Purpose: Ensuring a Single, Effective Line of Defense

To ensure your computer is protected by a reliable and up-to-date security system, we perform routine health checks. This check verifies that your computer’s security software is compatible with our company standards and is not causing conflicts that could slow down your device or, worse, leave it vulnerable.

Our goal is to ensure one strong security system is doing its job effectively, rather than having multiple programs that might interfere with each other.

How it Works: Avoiding a “Security Guard Standoff”

Think of your computer’s security like having a security guard for a building. Our company provides a professional, highly effective guard: Microsoft Defender. It’s built into Windows and designed to work seamlessly with all our business tools.

Sometimes, computers come from the factory with a different security guard already installed (like a free trial of McAfee, Norton, or Kaspersky).

If you have two security guards trying to do the same job, they can get in each other’s way, argue over who is in charge, and ultimately do a worse job of protecting the building. This is what can happen on your computer, causing:

• Significant system slowdowns.
• Conflicts that block legitimate business applications.
• Gaps in protection.

Our health check looks for these “extra” security programs and also flags any that are severely outdated.

What Your Results Mean

Status	What It Means	What To Do
PASS	No Conflicting Software Found Your computer is protected by our standard, compatible security software (Microsoft Defender) without any known conflicts.	No action is required. Your system is secure and configured correctly.
WARNING	Conflicting or Outdated Software Detected We found an additional or outdated security program on your computer. This is very common, as trial versions are often pre-installed by manufacturers.	Action is recommended: The best and safest solution is to uninstall the conflicting software. When you remove the other program, our standard security tool, Microsoft Defender, will automatically take over and provide full protection. You can find instructions for uninstalling applications in your Windows settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Isn’t having more than one antivirus program better?

• It may seem like it, but in reality, it’s not. Multiple antivirus programs actively fight each other for control of the system, which degrades performance and can create security holes. One strong, well-managed program is far more effective.

Did I do something wrong by having this software?

• Almost certainly not. In over 90% of cases, this software comes pre-installed on new computers from manufacturers like Dell, HP, or Lenovo. This check is just part of our routine process to ensure system health.

Will I be unprotected if I uninstall my current antivirus?

• No. Your computer has Microsoft Defender built-in. It is a robust, enterprise-grade security solution that is always running in the background. As soon as you uninstall the conflicting program, Defender will become the primary, active protector of your system.

Purpose: Providing a Foundational Layer of Security

To protect our company’s data and devices, it’s critical to stop threats before they can even start. The “Secure Boot” health check verifies that your computer has a fundamental security feature that acts as a security guard during its startup process.

This is one of the most important security requirements for Windows 11, as it prevents sophisticated viruses from loading before your anti-virus software even has a chance to run.

How it Works: A Digital Bouncer for Your PC

Think of Secure Boot as a bouncer or security guard at the front door of your computer.

1. When you press the power button, this “bouncer” immediately gets to work, before Windows even begins to load.
2. It checks the “ID” of every piece of essential software that tries to run, including the core of the Windows operating system itself.
3. Only software with a legitimate, trusted digital signature from Microsoft or the computer manufacturer is allowed to load.
4. If it detects an unauthorized piece of software—like a hidden virus trying to take control—it stops the boot process cold, preventing the threat from infecting your system.

Our health check simply confirms that your computer has the capability to perform this critical security check at startup.

What Your Results Mean

The check verifies that your computer’s hardware is capable of using Secure Boot.

Status	What It Means	What To Do
PASS	Secure Boot Capable Your computer has the necessary hardware and firmware to use this essential security feature. It meets the modern standard for startup protection.	No action is required. Your device has the correct security foundation.
ACTION REQUIRED(Fail)	Secure Boot Not Supported Your computer’s hardware is older and does not support this critical security feature. This makes it more vulnerable to advanced threats and is not compatible with Windows 11.	This cannot be fixed with a software update. This is a hardware limitation. Please contact the IT Help Desk immediately to schedule a device replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this so important? My computer has anti-virus software.

