Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10: 64-bit CPU, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, UEFI with Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, and a DirectX 12-compatible GPU and 720p display. The easiest way to check compatibility is the official PC Health Check app; it tells you if your PC is ready and, if not, why. Some “unsupported PC” issues can be fixed (enabling TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot in BIOS), but older hardware may never pass the check at that point, the safe move is a new Windows 11-ready machine plus a genuine Windows 11 product key.
Windows 11 minimum system requirements (quick overview)
To run Windows 11, your PC must meet all of these minimum requirements:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster, 2 or more cores, on a compatible 64-bit CPU or SoC.
- RAM: 4 GB or more.
- Storage: 64 GB or more (you may need extra space for future updates).
- System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module 2.0 enabled.
- Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible GPU with WDDM 2.0 driver.
- Display: 9″+ 720p screen, 8 bits per color channel.
- Internet + Microsoft account: required during initial setup for Home and most Pro personal devices.
These requirements are strict: if you miss TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot, Windows 11 setup will normally block the upgrade.
How to check if your PC meets Windows 11 system requirements
Option 1: Use the PC Health Check app (recommended)
- On a Windows 10 PC, download PC Health Check from Microsoft’s official link.
- Install and open the app.
- In the Windows 11 section, click “Check now”.
- You’ll see either:
- “This PC meets Windows 11 requirements”, or
- “This PC doesn’t currently meet…” with details (TPM, Secure Boot, CPU, etc.).
Option 2: Manual quick check
If you prefer doing it manually:
- Check CPU/RAM/storage in Settings → System → About and System → Storage.
- Confirm Secure Boot and UEFI in your firmware settings (typically via Del/F2 on boot).
- Check TPM 2.0 by running tpm.msc in the Run dialog; “TPM Manufacturer Version: 2.0” is what you want.
What to do if your PC is “unsupported”
When PC Health Check says your PC can’t run Windows 11, it’s usually because of:
Things you can fix
- Enter BIOS/UEFI and look for:
- TPM, PTT (Intel) or fTPM (AMD) → set to Enabled.
- Secure Boot → set to Enabled / Standard.
- Save settings, reboot, and re-run PC Health Check.
If the CPU itself isn’t supported, you’re in “hard limit” territory. There are registry hacks and third-party tools that bypass checks, but they are not recommended: you may lose feature and security updates and fall out of support.
Unsupported today? Your upgrade plan
If your PC cannot be brought into compliance:
- Short term: stay on Windows 10 but understand that mainstream support ended on October 14, 2025, and security updates now depend on the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which runs to October 2026.
- Medium term: plan a hardware upgrade (new PC or motherboard/CPU/RAM combo) that meets Windows 11 specs.
- Product Key: once hardware is ready, activate with a genuine Windows 11 product key (Windows 11 Keys / Windows 11 Pro Retail).
FAQ
Does Windows 11 really require TPM 2.0?
Yes. TPM 2.0 is listed as a requirement and is used for security features like BitLocker and Windows Hello. Many PCs from the last 5 years have TPM 2.0 but ship with it disabled in BIOS.
Can I run Windows 11 on an unsupported PC?
There are unofficial workarounds, but Microsoft doesn’t guarantee updates or support for those installs. For security and stability, it’s better to use supported hardware instead of relying on hacks.
Do I need a new product key when I upgrade from Windows 10 to 11?
If you’re using a genuine Windows 10 license, many in-place upgrades keep the activation. But if you’re doing a clean install or changing major hardware, a new Windows 11 product key is often the cleanest path.
What about Copilot+ PCs and “AI PCs”?
Copilot+ branding targets newer hardware with advanced NPUs and higher baselines. If your device doesn’t meet those specs, you can still run Windows 11, but some “AI PC” features may not be available out of the box. (This will evolve over time as Microsoft updates requirements.)
