WhyNotWin11

WhyNotWin11 2.7.0

Detection Script to help identify why your PC isn't Windows 11 Release Ready

  • By Robert C. Maehl
  • Open Source
  • Updated Oct 7, 2025
Download for Windows

About WhyNotWin11

Detection Script to help identify why your PC isn't Windows 11 Release Ready

What's new in 2.7.0

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 …

Full release notes »

Technical details

PublisherRobert C. Maehl
Version2.7.0
Release date2025-10-07
LicenseLGPL-3.0
Installer typeportable
Architecturex86, x64
Package IDrcmaehl.WhyNotWin11

Install WhyNotWin11 from the command line

Install with Windows Package Manager
winget install --id=rcmaehl.WhyNotWin11 -e
Update to the latest version
winget upgrade --id=rcmaehl.WhyNotWin11 -e
Uninstall
winget uninstall --id=rcmaehl.WhyNotWin11 -e

WhyNotWin11 adds this command to the command line: whynotwin11.

windows11

WhyNotWin11 version history

2.6.1.1 Oct 10, 2024

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 /extras or /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:
────────────────────┬────────────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── …

2.5.0.4
2.5.0.3

Frequently asked questions

Is WhyNotWin11 free?

Yes. WhyNotWin11 is free and open-source software released under the LGPL-3.0 license.

What is the latest version of WhyNotWin11?

The latest version is 2.7.0, released on Oct 7, 2025.

Is it safe to download WhyNotWin11?

The download button links to the official installer published on github.com, the same file Windows Package Manager installs. You can verify the downloaded file by comparing its SHA-256 checksum with 433bca5da906c35029a7cdf55f0739553602649f58acd2b9cdebafdeaba23edb.

Which Windows versions does WhyNotWin11 support?

WhyNotWin11 runs on Windows and is available for 32-bit (x86), 64-bit (x64) systems.

How do I uninstall WhyNotWin11?

Open Settings › Apps › Installed apps, find WhyNotWin11 and select Uninstall. From the command line, run winget uninstall --id=rcmaehl.WhyNotWin11 -e.