• Anti-virus software is essential, but it only starts running after Windows has loaded. Secure Boot protects you during the vulnerable first few seconds of startup, stopping a type of threat that traditional anti-virus programs can’t see.

Can you just install Secure Boot on my computer?

• Unfortunately, no. Secure Boot is a feature built directly into the computer’s core hardware and its startup instructions (firmware). If the computer was not manufactured with this capability, it cannot be added later.

My check passed. Does that mean Secure Boot is always on?

• It means your computer has the ability to use it, which is the most important part. For specific IT maintenance tasks, it may be temporarily disabled, but our check confirms your device has this non-negotiable security capability built-in.

How does this relate to the “Boot Method” (UEFI) check?

• They are part of the same security team. The modern UEFI boot method is the system that enables the Secure Boot “bouncer” to do its job. You need both to be compliant with modern security standards.

Purpose: Ensuring a Smooth and Trouble-Free System Update

To keep our computers secure and running the latest software, we periodically perform major system updates, like the upcoming move to Windows 11 version 24H2. This health check verifies that your computer’s main storage drive has enough free, temporary workspace to complete this process smoothly and without errors.

Ensuring you have enough free space is the single most important step you can take to guarantee a fast and successful upgrade with no disruption to your files or work.

How it Works: Renovating a Room

Think of the Windows upgrade process like renovating a room in your house.

1. Your hard drive is the room, and your files, apps, and settings are the furniture.
2. To renovate, you can’t just bring in the new flooring and paint. You first need empty floor space to move the furniture around, unpack the new materials, and work.
3. The upgrade process does the same thing. It needs a large, temporary “work area” on your hard drive (we recommend at least 30 GB) to:
   • Unpack the new version of Windows.
   • Safely move your personal files and settings out of the way.
   • Install the new system.
   • Put all your files and settings back where they belong.

After the “renovation” is complete, the temporary workspace is cleaned up and removed. This check simply measures if you have enough empty floor space to begin.

What Your Results Mean

Status	What It Means	What To Do
Ready for Upgrade(Pass)	You have plenty of free space. Your computer has more than enough “workspace” for the upgrade to proceed smoothly.	No action is required. You are all set.
Action Recommended(Warning)	Your free space is getting tight. You have the bare minimum space needed, but clearing some room is highly recommended to prevent the upgrade from being slow or failing.	Action is needed: Please free up some space on your main drive (see suggestions below).
Action Required(Fail)	Insufficient free space. There is not enough “workspace” for the upgrade to run. The update will fail if you do not free up a significant amount of space.	Action is required: You must free up space on your main drive (see suggestions below).

How to Free Up Space – Simple and Safe Tips

• Empty your Recycle Bin: Right-click the Recycle Bin on your desktop and select “Empty Recycle Bin.”
• Move Files to OneDrive: Move large work documents, presentations, or project folders from your Desktop or Documents folder into your company OneDrive. They will remain fully accessible but won’t take up space on your local computer.
• Clear your Downloads folder: Delete installers and other large files from your Downloads folder that you no longer need.
• Uninstall unused applications: Remove any programs you no longer use via the “Add or remove programs” setting in Windows.

Purpose: Ensuring a Responsive and Productive Experience

To ensure your computer operates at a speed that supports your daily work without lags or delays, we perform routine health checks on all devices. The “Processor Speed” check verifies that your computer’s processor (its “brain”) operates fast enough to run modern applications and the Windows 11 operating system effectively.

This check helps us guarantee a baseline level of performance, so you are not slowed down by your tools.

How it Works: The Engine’s Speed

The best way to understand a processor’s speed (also called frequency) is to think of it as the speed of a car’s engine.

• This speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz). A higher number means the engine can perform its work faster.
• A processor with a low speed will struggle and feel sluggish when handling today’s software, just like a car with a weak engine struggles to get up a hill.

Our health check simply reads the advertised speed of your computer’s processor to ensure it meets the recommended minimum of 1.0 GHz. This is the accepted industry minimum for a responsive user experience.

