Essential Information
- 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC).
- Based on the minimum system requirements and the Surface Go specifications, the Surface Go meets the requirements for running Windows 11.
- While the Surface Go can run Windows 11, its performance limitations may make it unsuitable as a primary device for demanding tasks.
The release of Windows 11 has sparked excitement among users, but many are wondering if their current devices can handle the upgrade. One popular question that has arisen is whether the Microsoft Surface Go can run Windows 11. This blog post will delve into the compatibility and performance aspects of the Surface Go when running Windows 11.
Minimum System Requirements
According to Microsoft, the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 are as follows:
- Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
- Memory: 4 gigabytes (GB) or greater
- Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device
- System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
- Graphics card: DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
- Display: 9-inch (diagonal) or larger with 8 bits per color channel
Surface Go Specifications
The Surface Go is a compact 2-in-1 tablet released in 2018. It comes with the following specifications:
- Processor: Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y or Intel Core m3-8100Y
- Memory: 4 GB or 8 GB of LPDDR3 RAM
- Storage: 64 GB or 128 GB of eMMC storage
- Operating system: Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro
Compatibility
Based on the minimum system requirements and the Surface Go specifications, the Surface Go meets the requirements for running Windows 11. It has a compatible processor, sufficient memory, adequate storage, and supports UEFI and Secure Boot.
Performance
While the Surface Go meets the minimum requirements, it’s important to consider the potential impact on performance. The Surface Go’s processor and eMMC storage are not as powerful as those found in more recent devices.
Processor: The Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y and Intel Core m3-8100Y processors are dual-core CPUs with low clock speeds. They may struggle with demanding tasks such as video editing or gaming.
Storage: eMMC storage is slower than traditional SSDs. This can result in slower boot times, application loading, and file transfers.
Recommended Upgrades
To improve the performance of the Surface Go with Windows 11, consider the following upgrades:
- Upgrade to 8 GB of RAM: This will provide a noticeable performance boost for multitasking and running multiple applications.
- Install an external SSD: An external SSD can serve as a faster storage option for frequently used applications and files.
- Use a microSD card: A microSD card can provide additional storage space without impacting performance.
Alternatives to Windows 11
If you’re concerned about the performance of Windows 11 on the Surface Go, there are alternative operating systems to consider:
- Windows 10: The Surface Go is fully supported by Windows 10, which offers a stable and reliable experience.
- Linux: Linux distributions such as Ubuntu or Fedora are lightweight and can run well on the Surface Go’s hardware.
- Chrome OS: Chrome OS is a cloud-based operating system that is designed for performance on low-powered devices like the Surface Go.
In a nutshell: Can Surface Go Run Windows 11?
Yes, the Surface Go can run Windows 11, as it meets the minimum system requirements. However, users should be aware of potential performance limitations due to the Surface Go’s hardware. Consider upgrading the RAM and storage or exploring alternative operating systems for optimal performance.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q1. Can I upgrade my Surface Go to Windows 11 for free?
A1. Yes, eligible Surface Go devices can upgrade to Windows 11 for free through the Windows Update feature.
Q2. Will Windows 11 slow down my Surface Go?
A2. Windows 11 may run slower on the Surface Go compared to more powerful devices due to its hardware limitations. Consider upgrades or alternative operating systems for better performance.
Q3. Can I use a Surface Go as my primary device with Windows 11?
A3. While the Surface Go can run Windows 11, its performance limitations may make it unsuitable as a primary device for demanding tasks. Consider a more powerful device for optimal productivity.