Releases: rcmaehl/WhyNotWin11
2.7.0.0 - A New Coat of Paint
WhyNotWin11 continues to Strive for Improvement. We originally set ourselves apart by being one of the First Comprehensive Windows 11 Compatibility Checkers, followed by being the First Checker to make Admin Rights optional, and we continue to set ourselves apart by releasing full Windows PE support with this version.
Additionally, I've greatly improved GPU and CPU Support Detection speeds with this release. WhyNotWin11 attempts to match the GPU name to known DirectX 12 FL12 GPUs FIRST before doing a much slower wait on dxdiag. This also fixes DirectX 12 FL12 detection on Windows 8/8.1 and Windows PE. These lists are Automatically kept Up to Date (assuming no one changes a naming scheme) by downloading the latest copies from GitHub automatically.
Finally, CrystalDiskInfo/Mark Enthusiasts Rejoice! WhyNotWin11 now supports more Advanced Theming (see Theme Examples below) which I will refer to as 2.0 Themes. Previous, Color-only, 1.0 Themes are still Supported; However, 2.0 Themes allow more Customization of various Regions, Text Colors, and Background Image Support. This theming configuration has also been added to the Group Policy values. Download and Extract ExampleThemes.zip to the same folder as WhyNotWin11.exe to try them out (or create your own). Any Theme named Theme.def will automatically apply on Application Launch.
A big thanks to Free Geek, and specifically their @PicoMitchell, for significant feedback and contributions. If you're interested in trying a Linux Device or Buying Lightly Used PC Components, we highly recommend their store.
2.7.0.0 also comes with the following changes:
- Changes Sidebar Icons
- Updates Processor List
- Updates Most Icons used
- Updates Various Language Files
- Improves Processor Family Regex (Credit @mq1n)
- Updates Program Hover Description
- Changes Check Statuses to use Icons
- Fixes Language Files getting Blanked out
- Changes GPT Check to Pass within WinPE
- Adds GPU Model Number String Matching
- Adds Source Code to Application Resources (Extract using Resource Hacker or Similar)
- Reduces and Improves WMI Resource Usage
- Improves CPU Check Backup String Matching (Credit @PicoMitchell)
- Improves TPM Check when not an Administrator
- Adds WinPE HWID to GPU Model Number Lookup
- Fixes String Shortening for Gigabyte Motherboards
- Fixes Monospace Tab Alignment when Exporting as TXT
- Changes CPU Checks to All Pass if a Supported CPU is detected
- Reduces Excessive File Write Operations when exporting as CSV
- Adds Group Policy Values for Theme File and Background Images
- Fixes Beginning of Strings being Cut-off if /extras used Multiple Times
- Changes GPU Check to Pass if a Supported Qualcomm GPU is detected
- Fixes Issue in which Donators would Receive a "Product Shipped" Email
- New Check Status Icons will show as Shields if Running as Administrator
- Adds Not-Yet-Used Code for Required Checking Monitor Size/Resolution (Credit @Qazy147)
- Adds Ability for CPU and GPU Lists to Automatically Update if Connected to the Internet
- Changes Default Theme Check to Check Theme Folder instead of the Same Directory as WhyNotWin11
Additional Info
- Command Line Switches: Wiki Page
- Enterprise Group Policy Values: Wiki Page
- System Requirements: Read Me Page
Image Preview
Theme Examples