What Your Results Mean

The check determines if your processor’s speed meets this minimum performance standard.

Status	What It Means	What To Do
PASS	Sufficient Speed Detected Your computer’s processor meets or exceeds the 1.0 GHz speed requirement. It is fast enough to handle today’s business applications without performance issues.	No action is required. Your device meets the performance standard.
ACTION REQUIRED(Fail)	Insufficient Speed Detected  Your computer’s processor operates below the 1.0 GHz minimum. This will result in a consistently slow and frustrating experience, with lag during video calls, slow application loading, and general sluggishness.	This cannot be fixed with a software update. Processor speed is a built-in hardware characteristic. Please contact the IT Help Desk immediately to schedule a device replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my computer’s speed a problem now? It used to be fine.

• As software has become more powerful and complex, the minimum processing speed required for a smooth experience has increased. A speed that was acceptable five years ago is now a significant bottleneck that can hinder your productivity with modern tools like Microsoft Teams or when using multiple applications.

Can’t you just make my processor faster?

• Unfortunately, no. A processor’s maximum speed is set when it is manufactured and cannot be increased. The only way to improve it is to replace the computer with a device that has a more powerful, modern processor.

How is this different from the “CPU Core Count” check?

• They measure two different aspects of performance.
  • Core Count is like the number of workers you have for multitasking.
  • Processor Speed is how fast each of those workers can think. A modern computer needs both enough workers (cores) and for each worker to be fast enough (speed) to provide a good experience.

Purpose: Ensuring a Responsive and Productive Experience

To ensure your computer operates at a speed that supports your daily work without lags or delays, we perform routine health checks on all devices. The “Processor Speed” check verifies that your computer’s processor (its “brain”) operates fast enough to run modern applications and the Windows 11 operating system effectively.

This check helps us guarantee a baseline level of performance, so you are not slowed down by your tools.

How it Works: The Engine’s Speed

The best way to understand a processor’s speed (also called frequency) is to think of it as the speed of a car’s engine.

• This speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz). A higher number means the engine can perform its work faster.
• A processor with a low speed will struggle and feel sluggish when handling today’s software, just like a car with a weak engine struggles to get up a hill.

Our health check simply reads the advertised speed of your computer’s processor to ensure it meets the recommended minimum of 1.0 GHz. This is the accepted industry minimum for a responsive user experience.

What Your Results Mean

The check determines if your processor’s speed meets this minimum performance standard.

Status	What It Means	What To Do
PASS	Sufficient Speed Detected Your computer’s processor meets or exceeds the 1.0 GHz speed requirement. It is fast enough to handle today’s business applications without performance issues.	No action is required. Your device meets the performance standard.
ACTION REQUIRED(Fail)	Insufficient Speed Detected  Your computer’s processor operates below the 1.0 GHz minimum. This will result in a consistently slow and frustrating experience, with lag during video calls, slow application loading, and general sluggishness.	This cannot be fixed with a software update. Processor speed is a built-in hardware characteristic. Please contact the IT Help Desk immediately to schedule a device replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my computer’s speed a problem now? It used to be fine.

• As software has become more powerful and complex, the minimum processing speed required for a smooth experience has increased. A speed that was acceptable five years ago is now a significant bottleneck that can hinder your productivity with modern tools like Microsoft Teams or when using multiple applications.

Can’t you just make my processor faster?

• Unfortunately, no. A processor’s maximum speed is set when it is manufactured and cannot be increased. The only way to improve it is to replace the computer with a device that has a more powerful, modern processor.

How is this different from the “CPU Core Count” check?

• They measure two different aspects of performance.
  • Core Count is like the number of workers you have for multitasking.
  • Processor Speed is how fast each of those workers can think. A modern computer needs both enough workers (cores) and for each worker to be fast enough (speed) to provide a good experience.

Purpose: Cataloging Advanced Device Capabilities

To get a complete picture of the tools our employees use, we run health checks that identify the various capabilities of our company computers. The “Optional Features” check is an inventory—it looks for a wide range of modern, “nice-to-have” hardware features that enhance the user experience but are not required for day-to-day work.

