In just a week, Microsoft will launch its new operating system for all users: Windows 11 . This new operating system will mark a before and after in the history of Microsoft’s operating system, both for its aesthetic novelties, for its new functions and, also, for being the first operating system that has such drastic requirements that they will return obsolete to millions of computers, even relatively new. This can be an opportunity for other operating systems, such as Ubuntu , to break into desktop computers. However, many wonder, can my computer run this Linux?
Windows 11: the controversy of the requirements
Despite the fact that Windows 11 is not much more than a revamped version of Windows 10, Microsoft has been very radical in specifying its minimum requirements to be able to function. The first thing we come across is the need to use a 64-bit CPU , with two cores and running at least 1 GHz. Goodbye to 32 bits. In addition, we will need to have at least 4 GB of RAM, as well as 64 GB of available space .
Nor can we forget to have a graphics compatible with DirtectX 12 and a screen, at least 9 inches, with 720p resolution.
But this is not the worst and most controversial. In order to install and use the new Microsoft system we will need a computer that has a UEFI system (no BIOS) and that also has the Secure Boot enabled. And, if this is not enough, the PC motherboard must have a TPM 2.0 chip, the latter being the most controversial of the requirements.
There are several ways to check if our computer meets the requirements to install Windows 11. In addition, it is true that Microsoft will allow us to install the OS if we do not comply with them, although the company disclaims all responsibility and will not give support if this is not met. .
Ubuntu: requirements to be able to use this Linux system
On the contrary, Ubuntu is a much less demanding operating system in terms of the necessary requirements to be able to function. Although it is true that, of the Linux distributions, it is one of the ones that requires the most hardware to function.
Using Ubuntu 20.04 LTS as an example, this system asks us for a much more modest PC, less in CPU. In order to install Ubuntu we will need a dual-core processor at 2 GHz or more . In addition, we will have to have at least 2 GB of RAM and 25 GB of free space on the hard disk (or only 8.6 GB for the minimum installation). As we see some requirements that are much lower than those required by Windows 11. In addition, if we do not meet them, we can still install the system, although we risk it not working properly.
Ubuntu does not require any specific BIOS or UEFI system, or Secure Boot. And it does not ask us for a chip like TPM 2.0 that will put millions of computers out of support.
What operating system should I choose?
The first thing to note is that a Linux system, such as Ubuntu, is not as complicated as we may think. Quite the contrary, these systems have evolved so much that, today, they are as easy to use as any Windows or any macOS. And, if we need to unleash its full potential, then that is when we should take the terminal and start writing commands. If our PC does not meet the requirements of Windows 11, or we want to give this OS a chance and start to depend less on giants like Microsoft, the launch of the new Windows is an excellent opportunity to do so.
On the other hand, if we are Windows users, we often play games on the PC or we need our own programs to work, we have no choice but to go through Microsoft’s ring. If we meet the requirements, we can perfectly update to the new Windows 11 on October 5, 2021. And, if not, we can continue to use Windows 10 without problems, which will receive updates, at least, until 2025.
