsoft allows experienced users to manually install Windows 11 on unsupported devices at their own risk, but this is not advisable due to potential issues. The strict requirements are intended to enhance security and performance. Users can check compatibility with the PC Health Check Tool. Microsoft will support Windows 10 until October 14, 2025, after which there will be no official support. For those whose systems do not meet the specifications, upgrading hardware or purchasing a new PC may be necessary.

Winsage

May 9, 2025

Struggling with the latest Windows 11 update? You aren’t alone

Many users are experiencing issues with Windows 11 following a recent update, including sluggish performance, Wi-Fi connectivity problems, and blue screen errors. To troubleshoot, users should first ensure their PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, which include: - Processor: 1 GHz or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or SoC. - RAM: At least 4 GB. - Storage: 64 GB or more of available storage. - Firmware: UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability. - TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 must be enabled. - Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later and have a WDDM 2.0 driver. - Display: High definition (720p) display, at least 9 inches diagonally, with 8 bits per color channel. - Internet and Microsoft account: Required for initial setup of Windows 11 Home and for updates and some features on all editions. To resolve issues, users can: 1. Uninstall the latest update via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates. 2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter found in Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. 3. Check for driver updates in Device Manager by looking for devices with a yellow exclamation mark. 4. Perform a System Restore through Control Panel > Open System Restore. 5. Use Microsoft's built-in repair tool "Fix problems using Windows Update" found in Settings > System > Recovery. 6. Check for known issues acknowledged by Microsoft. 7. Access advanced startup options by holding down the Shift key while clicking Restart to use Startup Repair or Command Prompt. 8. Reset the PC from the advanced recovery menu, which can reinstall Windows while preserving files or perform a clean reset. Users should back up important files before proceeding with significant troubleshooting steps.

Winsage

April 12, 2025

Microsoft makes a major announcement that will affect more than 500 million Windows users

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, affecting nearly 750 million users. The company emphasizes the need to upgrade to Windows 11 for security and ongoing support, as no software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes will be provided for Windows 10 after this date. Users can upgrade to Windows 11 for free if they have a legitimate copy of Windows 10. The minimum system requirements for Windows 11 include a 1 GHz or faster processor with 2 or more cores, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, TPM version 2.0, a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card, a high-definition display, and internet connectivity with a Microsoft account.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Microsoft issues Windows 11 alert and says to ‘roll back to Windows 10’ now

Windows 10 will reach its end of life on October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will stop providing free updates and security patches. Users can transition to Windows 11 by purchasing a new laptop with it pre-installed, opting for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for older machines, or upgrading existing devices. Windows 11 has specific system requirements, including a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Microsoft warns that installing Windows 11 on incompatible hardware will result in a watermark and operational issues. A PC Health Check tool is available to assess device compatibility with Windows 11. The minimum requirements for running Windows 11 include a 1 GHz processor with 2 or more cores, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card, and a high-definition display.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

What is Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling in Windows and should you turn it on?

Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling (HAGS) was introduced in Windows 10 in May 2020 and is also available in Windows 11. It offloads scheduling tasks to the GPU, improving processing efficiency by reducing CPU bottlenecks. HAGS can be enabled by users with compatible hardware through the Graphics Settings menu, but it is turned off by default. Some applications, like OBS and Sunshine, recommend disabling HAGS to avoid performance issues, particularly with NVIDIA's NVENC encoder. Users have reported problems with certain games, such as Valorant, when HAGS is enabled. HAGS is essential for features like frame generation in DLSS 3, and users are advised to test its impact on their systems.

Winsage

October 24, 2024

The ultimate Windows 11 upgrade guide: Everything you need to know

Windows 11 was launched in October 2021 and is now a significant operating system on hundreds of millions of PCs worldwide. It features a redesigned Start menu, taskbar, and Settings app, along with a Widgets pane, tabbed File Explorer, and AI-powered Windows Copilot. The operating system requires hardware-assisted security features, including Secure Boot and device encryption, and mandates specific hardware compatibility, such as a 1GHz processor, 4GB RAM, and TPM version 2.0. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, after which it will not receive updates unless users subscribe to Extended Security Updates. Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for licensed Windows 10 users, and the installation process includes various options for upgrading. Microsoft reports higher customer satisfaction with Windows 11 compared to previous versions.