2.6.1.1 - May I have your opinions, please?
2.6.1.1 comes with the following changes:
- Adds TSV (Tab Separated Value) support
- Fixes Hostname not exporting with Results
- Fixes Check Skipping not being accounted for in Exit Code Value
- Adds ability to export additional system info using
/extrasor/ex - Changed Exported Result files to use Hostname if no filename is specified, or if the filename is a directory
Not seeing some Extra Data that you want? Create an issue!
I need your opinion!
Additionally, I have been reached out by a Key Marketplace I have previously bought from in the past for a potential discount affiliate code/sponsorship thing. I don't want to feel like a sellout but it could be a nice kickback if you all think I should go through with it. If you have a moment, please leave your opinion!
Command Line Switches
Below are the available command line switches and their details:
| Switch | Parameters | Description | Added |
|---|---|---|---|
| /e /export /format |
* filetype * filename (optional) |
Exports requirement check results to a file of a certain format. As of 2.6.1.1, If no filename is specified, or if the filename is a directory, the Computer Hostname will be used. Behavior varies by FileType: * CSV: Comma Separated Values, will append without headers to an existing file if one exists. * TSV: Tab Separated Values, will append without headers to an existing file if one exists. * TXT: Plain Text File, will always overwrite existing files with the same name |
2.4.0 |
| /ex /extras |
* extraname | Requires /export. Exports additional data to the file specified based on Comma Separated Value Names:* BUILD: OS Build Number (e.g. 19045) * KEYBOARD: Keyboard Language * LANGUAGE: OS Language * MUI: MUI Language * OS: Operating System (e.g. Win_10) * USER: Username executing WhyNotWin11 Extra Data is appended at the end of the File (TXT) or Line (CSV & TSV) |
2.6.1.1 |
| /f /force |
- | Ignores any OS Environment Incompatibilities, useful for WinPE and other Environments | 2.4.1 |
| /fu /fuonly |
- | Checks TargetVersionUpgradeExperienceIndicators Registry Entries for Feature Update Compatibility instead of Windows 11 Compatibility |
2.6.1 |
| /h /help /? |
- | Displays a help dialog, then exits. Can NOT be used with any other switch | 2.4.0 |
| /s /silent |
- | Does not display the GUI but still runs checks and returns an Exit Code. Exit Code can be obtained using:(Start-Process WhyNotWin11.exe -PassThru -Wait).ExitCode |
2.4.0 |
| /sc /skip |
* checkname | Skips specific checks based on Comma Separated Check Names: * Arch: Skips Architecture Check * Boot: Skips Boot Method Check * Config: Skips Configuration Related Checks (Boot+Disk+Secureboot) * CPU: Skips All CPU Checks (CPUCompat+CPUCores+CPUFreq) * CPUCompat: Skips CPU Compatibility Check * CPUCores: Skips CPU Core Count Check * CPUFreq: Skips CPU Frequency Check * DirectX: Skips DirectX and WDDM2 Check * Disk: Skips Disk Partition Type Check * Hardware: Skips Hardware Checks (Arch+CPU+DirectX+RAM) * RAM: Skips RAM Installed Check * SecureBoot: Skips Secure Boot Check * Storage: Skips Storage Check * TPM: Skips TPM Check Skipped Checks will Return True in File Outputs |
2.6.1 |
| /u /update |
* buildtype (optional) | Downloads the latest of a specified build: * Release: Default if no buildtype is specified * Dev: Latest version automatically compiled based on github commits. |
2.4.2 |
System Requirements
| Minimum Requirements | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 8.1 | Latest Windows 10 Build |
| CPU | 32-bit Single Core | 64-bit Dual Core or Higher |
| RAM (Memory) | 40MB Free | 100MB Free |
| Disk (Storage) | 5MB Free | 100MB Free |
| Limitations | DirectX 12 Check Inaccurate | None |
Image Preview
2.6.1.0 - Skipping to a new Version
There is a known issue with this build that prevents CSV files from outputting correctly. Please use this build until 2.6.1.1 is released
2.6.1.0 comes with the following changes:
- Updates Processor List
- Fixes Intel Processors WMIC Values
- Minor Graphical Layout Improvements
- Added Exception for "RDP Display Adapters"
- Reduces FileWrite calls when Outputting Results
- Adds Ability to Skip Specific Checks using
/skipor/sc - Improve Feature Update Compatibility Results on Windows 11
Command Line Switches
Below are the available command line switches and their details:
| Switch | Parameters | Description | Added |
|---|---|---|---|
| /e /export /format |
* filetype * filepath |
Exports requirement check results to a file of a certain format: * CSV: Comma Separated Values, will append without headers to an existing file if one exists. * TXT: Plain Text File, will always overwrite existing files |
2.4.0 |
| /f /force |
- | Ignores any OS Environment Incompatibilities, useful for WinPE and other Environments | 2.4.1 |
| /fu /fuonly |
- | Checks TargetVersionUpgradeExperienceIndicators Registry Entries for Feature Update Compatibility instead of Windows 11 Compatibility |
2.6.1 |
| /h /help /? |
- | Displays a help dialog, then exits. Can NOT be used with any other switch | 2.4.0 |
| /s /silent |
- | Does not display the GUI but still runs checks and returns an Exit Code. Exit Code can be obtained using:(Start-Process WhyNotWin11.exe -PassThru -Wait).ExitCode |
2.4.0 |
| /sc /skip |
