When Microsoft announced Windows 11, users expected new features. They anticipated updates that bring together stability, speed, as well as an enhanced consumer experience. Before you lose your mind readily in awaiting the latest and greatest operating system from Microsoft, take a moment to find out if your PC is prepared for that update.

By taking time to ascertain if your computer is ready, you can ease a lot of the anxiety around the update itself. There will, of course, be bugs, but knowing that your machine has got the proper specs means understanding that, on paper, everything should run somewhat smoothly.

Let's see what's new, and how to prepare for the update.

What Are We Looking forward to in Windows 11?

Redesigned Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool is a handy screen capturing tool that Microsoft first introduced in Windows XP in 2005. With Windows 11, the Snipping Tool is set to merge with another screen capturing tool from, Snip & Sketch. The initial Win + Shift + S shortcut for Snip & Sketch will use the Snipping Tool too.

New Look For Your Calculator, Mail, And Calendar
Windows Calculator, Mail, and Calendar apps will now offer visually pleasing rounded corners. Theming can also be possible now on these 3 apps, and maybe others. Users can choose a fresh change for each app, and theme them independently from the primary visual theme.

All-New Taskbar
Windows 11 features a completely revamped taskbar that moves the Start button and app icons front and center. The long-lasting Start button also receives a more straightforward look. It's now a square cut into four sections. But for those uncomfortable with changes with a of Windows' oldest, and most-loved features, they are able to revert them to their default look and placement with only a few clicks.

Natively Accessible Android Apps
Android apps will always be accessible with Windows 10 thanks to the Your Phone app and Connect to Windows feature. Windows 11 takes mtss is a step further by letting you access your favorite Android apps natively, from your pc.

Getting Your PC Ready for Windows 11

Before getting too excited about the newest Windows operating system, it's worth going for a moment to be certain it's ready for installation. Here's how we're preparing our PCs for that release of Windows 11.

Check Windows 11's Minimum Requirements
According to Microsoft's website, below are the minimum specifications your computer will need to operate the new operating-system without issue. Sticking with Windows 11's Minimum Note that these values are only minimums, meaning that a pc with exact specs may run Windows 11 at the lowest settings and minimum performance.

Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on the Chip (SoC)
Memory: 4 Gigabytes RAM
Storage: 64 Gigabytes or larger hard drive
System firmware: Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, Secure Boot capable
TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
Graphics card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x
Display: >9" with HD Resolution (720p)
Internet connection Microsoft account and internet connectivity required for setup for Windows 11 Home

You can manually check whether your computer passes these minimum requirements by going to Settings > System > About. Take a look at My Computer > Properties to check on storage and make sure you've enough room for that installer. Lastly, you may even wish to take a look at Microsoft's PC Health Check app to check your system compatibility in only a single click.

Observe that these values are just minimums, meaning that a computer with exact specs may only run Windows 11 at the lowest settings and minimum performance.

Backup Your computer
Updating to a later form of Windows has always been somewhat stable and safe. But that's not to say issues never arise. There will always be cases of corrupted (or deleted) files, crashing applications, or hardware failure with every round of updates. And that's why, we wouldn't recommend proceeding with no stable backup you are able to revert to if things go awry. A cloud-based backup is typically fine, but if you need to go that step further...

Create a Recovery Drive for Windows 10

A Recovery Drive is a USB device which you can use to access system recovery tools if issues arise from your Windows 11 installation. You can use it to reinstall Windows 10, or an even older version of Windows. It's worth noting that a recovery drive won't help you recover any corrupted or missing personal files. So, it is vital to support your files too.

Now that you've got prepared your PC for Windows 11. You can now install the new operating system with no anxiety that generally accompanies big updates. If something wrong happens, you're inside a great place to recuperate everything and return to dealing with Windows 10.