An updated Windows Update platform in Windows 10 is now refusing to upgrade some PCs stating “This PC can’t run Windows 11”. Microsoft has acknowledged the erroneous nature of the message for eligible and compatible computers.
Microsoft recently eliminated the need to download and use the updated PC Health Checkup tool. The company integrated the core functions of the platform within Windows Update. Now Windows Update is rejecting attempts to upgrade to Windows 11 for some.
Windows Update itself will confirm if “This PC can’t run Windows 11” or “This PC can run Windows 11”:
Microsoft Windows 11 is officially rolling out. The final, stable version of the successor to Windows 10 is now available as an ‘Opt-in’ upgrade.
This means qualifying Windows 10, and even Windows 7 users, can head over to Windows Update, search for the Windows 11 Upgrade, and obtain the same. Incidentally, Microsoft has been trying to get PC users to run the PC Health Checkup Tool.
Windows Update: "This PC doesn't currently meet all the system requirements for Windows 11. Get PC Health Check"
PC Health Check: "This PC meets Windows 11 requirements"
🤷♂️I exist between all valid states 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/RvQmisSPFt
— @jordansissel (@jordansissel) October 6, 2021
The PC Health Checkup Tool has some checkered past. Microsoft released the tool to allow Windows 10, and even Windows 7 users, to check if their computers were compatible with Windows 11. The tool doesn’t seem to check for eligibility but does examine the hardware for compatibility.
Win10 fail. My PC Windows Update says "This PC can run Win 11". When I click "Learn about Windows 11" It takes me to a web page that both says, This PC will run Win11 and "Your PC does not currently meet the needed requirements." pic.twitter.com/US9w8otPg3
— TomG (@FlynnRoad) October 6, 2021
Needless to mention, the first stable version of the PC Health Checkup Tool caused panic. Several Windows OS users who wished to upgrade to Windows 11, received the message that indicated their devices were incompatible.
Realizing it had released a faulty piece of software, Microsoft redesigned the tool. The company recently released a new version of the PC Health Checkup, supposedly with fixes.
Windows Update will now let you know if your Windows 10 PC can upgrade to Windows 11 pic.twitter.com/hU5FvuQFdl
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) October 5, 2021
Strangely, Microsoft has now offered the core or critical functionality of the PC Health Checkup tool, directly within the Windows Update platform. This should have been the company’s first, go-strategy, as the platform is responsible for downloading and applying the Windows 11 upgrade.
Microsoft has been testing a new message delivery in Windows Update. Essentially, the platform itself would check and mention whether “This PC can’t run Windows 11” or “This PC can run Windows 11”.
Windows Update shows the same problem plaguing early releases of the PC Health Checkup Tool:
Windows Update itself confirming a PC’s eligibility to receive and run Windows 11 was certainly way more convenient. The platform is a core feature that was already present. Windows OS users need not download any extra app.
However, Windows Update is now the one throwing wrenches in the upgrade process, which was supposed to be smooth and hassle-free. Basically, Windows Update on Windows 10 seems to be unable to accurately report Windows 11 compatibility status.
Microsoft testing a new feature that directly tells users the compatibility status of Windows 11 in Windows Update. 👍
"This computer cannot run Windows 11" & "This computer can run Windows 11". pic.twitter.com/9VEnJdHnfx— Sam (@Shadow_Leak) October 7, 2021
Despite packing compatible and eligible hardware, with a legitimate, licensed copy of Windows 10, the Windows Update claims “This PC doesn’t currently meet all the system requirements for Windows 11.”
Reports indicate the issue is not widespread, yet. However, a few social media users have vented their frustration about the seemingly faulty Windows Update checking mechanism.
Customers reporting that Windows Update for Windows 11 for @Surface Studio 2 states pc processor is not compatible. In spite of that proc being added to OK list some time ago. @panos_panay pic.twitter.com/dyZA98CAnD
— Barb Bowman 🌷 (@barbbowman) October 6, 2021
Some users have confirmed the Windows Update is erroneously reporting compatibility status. Some affected users merely obtained a Windows 11 ISO and proceeded to install the same. Needless to mention, this method worked.
Microsoft has acknowledged the Windows Update incorrect compatibility check issue. The company claims it is actively investigating the same. It is safe to say, the company will have to come up with a fix soon as Windows Update will be the primary gateway through which several PC users will upgrade to Windows 11.