This is an informational check only. Your result has no impact on your computer’s performance or its eligibility for the Windows 11 upgrade.

How it Works: A Car’s Window Sticker

Think of this check like reading the window sticker on a new car.

• Every car has the essentials: an engine, wheels, and a steering wheel. That’s your Standard PC.
• Some cars come with premium extras: a sunroof, a high-end sound system, leather seats, or advanced safety sensors. These are the Optional Features.

This check simply takes a look at your computer’s “window sticker” to see which of these premium options are included. It looks for a variety of enhancements, such as:

• Advanced AI Processors (NPUs)
• Ultra-Vibrant HDR Displays
• Built-in 5G Cellular Connectivity
• Biometric Logins (Face or Fingerprint)
• Touchscreens

What Your Results Mean

This check summarizes how many of these premium “extras” your computer has. There is no “fail” status.

Status	What It Means	What To Do
Highly Featured	Your device is equipped with many modern features. Your computer has a wide range of optional hardware, making it well-suited for a variety of advanced tasks and providing a premium user experience.	No action is required. Your device has advanced capabilities.
Standard	Your device is a solid, reliable work computer. It has all the essential hardware for your job. While it may not have all the latest “bells and whistles,” it is a fully capable and supported device.	No action is required. This is the standard for most work computers and is perfect for all business needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

My computer has a “Standard” rating. Is it outdated or bad?

• Not at all. A “Standard” device is a dependable workhorse and is the configuration for the majority of our computers. It is fully supported and perfect for your role.

Will this prevent me from getting the Windows 11 upgrade?

• Absolutely not. This check is purely informational. The features it looks for are all optional and are not required for Windows 11 compatibility.

Why are you checking for features I may not even use?

• This inventory helps the IT department understand the overall capabilities of our company’s devices. This knowledge helps us plan for future software rollouts and support our employees more effectively.

Do I need a “Highly Featured” device for my job?

• For most roles, no. A standard device is all you need. Highly featured devices are typically assigned based on specific job functions that can benefit from the extra capabilities. There is no need to request a different computer based on this result.

Purpose: Identifying Computers with Built-in AI Acceleration

To prepare for the next generation of software, we are identifying computers that contain a new, specialized type of processor called an NPU (Neural Processing Unit). This check determines if your computer has an NPU and measures its power, which is essential for running advanced “Copilot+ PC” features directly on your device.

This check helps us understand which devices are ready for the future of on-device artificial intelligence.

How it Works: A Dedicated Brain for AI

Think of your computer’s main processor (CPU) as its general-purpose brain—it’s smart and handles all the day-to-day tasks.

• An NPU is like a second, highly specialized brain built specifically for AI tasks.
• This AI brain handles things like real-time language translation or advanced image creation incredibly fast, without slowing down your main processor.
• The power of this AI brain is measured in TOPS, which you can think of as its “AI Horsepower.” To qualify as a high-performance “Copilot+ PC,” a device needs an NPU with at least 40 TOPS of horsepower.

Our health check looks for this dedicated AI brain and measures its horsepower.

What Your Results Mean

The check will result in one of three outcomes. This is an informational check about a new feature, so no immediate action is required.

Status	What It Means	What To Do
High-Performance AI Processor(Pass)	Your device is a Copilot+ PC. It has a powerful, dedicated AI brain with 40+ TOPS of horsepower, ready for the most advanced, on-device AI features.	No action is required. Your device is fully future-ready.
Basic AI Processor(Warning)	Your device is AI-Ready. It has a first-generation AI brain, but with less than 40 TOPS of horsepower. It can accelerate some AI tasks but won’t support all the new Copilot+ features.	No action is required. Your device still has enhanced capabilities.
Standard PC (No AI Processor)(Fail)	Your device is a standard PC. It does not have a dedicated AI brain. It relies on its main processor for all tasks and is not a Copilot+ PC.	No action is required. Your computer is a fully supported device for all standard business work.

