Core 2 · Chapter 1

Operating System Basics

Windows 11 requirements, editions, boot order, file systems, registry, and accounts.

Windows 11 system requirementsOften missed

TPM 2.0 is mandatory and is often the upgrade blocker — not just RAM or disk size.

Processor: 1.0 GHz or faster, 2 cores minimum.
RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended).
Storage: 64 GB minimum (CompTIA spec; Microsoft marketing numbers can be lower).
Display: 720p, 9" minimum. Firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot capable.

Home: local accounts only, no domain join, no BitLocker, no Remote Desktop host.
Pro: domain join, BitLocker, Remote Desktop, Group Policy.
Enterprise: domain-oriented, full feature set.
Windows 11 is 64-bit.
Same OS family and same bitness can upgrade. 32-bit → 64-bit requires a clean install.
Win10 Home → Win11 Pro can be an in-family upgrade path when licensing allows.

1. POST — BIOS/UEFI checks hardware.
2. Boot loader — locates OS files.
3. Kernel load — Windows core loads.
4. Logon — user authentication.
5. Shell/desktop — GUI loads.
Won't start at all → POST/hardware. BSOD during boot → driver/kernel. Stuck at logon → network/auth. Black screen → often display driver.

Feature	FAT32	NTFS	exFAT
Max file size	4 GB	Huge (16 EB class)	Huge (16 EB class)
Permissions	No	Yes	No
Encryption / BitLocker	No	Yes	No
Journaling	No	Yes	Limited
Best for	Legacy	Internal Windows	USB / cross-platform

Registry is a hierarchical configuration database. Do not edit without a reason; bad edits can prevent boot.
HKLM = hardware, system, services. HKCU = current user settings. System Restore backs up registry.
Administrator = full access. Standard = apps, limited system changes. Guest = very restricted. Service accounts run background services, not interactive logon.
Explicit Deny beats Allow. Group Policy can lock settings company-wide. Use least privilege.