Mavis Beacon on Windows 11: Editions, Requirements and Setup
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Install NowWindows 11 is the newest system that the current Mavis Beacon editions name as supported. Because Windows 11 only exists as a 64-bit system and asks more of the hardware than the typing tutor does, the questions that matter here are which edition you have and whether it was made for a modern PC. If you are new to the program, start with the overview of Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing.
Windows 11 is 64-bit only; see the Mavis Beacon on 64-bit Windows 10 and 11 setup guide for what that means for older editions.
Editions That List Windows 11
Two current titles from Encore Software name Windows 11 Home and Pro in their requirements:
- Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing 2020, released in 2021, the general typing course with assessments, customized lessons, games and progress tracking.
- Mavis Beacon Keyboarding Kidz, also released in 2021, a version for children and tweens with lessons, tests and arcade-style typing games.
Editions sold before Windows 11 appeared, such as the 2013 Family Edition powered by UltraKey, do not list it. Some may still run, but treat that as something to test rather than expect.
What Windows 11 Changes for Older Copies
Microsoft did not release a 32-bit version of Windows 11, but 32-bit programs still run on it. That means most Mavis Beacon releases from the Windows XP and Windows 7 years can at least be tried. The exception is software with 16-bit parts: 64-bit Windows does not run 16-bit programs, so very old releases made for Windows 3.1 or MS-DOS will not start.
Requirements on a Windows 11 PC
For the 2020 edition, the Windows listing asks for a 64-bit Core i3 processor or better, 2 GB of RAM, 1 GB of free disk space, a DirectX 9.0c graphics card with 512 MB of video memory, a 1500x960 display and a broadband internet connection. Keyboarding Kidz asks for 2 GB of free space and 1 GB of video memory.
Any PC that meets Microsoft's own minimum for Windows 11 already has more processor power and memory than this. The points worth checking are free disk space, the display resolution under Settings, System, Display, and a working internet connection.
Installing and Opening the Program
- Download the installer and let it finish before you open it.
- Run the setup file. When User Account Control asks for permission, check that the publisher name matches the edition you expect, then allow it.
- Complete the setup wizard, then restart if the installer asks you to.
- If the installer did not create a desktop shortcut, open Start, select All apps and find Mavis Beacon in the list. You can right-click it and pin it to Start.
For the first launch, profile setup and early lessons, follow the step-by-step install guide.
If an Older Edition Will Not Run
Microsoft's first suggestion is to check the publisher's website for an updated version. If you want to keep an older copy, run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter: open Start, then Settings, System, Troubleshoot, Other troubleshooters, and run Program Compatibility Troubleshooter. Choose the Mavis Beacon program from the list and follow the steps on screen.
Setting up a portable computer? The laptop page covers screen size and other notebook issues, and the Windows 10 page covers the 32-bit and 64-bit question for PCs that have not been upgraded.