Winsage

October 17, 2024

Windows 11 LTSC on Arm: Everything You Need to Know

Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 24H2 has been released, featuring a modern user interface, enhanced security, productivity tools, comprehensive device management, long-term support with up to 10 years of security updates, and a restricted user experience mode. System requirements include a 1 GHz or faster processor with two or more cores, a minimum of 4 GB RAM (2 GB minimum), 64 GB or larger storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, a preferred TPM version 2.0, a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card, and a minimum display size of 9 inches with 700p HD resolution. Enhancements over Windows 10 LTSC include improved performance, better compatibility, advanced security features, and a streamlined update process. The x86 platform offers extensive compatibility and high performance, while the Arm platform emphasizes power efficiency, making it suitable for portable and IoT devices. Microsoft follows a three-year release cycle for LTSC products, with Windows 11 addressing regulatory industry needs for enhanced security. Key differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 LTSC include a modernized interface, advanced security features, optimized performance, and improved compatibility. Windows 11 LTSC 24H2 has a 10-year lifecycle with five years of mainstream support and five years of extended support. New features include an integrated IoT-specific EULA, wireless display capabilities, optional removable packages, multi-app kiosk mode, automatic MPEG2 installation, HEVC codec support, access to the Microsoft Store, optional TPM enabling, and exclusion of CoPilot. The operating system is applicable across various industries, including medical, governmental, hospitality, and retail, and is compatible with both x64 and Arm processors.

Winsage

October 6, 2024

You can still upgrade old PCs to Windows 11, even if Microsoft says no: Readers prove it

As of October 1, 2024, Microsoft has implemented stricter compatibility checks for Windows 11, but workarounds exist for upgrading older systems. Users have successfully transitioned older PCs, including a 12-year-old machine and others up to 15 years old, from Windows 10 to Windows 11 despite compatibility challenges. The published system requirements for Windows 11 include a 1GHz or faster processor with two or more cores, at least 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, TPM version 2.0, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card, and a high-definition display. Upgrades are blocked for systems with CPUs not listed in Microsoft's documentation, which excludes most Intel Core processors prior to the 8th Generation and AMD Zen 1 processors. The PC Health Check utility can help users assess upgrade readiness. Two upgrade options for incompatible PCs are available: a registry edit to bypass CPU checks for PCs with TPM, and an unsupported method to bypass all compatibility checks for older PCs lacking TPM or using Legacy BIOS. Users have reported positive experiences with both methods, although the installation process may take longer than expected.

Winsage

October 4, 2024

Windows 11 unofficial mod claims not to alter crucial system files while making UI better

Microsoft has been enhancing the visual appeal of its desktop operating system since the launch of Windows Vista, leading to the development of specialized hardware features like WDDM GPU schedulers. Users of Windows 11 have reported occasional sluggish performance, prompting Microsoft to acknowledge these issues and commit to improvements. A paid study claims Windows 11 outperforms Windows 10, though evidence is lacking. The Windows 11 24H2 update has reportedly increased responsiveness for some users, even on unsupported hardware. Rebound 11 is a third-party application designed to enhance the Windows 11 user interface while maintaining system security and avoiding changes to essential system files. It allows for easy reversibility of changes and does not implement system-wide customizations, preserving MSSTYLES system files. Users need a system with at least 4GB of memory and 2GB of storage, along with a DirectX 12 compatible graphics processor. Caution is advised before installation, including backing up important data and potentially using a virtual machine for testing. Rebound 11 is available for download from its GitHub repository.

Winsage

September 24, 2024

Windows 11 Home Key: How to save, Where to buy, discounts and offers

PC Guide employs independent consumer research, testing, and market analysis to recommend products and services. Mr Key Shop offers three versions of Windows 11 product keys: Home, Pro, and Enterprise. Windows 11 Home includes features like a revamped interface, snap layouts, improved tablet support, and updated default applications. Mr Key Shop is recommended for purchasing Windows 11 keys, providing official activation keys and a refund warranty. Windows 11 Home has system requirements including a 1GHz CPU, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage. Installation involves verifying system requirements and creating a bootable USB drive if starting fresh. Activation can be done through the settings menu, and existing Windows 10 users can upgrade without a product key. Upgrading from Windows 11 Home to Pro requires entering a new product key in the settings.