ExplainerWindowsWindows 11

Windows 11 system requirements: can your PC upgrade?

What Windows 11 needs from your PC, what TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot mean, how to check your own PC, and the official options if it does not qualify.

  • Updated
  • 10 min
  • Beginner
Applies to
  • Windows 11
  • Windows 10

Rate this guide

Windows 11 runs only on PCs that meet a list of minimum requirements. Each requirement is explained in plain words, with how to check your own PC and what Microsoft says to do if it does not qualify.

Windows 10 no longer gets free updates

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. It no longer gets free security updates or technical support, so a PC still on Windows 10 is more exposed over time. Until you move, avoid risky downloads and sensitive tasks where you can. See what to do about Windows 10 end of support.

The requirements

These are Microsoft's minimums to install or upgrade to Windows 11. A PC must meet all of them.

Windows 11 minimum requirements
PartMinimumIn plain words
Processor1 GHz or faster, 2 or more cores, on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chipMicrosoft keeps a list of supported processors. Age matters, not only speed
Memory (RAM)4 GB or moreWorking memory for open programs
Storage64 GB or more availableUpdates and features can need more over time
GraphicsDirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driverUsually met by any recent PC
System firmwareUEFI, Secure Boot capableThe modern start-up software on the motherboard
TPMTrusted Platform Module 2.0A security chip or firmware feature
Display720p, 9 inches or larger, 8 bits per color channelAlmost every current screen
InternetNeeded for updates; Home needs a Microsoft account to finish first setupSet-up needs a connection

To upgrade directly from Windows 10, the PC must run Windows 10 version 2004 or later with the September 14, 2021 security update or later. Windows 11 Home is the only edition that supports S mode, so other editions must switch out of S mode first, which cannot be undone.

What TPM, UEFI and Secure Boot mean

TPM 2.0
A Trusted Platform Module stores encryption keys safely. Some PCs have a separate chip. Many have the same feature built into the processor, and it may be switched off in the firmware settings.
UEFI
The modern replacement for the old BIOS start-up software. Windows 11 cannot be installed in legacy BIOS mode.
Secure Boot
A UEFI feature that checks the start-up files are trusted. "Secure Boot capable" means the PC supports it, even if it is currently off.
Can this PC run Windows 11?A top-to-bottom flow chart with 6 boxes. Work through them in order and stop when the problem is fixed. The full text follows the picture.Can this PC run Windows 11?NoNoNoRun Microsoft's PC HealthCheck1Does it say the PC can runWindows 11?Yes: Plan your upgrade2Read the reason it gives3Is it TPM or Secure Boot thatis switched off?Yes: Check your maker'smanual4Is the processor or memorytoo old or small?Yes: See the options belowNot sure? Ask the PCmaker's support site.
A no at any point means the PC does not meet the requirements as it is now.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Start: Run Microsoft's PC Health Check
  2. Question 1: Does it say the PC can run Windows 11? If yes: Plan your upgrade. If no, go on to the next item.
  3. Step 2: Read the reason it gives
  4. Question 3: Is it TPM or Secure Boot that is switched off? If yes: Check your maker's manual. If no, go on to the next item.
  5. Question 4: Is the processor or memory too old or small? If yes: See the options below. If no, go on to the next item.
  6. If nothing worked: Not sure? Ask the PC maker's support site.

How to check your own PC

Use the PC Health Check app

  1. Select the search box on the taskbar, type PC Health Check, and open the app. If it is not installed, get it from Microsoft's own website.
  2. Select Check now.
  3. Read the result. The app says whether the PC can run Windows 11 and, if not, which requirement fails.

Check on a Windows 10 PC

Open Settings then Update & Security then Windows Update. If the PC qualifies, Windows Update offers the Windows 11 upgrade. If it does not, a message says the PC is not eligible.

Check TPM and Secure Boot yourself

  1. Press Windows + R, type tpm.msc and press Enter. The window shows whether a TPM is ready and its specification version, which should be 2.0.
  2. Press Windows + R, type msinfo32 and press Enter. Look for BIOS Mode, which should say UEFI, and Secure Boot State.

Do not change firmware settings without a plan

If TPM or Secure Boot is only switched off, your PC maker's support site explains how to turn it on for your model. A wrong firmware change can stop the PC starting, and converting a disk to the UEFI format can erase data. Back up first, and change nothing you are not sure about.

How you can get Windows 11

If the PC qualifies, the lowest-risk route is Windows Update. Microsoft also offers an Installation Assistant that upgrades the PC you are using, and installation media for a fresh install. Both are on Microsoft's Windows 11 download page, and the Installation Assistant and media tool work only on x64 PCs, not Arm-based ones. Step by step help is in how to install or upgrade to Windows 11. To erase and start fresh, see the clean install guide. Back up first with this guide.

If your PC does not qualify

Microsoft's position is that installing Windows 11 on a PC that does not meet the requirements is not recommended. Such a PC would no longer be supported or entitled to updates, and damage from the incompatibility is not covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Do not use tricks or workarounds to get past the checks. Your official options are:

  • Keep Windows 10 for now with Extended Security Updates. Microsoft's consumer program runs until October 12, 2027. It gives only critical and important security updates, with no new features and no technical support.
  • Replace the PC with one that supports Windows 11.
  • Try another system, such as ChromeOS Flex on an old PC, if the PC is only used for browsing and mail.
Dates that matter for Windows 10 PCsA timeline of 3 events in date order. The full text follows the picture.Dates that matter for Windows10 PCsSep2021Update needed toupgradeWindows 10 needs theSeptember 14, 2021security update or laterOct2025Windows 10 supportendsNo more free updates ortechnical supportOct2027Consumer ESUprogram endsSecurity fixes only, untilOctober 12, 2027
Dates are from Microsoft's published information.
Text version of this diagram
  • Sep 2021: Update needed to upgrade. Windows 10 needs the September 14, 2021 security update or later
  • Oct 2025: Windows 10 support ends. No more free updates or technical support
  • Oct 2027: Consumer ESU program ends. Security fixes only, until October 12, 2027

Frequently asked questions

Is the Windows 11 upgrade free?

For eligible PCs, Windows Update offers it at no charge. Do not buy a key from an unknown seller. Use Microsoft's own pages.

My PC has a TPM but the app says no. Why?

The TPM may be switched off in firmware, or it may be an older version than 2.0. tpm.msc shows the version.

Does my PC need an internet connection to run Windows 11?

Only for set-up on Home, updates and some features. Microsoft says Home needs internet and a Microsoft account to finish first-time setup.

Can Windows 11 run on an Arm PC?

Yes, on Arm PCs that come with it. Microsoft's media tool and Installation Assistant do not support Arm. Arm owners should wait for a Windows Update message that the upgrade is ready.

Was this guide helpful?

Choose from 1 star (not helpful) to 5 stars (very helpful)

Rating this guide needs JavaScript. You can send feedback on the contact page instead.

Official resources used

Pages consulted while preparing this guide. Check them for the latest details.

Need more help?

If this guide did not solve your problem, send us a message and tell us what you tried.

Contact us

Beware of fake support

Real support never asks you to call an unfamiliar number, pay with gift cards or let a stranger control your computer.

Read how to stay safe online