Is a Discontinued Celeron N4020 CPU Eligible for Windows 11 Upgrade?

Intel's Celeron N4020 processor remains one of the most popular options for budget-friendly laptops. While it has served well for its intended purpose, modern operating systems like Windows 11 come with more robust system requirements. This article explores whether the Celeron N4020 meets these requirements and whether upgrading to Windows 11 is advisable.

What Are the System Requirements for Windows 11?

Windows 11, the latest iteration of Microsoft's flagship operating system, requires specific hardware configurations to ensure optimal performance. Here are the minimum system requirements:

64-bit processor with at least 1 GHz clock speed 2 cores or more 4 GB of RAM (though 8 GB is recommended) 64 GB of available storage DirectX 12 (supported by newer Intel graphics) Display capable of 720p resolution TPM 2.0 (required for secure startup and storage) Secure Boot (to ensure the integrity of the system firmware)

Let's break down how the Celeron N4020 stacks up against these requirements.

Comparing the Celeron N4020 with Windows 11 Requirements

The Celeron N4020 is a dual-core, 64-bit processor with a frequency of up to 2.16 GHz and a TDP of 5 watts. While it meets some basic requirements, such as the 64-bit architecture and 1 GHz clock speed, it falls short in several critical areas:

Lack of TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot Support: Unlike newer processors, the Celeron N4020 does not have TPM 2.0 support or Secure Boot capabilities, which are essential for Windows 11. Performance Limitations: Operating at 5 watts, the Celeron N4020 is significantly less powerful than other processors. It struggles to handle even the basic demands of Windows 10, let alone the more demanding Windows 11.

As a result, devices equipped with the Celeron N4020 are not eligible for upgrading to Windows 11. Potential buyers should consider more powerful processors that meet all the necessary system requirements.

Are There Celeron N4020 Laptops That Run Windows 11?

While the Celeron N4020 does not officially meet the Windows 11 requirements, some manufacturers have found workaround methods to enable dual-booting or running Windows 11. According to reports, several brands such as Acer, Asus, and Lenovo offer solutions for users looking to upgrade to Windows 11 on Celeron N4020 laptops. These enhanced laptops may offer:

Enhanced Firmware: They might come with updated BIOS that includes the necessary TPM 2.0 support. Alternative Configurations: Some devices use additional hardware or software tweaks to meet the TPM 2.0 requirements.

However, these workarounds are not officially supported, and the performance and security implications of such setups can vary.

Conclusion - Is Upgrading to Windows 11 Advisable?

Given the inherent limitations of the Celeron N4020, attempting to upgrade to Windows 11 is highly unlikely to yield satisfactory results. The processor lacks the necessary capabilities to handle the complex operations and security features required by the latest version of Windows. Even if a system can technically run Windows 11 through unofficial means, the user experience is likely to be suboptimal and potentially insecure.

Recommendations:

Consider a processor upgrade to a more powerful option that meets the Windows 11 specifications. Explore alternative operating systems that better align with the Celeron N4020's capabilities. Enroll in a low-cost or value-priced tier of Windows 10 if the Celeron N4020's performance is sufficient for your needs.