While Microsoft has its own tool for checking if a PC meets the system requirements of its Windows 11 operating system, it is generally considered rather heavy and not overly useful.
If you have come to the same conclusion, you may prefer an open source alternative that is both free and lightweight.
WhyNotWin11 is developed by serial developer Roby C. Mahel, whom you may know for his work on MSEdgeRedirect and other open source apps already.
The main purpose of WhyNotWin11 is simple: check, if your PC meets the system requirements to find out if you can upgrade without hassles.
All you need to do is download the app and run it. No installation, no ads, nothing that is considered bloat.
The app runs its checks on start automatically and presents its findings to you in its interface after a short moment.
Note that you can run the app on Windows 11 as well. Handy, if you installed the operating system and used bypasses for certain requirements.
The program color codes results. Green checkmark tell you that everything is fine, but you will also known if a component does not meet Windows 11’s minimum requirements.
WhyNotWin11 does not prioritize certain components over others, which could improve usability. Arguably, some checks are more important than others. For instance, the CPU or TPM version checks, while others, like CPU frequency, may not be as important, at least not for making upgrade decisions.
Still, it is easy enough and you see at a glance if your system fails to meet requirements. You can hover over the i-icon next to an entry to find out more about it.
WhyNotWin11 does not provide suggestions or tips to resolve compatibility issues. You find a few help guides in settings though. These explain how to enable secure boot or the TPM. There is also a link to the official Windows 11 requirements and to skipping some of the checks.
All guides open websites though.
Closing Words
WhyNotWin11 is a handy open source tool to quickly check the Windows 11 compatibility of a PC. It is a portable app, which means that you can run it without installation. Ideal for placing it on a USB tools collection and carrying it around whenever you do some troubleshooting work.
Now You: do you use lightweight open source tools like WhyNotWin11 regularly? Feel free to highlight apps that you recommend in the comments below.