Frequently Asked Questions

My computer doesn’t have an NPU. Is it broken or obsolete?

• Not at all. NPUs are a very new technology. Most computers in use today are “Standard PCs” and are perfectly capable and fully supported for all business needs.

What are “Copilot+ PC” features?

• These are advanced AI features that run instantly on the device, such as recalling anything you’ve seen on your screen or providing live translation during calls. These require the horsepower of a dedicated NPU.

Will I still be able to use AI on my standard PC?

• Yes. You will continue to use the powerful cloud-based AI in Microsoft 365, Teams, and other applications. This check is only about the new features that run locally on the device itself.

Do I need to request a new computer if mine doesn’t have an NPU?

• No. This is not necessary. Our standard technology refresh process will ensure employees receive computers with the latest technology, including NPUs, as older devices are phased out.

Purpose: Actively Testing Your First Line of Defense Against Online Threats

The biggest security threats to our company often start with a single click on a malicious link in an email or on a website. To ensure you are protected, this health check actively tests if your computer’s built-in security is working correctly to block you from accessing these dangerous sites.

This is not a passive scan; it’s a live fire drill for your web security to confirm it protects you from phishing attacks and malware.

How it Works: A Safe Trip to a “Bad” Neighborhood

Think of your computer’s web protection (Microsoft Defender SmartScreen) as a digital security guard. Its job is to stop you from entering known dangerous locations online.

To test if your guard is awake and on duty, we do the following:

1. We instruct your computer to visit a completely harmless test website that our security systems are programmed to recognize as “bad.” (The address is literally internetbadguys.com).
2. We then watch to see what happens.
   • If your security is working, the guard steps in and blocks the connection. You’ll see an error message or a warning page stating the site is unsafe. This is a successful test.
   • If your security is not working, you will successfully connect to the harmless test page. This shows the guard is not doing its job, leaving you vulnerable to real threats.

What Your Results Mean

This is one of our most critical security checks. Your result determines if you are actively protected from online scams.

Status	What It Means	What To Do
Protected(Pass)	Your web protection is active and working. Your computer correctly identified and blocked the test site, proving it will protect you from known phishing and malware links.	No action is required. Your digital security guard is on duty.
Action Required(Warning)	Your web protection is not working. Your computer failed to block the test site. This is a significant security risk, as you are not being protected from malicious links.	This is a critical security issue. Please contact the IT Help Desk immediately. This cannot be ignored, as it leaves you and the company vulnerable to attack.
Test Inconclusive(Fail)	The test could not be completed. We were unable to determine the status of your web protection, most likely due to a network issue (e.g., you were not connected to the internet).	Please take the following steps: 1. Ensure you are connected to the internet. 2. Restart your computer and allow the health check to run again. 3. If you still see this result, contact the IT Help Desk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did you actually make my computer visit a dangerous website?

• No. We use a special, harmless website owned by industry security experts specifically for this kind of testing. It contains no malicious code whatsoever.

My web browser seems to be working fine. Why did I get an “Action Required” warning?

• Web protection can fail silently. You won’t know it’s disabled until you click a real phishing link and it’s too late. This test is designed to find these silent failures so we can fix them proactively.

What kind of threats does this protect me from?

• This is your primary defense against phishing attacks, where criminals try to trick you into entering your password on a fake login page. It also blocks sites that try to secretly install malware on your computer.

Purpose: Identifying Devices with Enhanced Visual Quality

To understand the full capabilities of our company’s computers, we perform routine health checks. The “HDR Display” check identifies whether your computer’s screen and graphics system support High Dynamic Range (HDR), a premium feature that provides a richer, more vibrant visual experience.

This is an informational check only. Your result does not impact your computer’s performance or eligibility for software upgrades like Windows 11.

What is an HDR Display?

Think of the difference between a standard television and a new, high-end 4K aTV.

