General FAQ

General questions about AtlasOS features, updates, and usage.

Keeping AtlasOS updated

Keep your AtlasOS installation current for the latest features, security updates, and compatibility. Update options depend on your version.

Update options by version:

Version Windows Update Updating Atlas Support from Atlas Team
v0.3.x

Cannot upgrade to v0.5.0

No support

No support
v0.4.0

Cannot upgrade to v0.5.0

No support

No support
v0.4.1 (W11 24H2)

Can directly upgrade to v0.5.0

Fully supported

Supported
v0.5.0 (24H2 & 25H2)

Will be able to upgrade to future versions

Will be supported in the future

Supported

Checking your AtlasOS version

Atlas doesn’t display its version in Windows Settings. To check your version:

  1. Compare installation date: Check the Atlas releases page - if you installed before a release date, you’re on that version or earlier
  2. Check the Playbook: If you still have the Atlas Playbook file (.apbx) you used to install, its filename often includes the version (e.g., Atlas Playbook 0.5.x)
  3. Atlas folder: Open the Atlas folder on your Desktop or at C:\Windows\AtlasDesktop - some scripts may reference the version; otherwise, use the methods above

Performance

Will AtlasOS improve my gaming performance?

Atlas includes optimizations that may improve gaming performance by reducing background processes and system overhead. Results vary by hardware and usage.

How much faster is AtlasOS?

Performance improvements vary by hardware and usage. Many users report:

  • Reduced RAM usage
  • Lower CPU overhead
  • Faster boot times
  • Improved gaming frame rates

What optimizations does AtlasOS include?

Atlas applies privacy, usability, and performance tweaks:

  • Removes telemetry and unnecessary services
  • Optimizes system processes
  • Disables background tasks
  • Improves resource allocation

Compatibility

Can I use Windows Store apps?

Yes, Windows Store apps work normally with AtlasOS.

Will my existing software work?

Most Windows software works with Atlas. Some enterprise software may require specific Windows features that Atlas has optimized.

Can I use Windows Update?

Yes, Windows Update works normally. You can configure driver updates through the Atlas folder.

Enabling TPM

Windows 11 requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 to be enabled. If you encounter an error that your PC doesn’t meet the requirements during installation, you may need to enable TPM in your BIOS/UEFI.

Proceed with caution

Modifying BIOS/UEFI settings incorrectly can cause system instability. Only change settings you understand. Consult your motherboard or manufacturer’s documentation if unsure.

Steps

  1. Restart your computer and immediately press the BIOS/UEFI key repeatedly (common keys: DEL, F2, F10, F12, ESC - check your manual or startup screen).

  2. Find the TPM setting - Look in sections like Security, Advanced, Trusted Computing, or CPU Configuration. Setting names may include:

    • TPM / TPM Device / TPM State
    • Intel CPUs: PTT (Platform Trust Technology)
    • AMD CPUs: fTPM or AMD fTPM switch

  3. Enable TPM - Change from Disabled to Enabled (or On / Available / Firmware TPM).

  4. Save and exit - Use Save Changes and Exit (often F10), then retry the Windows installation.

Security and AtlasOS

Atlas lets you choose your security level. You can toggle Windows Defender, mitigations, and automatic Windows updates. Atlas alerts you through pre-install prompts, documentation, and Atlas folder scripts. You can change security settings anytime after install.

Compared to unmodified Windows: Microsoft Windows is the most trusted and secure. Atlas aims for similar security while being transparent. Atlas is open source; AME Beta’s backend is open source under MIT.

Legacy versions (v0.3 and earlier): Insecure and unsupported. Reinstall Windows and upgrade to the latest version. Newer versions add Windows Update, Defender, UAC by default, Core isolation, and improved transparency.

Resetting Atlas

The Windows “Reset this PC” feature doesn’t work with Atlas. Atlas makes deep changes that Reset cannot handle—it will likely fail or leave your system broken.

To start fresh with Atlas: Follow the Installation Guide (clean install).

To remove Atlas: Follow the Reverting Atlas guide.

Game troubleshooting

Roblox not launching

  1. Change time and date: Settings Date & time - turn off “Set time automatically”, add one day to the date, then re-enable automatic time after a day.
  2. Enable TPM and Secure Boot in BIOS.
  3. Enable UAC: Control Panel Change User Account Control settings - set to Level 1, 2, or 3. If UAC was disabled (Level 0), reinstall Roblox after enabling it.

FIFA and EAFC not launching

FIFA and EAFC require Windows Defender to be enabled. Open the Atlas folder, go to 7. Security Defender, and run Toggle Defender.cmd.

Microsoft Store

The Microsoft Store works the same as on unmodified Windows. If you have issues, they are usually unrelated to Atlas. Try:

  1. Press Win + R, type wsreset -i, press Enter
  2. Open Microsoft Store, go to Downloads and Updates, wait for it to update