* checkname | Skips specific checks based on Comma Separated Check Names: * Arch: Skips Architecture Check * Boot: Skips Boot Method Check * Config: Skips Configuration Related Checks (Boot+Disk+Secureboot) * CPU: Skips All CPU Checks (CPUCompat+CPUCores+CPUFreq) * CPUCompat: Skips CPU Compatibility Check * CPUCores: Skips CPU Core Count Check * CPUFreq: Skips CPU Frequency Check * DirectX: Skips DirectX and WDDM2 Check * Disk: Skips Disk Partition Type Check * Hardware: Skips Hardware Checks (Arch+CPU+DirectX+RAM) * RAM: Skips RAM Installed Check * SecureBoot: Skips Secure Boot Check * Storage: Skips Storage Check * TPM: Skips TPM Check Skipped Checks will Return True in File Outputs |
2.6.1 |
| /u /update |
* buildtype (optional) | Downloads the latest of a specified build: * Release: Default if no buildtype is specified * Dev: Latest version automatically compiled based on github commits. |
2.4.2 |
System Requirements
| Minimum Requirements | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 8.1 | Latest Windows 10 Build |
| CPU | 32-bit Single Core | 64-bit Dual Core or Higher |
| RAM (Memory) | 40MB Free | 100MB Free |
| Disk (Storage) | 5MB Free | 100MB Free |
| Limitations | DirectX 12 Check Inaccurate | None |
Image Preview
2.6.0.0 - New Year, New Version... New OS?
2.6.0.0 comes with the following changes:
- Minor Translation updates
- Fixes UNC paths for
/exporting - Updated Fallback Processor Lists
- Adds Rounded Corners for Windows 11
- Adds Company Name for some Updaters
- Excludes DisplayLink USB devices from GPU footer
- Shortens Motherboard footer for ASUS, Gigabyte, Microsoft, MSI, and Oracle Devices
Additionally, WhyNotWin12.com and WhyNotWin12.org have been registered for potential upcoming OSes but are not yet live.
Command Line Switches
Below are the available command line switches and their details:
| Switch | Parameters | Description | Added |
|---|---|---|---|
| /e /export /format |
* filetype * filepath |
Exports requirement check results to a file of a certain format: * CSV: Comma Separated Values, will append without headers to an existing file if one exists. * TXT: Plain Text File, will always overwrite existing files |
2.4.0 |
| /f /force |
- | Ignores any OS Environment Incompatibilities, useful for WinPE and other Environments | 2.4.2 |
| /h /help /? |
- | Displays a help dialog, then exits. Can NOT be used with any other switch | 2.4.0 |
| /s /silent |
- | Does not display the GUI but still runs checks and returns an Exit Code. Exit Code can be obtained using:(Start-Process WhyNotWin11.exe -PassThru -Wait).ExitCode |
2.4.0 |
| /u /update |
* buildtype (optional) | Downloads the latest of a specified build: * Release: Default if no buildtype is specified * Dev: Latest version automatically compiled based on github commits. |
2.4.1 |
System Requirements
| Minimum Requirements | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 8.1 | Latest Windows 10 Build |
| CPU | 32-bit Single Core | 64-bit Dual Core or Higher |
| RAM (Memory) | 40MB Free | 100MB Free |
| Disk (Storage) | 5MB Free | 100MB Free |
| Limitations | DirectX 12 Check Inaccurate | None |
Image Preview
2.5.0.5 - Future Proofing
2.5.0.5 comes with the following changes:
- Code Cleanup
- Fixes Dev Builds
- Fixes App Sidebar Icon
- Minor Translation updates
- Fixes DPI scaling for Windows 11
- Adds fixes from 2.5.0.4 that failed to commit
- Fixes CPU Check rarely having wrong status icon
- Changes LTT Sidebar Link to a General Github Profile Link
- Adds BIOS Version to Motherboard info in footer for Support Technicians
- Adds Support for 23H2 and Newer Update Compatibility Status "TargetVersionUpgradeExperienceIndicators"
Command Line Switches
Below are the available command line switches and their details:
| Switch | Parameters | Description | Added |
|---|---|---|---|
| /e /export /format |
* filetype * filepath |
Exports requirement check results to a file of a certain format: * CSV: Comma Separated Values, will append without headers to an existing file if one exists. * TXT: Plain Text File, will always overwrite existing files |
2.4.0 |
| /f /force |
- | Ignores any OS Environment Incompatibilities, useful for WinPE and other Environments | 2.4.2 |
| /h /help /? |
- | Displays a help dialog, then exits. Can NOT be used with any other switch | 2.4.0 |
| /s /silent |
- | Does not display the GUI but still runs checks and returns an Exit Code. Exit Code can be obtained using:(Start-Process WhyNotWin11.exe -PassThru -Wait).ExitCode |
2.4.0 |
| /u /update |
* buildtype (optional) | Downloads the latest of a specified build: * Release: Default if no buildtype is specified * Dev: Latest version automatically compiled based on github commits. |
2.4.1 |
System Requirements
| Minimum Requirements | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 8.1 | Latest Windows 10 Build |
| CPU | 32-bit Single Core | 64-bit Dual Core or Higher |
| RAM (Memory) | 40MB Free | 100MB Free |
| Disk (Storage) | 5MB Free | 100MB Free |
| Limitations | DirectX 12 Check Inaccurate | None |
Image Preview
2.5.0.4 - There's nothing stronger than (Processor) family
2.5.0.4 comes with the following changes:
- Minor Translation updates
- Updated Fallback Processor Lists
- Added Support for Processor Family Detections
- Improved WMIC Performance for CPU Info Checks
- Corrected Icons for both compiled and uncompiled
Manually Updating Older 2.x Builds Processor Compatibility
1, Download SupportedProcessors<name>.txt
2. Place File in %localappdata%\WhyNotWin11

