What operating systems are available today?
On the market today Microsoft are limiting their operating system (ops) to windows 10 & windows 11, there reason for this is that any ops that is older than windows 10 has no updates or security patches available.
What I’ve seen over the years as a computer engineer is that they are changing all the time, there is a minimum spec now for windows 11 which is the only one that is available at the moment as windows 10 end of life support end in 14th October 2025. Which means there will be no updates for these windows after that day but there might be a charge for up to 3 years for support for companies?
These are the minimum system requirements for installing Windows 11 on a PC. If your device does not meet these requirements, you may not be able to install Windows 11 on your device and might want to consider purchasing a new PC. If you are unsure whether your PC meets these requirements, you can check with your PC Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or, if your device is already running Windows 10, you can use the PC Health Check app to assess compatibility. Note that this app does not check for graphics card or display, as most compatible devices will meet those requirements listed below.
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Processor |
1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible Intel 64-bit processor or compatible AMD 64-bit processor. |
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RAM |
4 gigabyte (GB). |
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Storage |
64 GB or larger storage device Note: See below under “More information on storage space to keep Windows 11 up-to-date” for more details. |
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System firmware |
UEFI, Secure Boot capable. Check here for information on how your PC might be able to meet this requirement. |
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TPM |
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Check here for instructions on how your PC might be enabled to meet this requirement. |
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Graphics card |
Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver. |
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Display |
High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per colour channel. |
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Internet connection and Microsoft account |
Windows 11 Pro for personal use and Windows 11 Home require internet connectivity and a Microsoft account during initial device set-up. |
How to Fix a Boot Configuration Data (BCD)
Introduction:
The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) is an essential part of the Windows operating system, responsible for booting the OS correctly. If your computer fails to start and you encounter a BCD error, it means the configuration data is corrupt or missing. Fixing this issue can restore your system to working condition.
Common Symptoms of BCD Errors:
- Error messages like “The Boot Configuration Data for your PC is missing or contains errors.”
- A blue screen (BSOD) with stop codes related to boot issues.
- Inability to boot into Windows.
- Black screen with no response during startup.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix BCD Errors:
1. Using Automatic Repair:
- Insert your Windows installation media (USB or DVD) and boot your system.
- Select your language preferences and click Next.
- Click on Repair your computer.
- Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Automatic Repair.
- The system will attempt to automatically fix any boot issues, including BCD errors.
2. Rebuilding the BCD Manually via Command Prompt:
- Boot using the Windows installation media and go to the Command Prompt from the advanced options.
- In the Command Prompt, type: bootrec /rebuildbcd
- If successful, you'll see a message saying that the BCD store has been rebuilt. If it doesn't detect your OS installation, try the following commands: bootrec /fixmbr, bootrec /fixboot
3. Using Startup Repair Tool:
- Once you boot into the advanced options via installation media, choose Startup Repair.
- This tool will scan your system for boot problems and attempt to repair any corrupted or missing BCD files.
4. Repairing the BCD using System Restore:
- In Advanced options, select System Restore.
- Choose a restore point from when your computer was working normally.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system.
Causes of BCD Errors:
- Corrupted boot configuration due to sudden shutdowns.
- Malware or virus infections affecting system files.
- Physical damage to the hard drive.
- Installation of incorrect updates or drivers.
Preventing Future BCD Errors:
- Regularly update your system and drivers.
- Use reliable antivirus software to prevent malware infections.
- Create regular backups of your system using Windows' built-in backup features.
- Avoid sudden shutdowns by properly powering down your system.
Conclusion:
BCD errors can be frustrating, but with the right tools and steps, you can fix them and restore your system’s functionality. Using the Windows repair tools like Command Prompt and Automatic Repair can resolve most boot issues.