To ensure the proper functioning of the software on devices, the software manufacturer specifies certain minimum hardware requirements. Such requirements (although not very restrictive) were introduced in 2015 for Windows 10 – it works on virtually any available hardware. With the arrival of Windows 11, completely new hardware requirements were introduced, making it impossible to install software on devices that do not meet the minimum specifications.

The minimum hardware requirements are specified by the manufacturer at: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/minimum/minimum-hardware-requirements-overview

Microsoft attaches great importance to the adoption of MHR, including meeting processor requirements to ensure optimal performance and enabling security features on Windows devices. From April 1, 2023, the distribution of any Windows device that does not meet MHR requirements may result in an additional fee being imposed.

Detailed hardware requirements are described in the following documents:

Hardware requirements apply not only to supported processors, the list of which can be found at the following address: Windows Processor Requirements | Microsoft Learn

but also the famous TPM 2.0 module
All devices on which the new electronic license for Windows 11 will be installed MUST have the TPM 2.0 module enabled during installation and generation of the CBR report. Disabling the module during installation may result in failure to meet the minimum hardware requirements (MHR) and, consequently, an additional fee may be charged. For Windows 10 installation, it is also recommended to enable the TPM 2.0 module (and is required for devices manufactured from 2016).

Microsoft explains the above requirements by ensuring the quality of the supplied hardware on which the original Windows system is installed. Other requirements regarding, among others: matrix size, hard drive capacity and performance, and amount of RAM will not be a challenge – it will be difficult to find a device that does not meet these requirements.

Meeting the minimum hardware requirements for the installed Windows 10 / 11 software is monitored using sent CBR reports. Each such report contains information about the computer’s hardware components, including key components to meet software requirements. Cases in which the system is installed on unsupported hardware will be reported by Microsoft to MAR partners, which may result in additional fees.

We will soon introduce functionality in our pre-installation software to verify hardware components to check hardware requirements. More information about software that makes everyday work easier: XDE – introducing new version 23H2 – Serwis dla partnerów MAR | NETLAND