3. Override Existing Files when Prompted

Command Line Switches
Below are the available command line switches and their details:
| Switch | Parameters | Description | Added |
|---|---|---|---|
| /e /export /format |
* filetype * filepath |
Exports requirement check results to a file of a certain format: * CSV: Comma Separated Values, will append without headers to an existing file if one exists. * TXT: Plain Text File, will always overwrite existing files |
2.4.0 |
| /f /force |
- | Ignores any OS Environment Incompatibilities, useful for WinPE and other Environments | 2.4.2 |
| /h /help /? |
- | Displays a help dialog, then exits. Can NOT be used with any other switch | 2.4.0 |
| /s /silent |
- | Does not display the GUI but still runs checks and returns an Exit Code. Exit Code can be obtained using:(Start-Process WhyNotWin11.exe -PassThru -Wait).ExitCode |
2.4.0 |
| /u /update |
* buildtype (optional) | Downloads the latest of a specified build: * Release: Default if no buildtype is specified * Dev: Latest version automatically compiled based on github commits. |
2.4.1 |
System Requirements
| Minimum Requirements | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 8.1 | Latest Windows 10 Build |
| CPU | 32-bit Single Core | 64-bit Dual Core or Higher |
| RAM (Memory) | 40MB Free | 100MB Free |
| Disk (Storage) | 5MB Free | 100MB Free |
| Limitations | DirectX 12 Check Inaccurate | None |
Image Preview
2.5.0.3 - Failing on Success
2.5.0.3 comes with the following changes:
- Updated Disk Info Module
- Fixed WhyNotWin11 Icon when running directly from Source
- Fixes a Crash for Some Users on Successful CPU Compatibility Check
Manually Updating Older 2.x Builds Processor Compatibility
1, Download SupportedProcessors<name>.txt
2. Place File in %localappdata%\WhyNotWin11