• A Standard Display is like a regular television. It shows a perfectly good picture that is clear and functional for all work tasks.
• An HDR Display is like that premium 4K TV. It can show a much wider range of colors, much deeper blacks, and much brighter whites. For videos, images, or applications that support it, the picture is noticeably more lifelike and detailed.

HDR is a “nice-to-have” feature that enhances visual quality, but it is not required for any business tasks. Our health check simply identifies if your computer has this built-in capability.

What Your Results Mean

This check determines if your device has an HDR-capable screen and graphics card. There is no “pass” or “fail.”

Status	What It Means	What To Do
HDR Capable	Your device has an HDR-enabled screen. For supported content (like high-quality videos or graphics), your display can produce more vibrant and realistic images.	No action is required. This is a premium feature of your device.
Standard Display	Your device has a standard, high-quality screen. It is a fully functional display that is perfect for all your daily work, but it does not have the specialized hardware for HDR.	No action is required. This is the standard configuration for most work computers, and your device is fully supported.

Frequently Asked Questions

My screen isn’t HDR. Is it outdated or low quality?

• Not at all. Your computer has a modern, high-quality display that is perfectly suited for business use. HDR is an optional, premium feature, much like a sunroof in a car—the car works perfectly without it.

Will this prevent me from upgrading to Windows 11?

• No. This check is purely informational and has no effect on your ability to use Windows 11 or any other software.

Do I need an HDR display for my work?

• No. Standard displays are excellent for all business applications, including email, documents, spreadsheets, and video conferencing. HDR provides a cosmetic enhancement for creative or media-focused work but is not a requirement.

Do I need to do anything if my screen is not HDR capable?

• No action is needed. This check simply helps us catalogue the features of our computer fleet.

Purpose: Ensuring a Smooth and Modern Visual Experience

To ensure your computer provides a smooth, responsive, and modern visual experience, we perform routine health checks on all devices. This specific check verifies that your computer’s graphics system—the part responsible for everything you see on your screen—meets the standard required by Windows 11.

This is important for the look and feel of the operating system, from crisp window animations to clear video playback, ensuring a more productive and pleasant user experience.

How it Works: The Language of Graphics

Think of your computer’s graphics card as a specialized artist that draws all the windows, text, and videos on your screen. To work effectively with a modern operating system like Windows 11, this artist needs two things:

1. To speak the right language (DirectX 12): This is the modern programming language that software uses to tell the artist what to draw.
2. To follow the latest rules (WDDM 2.0): This is a set of rules from Microsoft that ensures the artist works reliably and efficiently with the rest of the computer.

Our health check simply confirms that your computer’s graphics system speaks this modern language and follows the current rules.

What Your Results Mean

The check determines if your graphics hardware and software are up to the Windows 11 standard.

Status	What It Means	What To Do
PASS	Modern Graphics System Detected Your computer’s graphics system is fully compatible with Windows 11 and can handle all its visual features smoothly.	No action is required. Your system is up to date.
ACTION REQUIRED(Fail)	Outdated Graphics System Detected Your computer’s graphics hardware is older and does not support the modern standards. This can cause visual glitches, poor performance, and is not compatible with Windows 11.	This is typically a hardware limitation. You may first try running Windows Update to see if a newer driver is available. If the issue persists, please contact the IT Help Desk to schedule a device replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

My screen works fine. Why did this check fail?

• While your screen can display a basic image, older graphics hardware may struggle with the demands of a modern operating system. This can lead to stuttering animations, screen-sharing issues in Teams, or general sluggishness because the hardware isn’t efficient enough. This check ensures your device provides a high-quality visual experience, not just a basic one.

Can’t you just install an update to fix this?

• Sometimes a driver update can help, but often this issue is tied to the physical graphics chip in the computer. If the chip itself was not built to support DirectX 12, no software update can add that capability. It’s like trying to make an old television show a high-definition movie—the underlying technology just isn’t there.

Did I do something wrong?

• Not at all. This result is based on the hardware your computer was built with. Our goal is to proactively identify devices that won’t provide a good experience with modern software and get them replaced.