The first beta version of Windows 11 just shipped, and Microsoft is already listening to some feedback from those who are unable to run the new operating system ahead of release. The company just announced it has removed the controversial PC Health Check App that was giving Windows users mixed results on whether they could run Windows 11 or not.
This was mentioned in a Microsoft blog post featuring an update on the Windows 11 system requirements and apology an for the confusion. Per that post, there are a couple of updates if you’re hoping to install Windows 11. The updates cover security, reliability, and compatibility.
But for most people, what matters most has to do with the PC Health Check app. Microsoft says the tool was not fully prepared to share details as to why Windows 10 won’t upgrade to Windows 11. It noted its team is working on feedback and the app will get back online when Windows 11 becomes generally available. Microsoft also suggests reading the minimum system requirement page if you’re hoping to install Windows 11.
Basically, this still means that if your PC still does not meet these requirements, then your PC will have to stay on Windows 10, which will continue to be supported by Microsoft through the year 2025.
Even before the official announcement of taking the app offline, Microsoft had attempted to make changes to the PC Health Check app so it better provided more details and information on which requirements to run Windows 11 have not been met.
The initial update helped address frustrating cases where the app was simply just telling users “this PC can’t run Windows 11” without saying why. The company clearly took the feedback of frustrated Windows users into consideration before removing the app entirely.
We just made updates to the Windows 11 PC Health Check App. It now provides more detailed info on requirements not met. This should help in cases where folks assumed CPU compat issues were TPM related https://t.co/hTWMe16DWO pic.twitter.com/eZLTZMOdjT
— David Weston (DWIZZZLE) (@dwizzzleMSFT) June 25, 2021
Controversy aside, if you’re brave enough, the first preview of Windows 11 is now available in the Windows Insider program for download. You can enroll your PC into the Dev Channel of the program in just a few steps to get started with it if you’re not scared of some bugs and other early issues.
Everyone else who isn’t brave enough to beta test Windows 11 should see a release in October, as most of Microsoft’s marketing images seem to tease this release window. Even Walmart has mentioned a “free upgrade to Windows October 2021 when available” on laptops, again hinting at an October release.
Microsoft mentioned a “holiday 2021” release for Windows 11 and said the new OS would roll out through 2021 and early 2022.
Update: Microsoft has taken the PC Health Check tool offline, and we updated this post to clarify.