3. Override Existing Files when Prompted

Command Line Switches
Below are the available command line switches and their details:
| Switch | Parameters | Description | Added |
|---|---|---|---|
| /e /export /format |
* filetype * filepath |
Exports requirement check results to a file of a certain format: * CSV: Comma Separated Values, will append without headers to an existing file if one exists. * TXT: Plain Text File, will always overwrite existing files |
2.4.0 |
| /f /force |
- | Ignores any OS Environment Incompatibilities, useful for WinPE and other Environments | 2.4.2 |
| /h /help /? |
- | Displays a help dialog, then exits. Can NOT be used with any other switch | 2.4.0 |
| /s /silent |
- | Does not display the GUI but still runs checks and returns an Exit Code. Exit Code can be obtained using:(Start-Process WhyNotWin11.exe -PassThru -Wait).ExitCode |
2.4.0 |
| /u /update |
* buildtype (optional) | Downloads the latest of a specified build: * Release: Default if no buildtype is specified * Dev: Latest version automatically compiled based on github commits. |
2.4.1 |
System Requirements
| Minimum Requirements | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 8.1 | Latest Windows 10 Build |
| CPU | 32-bit Single Core | 64-bit Dual Core or Higher |
| RAM (Memory) | 40MB Free | 100MB Free |
| Disk (Storage) | 5MB Free | 100MB Free |
| Limitations | DirectX 12 Check Inaccurate | None |
Image Preview
2.5.0.2
2.5.0.2 comes with the following changes:
- Minor Translation Updates
- Reverted Status Check Indicators from 2.5.0.1
- Supplemented CPU Compatibility Check with Windows Update Registry Key
- Added Motherboard Info to Footer to Assist Support Reps Assisting End Users
Manually Updating Older 2.x Builds Processor Compatibility
1, Download SupportedProcessors<name>.txt
2. Place File in %localappdata%\WhyNotWin11

3. Override Existing Files when Prompted

Command Line Switches
Below are the available command line switches and their details:
| Switch | Parameters | Description | Added |
|---|---|---|---|
| /e /export /format |
* filetype * filepath |
Exports requirement check results to a file of a certain format: * CSV: Comma Separated Values, will append without headers to an existing file if one exists. * TXT: Plain Text File, will always overwrite existing files |
2.4.0 |
| /f /force |
- | Ignores any OS Environment Incompatibilities, useful for WinPE and other Environments | 2.4.2 |
| /h /help /? |
- | Displays a help dialog, then exits. Can NOT be used with any other switch | 2.4.0 |
| /s /silent |
- | Does not display the GUI but still runs checks and returns an Exit Code. Exit Code can be obtained using:(Start-Process WhyNotWin11.exe -PassThru -Wait).ExitCode |
2.4.0 |
| /u /update |
* buildtype (optional) | Downloads the latest of a specified build: * Release: Default if no buildtype is specified * Dev: Latest version automatically compiled based on github commits. |
2.4.1 |
System Requirements
| Minimum Requirements | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 8.1 | Latest Windows 10 Build |
| CPU | 32-bit Single Core | 64-bit Dual Core or Higher |
| RAM (Memory) | 40MB Free | 100MB Free |
| Disk (Storage) | 5MB Free | 100MB Free |
| Limitations | DirectX 12 Check Inaccurate | None |
Image Preview
2.5.0.1 - Clarity
2.5.0.1 comes with the following changes:
- Minor Translation Updates
- Fixed Guides not being Clickable
- Removed long past Windows 11 release timeframe info
- Added Separate Indicators for Failed Windows Update Checks
- Changed Settings dropdowns to disable if no options available
- Removed no longer needed "Currently Known Requirements" disclaimer
Manually Updating Older 2.x Builds Processor Compatibility
1, Download SupportedProcessors<name>.txt
2. Place File in %localappdata%\WhyNotWin11

