A new PC for Windows 11? No thanks!

You mentioned in Issue 609 (page 6) that you had always been sceptical about Microsoft insisting that Windows 10 would be the final version of the operating system. Me too. Microsoft seemed to be treating this claim as though it was an incontrovertible law of thermodynamics, rather than marketing hype – not just that there wouldn’t be another Windows, but that there simply couldn’t be because it would somehow go against nature.

But perhaps Windows 10 will be my final version because it appears that my new-ish computer (bought only four years ago) isn’t powerful enough to run the new Windows 11.

I discovered this by downloading Microsoft’s compatibility tool (from www.snipca.com/38761), which produced the blunt message ‘This PC can’t run Windows 11’. It doesn’t say why, beyond a vague reference to ‘system requirements’. I’ve since read lots of complaints online from other Windows users saying their computers – new ones, not steam-powered – won’t work with Windows 11.

What’s Microsoft playing at? What’s the point in making Windows 11 free then restricting its use to only the most powerful computers? Is it some cynical ploy to help sell new devices?

Well, I’ve got news for Microsoft: it won’t work. Windows 11 would have to give me a free massage every day and prepare breakfast in bed to persuade me to spend around £1,500 on a new computer. I’m perfectly happy with Windows 10, so I’m going to stick with that.

Gordon Webb

The Star Letter writer wins a Computeractive mug!