"It's all about security, and it's going to be a costly upgrade — because most of us will need to buy new PCs to make it work."

Windows 11's "why" has been a mystery to me for a time now. I'm not the only one that has this problem. According to Computerworld, the Windows 11 release news has been largely positive "Sometimes, it was flat-out incorrect or misinformed. Microsoft's lengthy history of product announcements may have been marred by the most disastrous unveiling."

Amen! Nothing else comes close to covering every Windows launch since Windows 95 came out in Atlanta. Yes, I'm including the Steve Ballmer and Bill Gates dance performance from 1995 as one of my favorites.

Why is Microsoft publishing this? Why is Microsoft releasing this? Why are we doing this now? Clearly, it was rushed. Nobody outside of Microsoft saw Windows 11 coming even a month ago. Microsoft had made it clear that it sees the future of the desktop on the Azure cloud with Microsoft Cloud PC.

It's not about money at all. For current Windows 10 users, Windows 11 will be a "free upgrade". Updated UI or new functionality aren't in the cards. It's wonderful to be able to run Android apps on Windows, but what's the point of releasing a new version? No, I don't believe so.

Alors, qu'est-ce qui se passe vraiment? Windows 11 is truly all about security, according to Microsoft and the current "If it's Tuesday, there must be a new security crisis" reality.

There's another huge Windows zero-day sprouting up as I write this, and it's a real pain in the rear end. PrintNightmare. It is possible for a hacker to take over your computer using the Windows printer spooler service.

Security isn't glamorous, but it's necessary. Windows 10 is exactly as much of a security nightmare as ever. There are other factors at play, as well as Microsoft's own mistake. Intel's security is a disaster, too, according to a recent report. Security flaws Meltdown and Spectre are still fresh in your mind. Still around, and still coping with the repercussions from their actions. In WinTel, we get a huge mess.

Is that the answer? It's official: Windows 11 won't operate on certain types of hardware. Along the way, it revealed why it is doing this. Yes, it's a matter of security.

Virtualization-based security (VBS), hypervisor-protected code integrity (HVCI) and Secure Boot are among the new security features in Windows 11. Combining these characteristics has been found to minimize malware on tested devices by 60%. For this reason, all Windows 11-compatible CPUs include an integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM), enable secure boot and have VBS and specialized VBS features built in.

So, what does this imply for us? It's bad news. The majority of us will not "upgrade" our Windows 10 computers. Instead, we'll invest in new computers.

Microsoft claims, in particular, that it is "We're sure that devices powered by Intel's 8th-generation CPUs, AMD's Zen 2, and Qualcomm's 7 and 8 Series will fulfill Windows 11's security and reliability standards, as well as the minimal system requirements. We will test to find devices operating on Intel 7th generation and AMD Zen 1 that may fulfill our standards when we deliver to Windows Insiders and collaborate with our OEMs."

We still don't know anything about 7th-generation CPUs like Kaby Lake processors. (To tell you the truth, I don't think they'll work.)

Microsoft has also clarified that your PC must contain Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 hardware — and that your computer's software must be adjusted to enable it. TPM 2.0 generates and protects encryption keys, user credentials, and other sensitive data, preventing viruses and attackers from accessing or tampering with it.

Isn't it great that you can use the PC Health Examine software to check whether your current fleet of PCs can run Windows 11?

Wrong. While Microsoft admits that "The PC Health Check app was designed to help people determine if their current Windows 10 PC could be upgraded to Windows 11..., but it wasn't fully prepared to provide the level of detail or accuracy you expected from us when it came to why a Windows 10 PC didn't meet upgrade requirements. As a result, we're deleting the app for the time being so that our teams can respond to the comments. We'll bring it back up in the fall, in time for wide availability."

Now, come on. Inside Microsoft, there was clearly no beta-testing of Windows 11 worth the name. Windows 11 is being pushed out the door as quickly as possible, with Microsoft implying that it will be launched on Oct. 20 and that new Windows 11 PCs will be available in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Right. What a stroke of luck.

Yes, both Windows and your business require stronger security measures to protect themselves. As I study this issue, I see a hurried operating system that's extremely likely to have regular problems and will force you to acquire expensive new hardware.

Let's be honest. As of this winter, Windows 11 will not be ready for regular companies or individuals to use. On a brand-new PC with the newest hardware, since that's what I do, I'll run the game. Why don't you tell us about yourself and your company? Windows 10 is your best bet for now. Prepare yourself to remain with Windows 10 until 2023, if not beyond. Windows 11 might be ready for business by January 2023. In the second half of 2021, maybe? In the year 2022? I don't see it.

Written by Senuke Weragama