3. Override Existing Files when Prompted

Command Line Switches
Below are the available command line switches and their details:
| Switch | Parameters | Description | Added |
|---|---|---|---|
| /e /export /format |
* filetype * filepath |
Exports requirement check results to a file of a certain format: * CSV: Comma Separated Values, will append without headers to an existing file if one exists. * TXT: Plain Text File, will always overwrite existing files |
2.4.0 |
| /f /force |
- | Ignores any OS Environment Incompatibilities, useful for WinPE and other Environments | 2.4.2 |
| /h /help /? |
- | Displays a help dialog, then exits. Can NOT be used with any other switch | 2.4.0 |
| /s /silent |
- | Does not display the GUI but still runs checks and returns an Exit Code. Exit Code can be obtained using:(Start-Process WhyNotWin11.exe -PassThru -Wait).ExitCode |
2.4.0 |
| /u /update |
* buildtype (optional) | Downloads the latest of a specified build: * Release: Default if no buildtype is specified * Dev: Latest version automatically compiled based on github commits. |
2.4.1 |
System Requirements
| Minimum Requirements | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 8.1 | Latest Windows 10 Build |
| CPU | 32-bit Single Core | 64-bit Dual Core or Higher |
| RAM (Memory) | 40MB Free | 100MB Free |
| Disk (Storage) | 5MB Free | 100MB Free |
| Limitations | DirectX 12 Check Inaccurate | None |
Image Preview
2.5.0.0 - WhyNot22H2
2.5.0.0 comes with the following changes:
- Minor Translation Updates
- Minor Error Handling Improvements
- Removed Warning if already running Windows 11
- Updated AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm Processor Lists
- Added Checks for Windows 11 Updates Using
TargetVersionUpgradeExperienceIndicators
Manually Updating Older 2.x Builds Processor Compatibility
1, Download SupportedProcessors<name>.txt
2. Place File in %localappdata%\WhyNotWin11

3. Override Existing Files when Prompted

Command Line Switches
Below are the available command line switches and their details:
| Switch | Parameters | Description | Added |
|---|---|---|---|
| /e /export /format |
* filetype * filepath |
Exports requirement check results to a file of a certain format: * CSV: Comma Separated Values, will append without headers to an existing file if one exists. * TXT: Plain Text File, will always overwrite existing files |
2.4.0 |
| /f /force |
- | Ignores any OS Environment Incompatibilities, useful for WinPE and other Environments | 2.4.2 |
| /h /help /? |
- | Displays a help dialog, then exits. Can NOT be used with any other switch | 2.4.0 |
| /s /silent |
- | Does not display the GUI but still runs checks and returns an Exit Code. Exit Code can be obtained using:(Start-Process WhyNotWin11.exe -PassThru -Wait).ExitCode |
2.4.0 |
| /u /update |
* buildtype (optional) | Downloads the latest of a specified build: * Release: Default if no buildtype is specified * Dev: Latest version automatically compiled based on github commits. |
2.4.1 |
System Requirements
| Minimum Requirements | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 8.1 | Latest Windows 10 Build |
| CPU | 32-bit Single Core | 64-bit Dual Core or Higher |
| RAM (Memory) | 40MB Free | 100MB Free |
| Disk (Storage) | 5MB Free | 100MB Free |
| Limitations | DirectX 12 Check Inaccurate | None |




