How to check if your device is Windows 11 compatible in Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 11 features more demanding hardware requirements than Windows 10. If you’re considering upgrading your laptop or PC to Windows 11, be sure your equipment meets these requirements. This guide will explain how to find out whether your device is compatible with Windows 11, what hardware is needed, and how to find out if your device qualifies for the upgrade.
Windows 11 Minimum Hardware Requirements
Before you can tell if your device is compatible with Windows 11, you need first educate yourself with Microsoft’s recommended hardware requirements. Below is a brief summary of the essential minimal requirements:
Processor (CPU):
- Architecture: 64-bit
- Speed: At least 1 GHz
- Cores: Minimum of 2 cores
- Supported Processors: Microsoft has provided a list of compatible processors. Generally, this includes:
- Intel: 8th generation or newer (Core i3, i5, i7, i9, and some Celeron, Pentium processors)
- AMD: Ryzen 2000 series or newer
- ARM: Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 or newer
If your processor is older or not on the compatibility list, it won’t be able to run Windows 11.
RAM (Memory):
- Minimum: 4 GB
This is fairly standard, and most modern systems should easily meet this requirement.
Storage:
- Minimum: 64 GB of available storage
This ensures that your system can install and run Windows 11, along with necessary updates. If you have insufficient storage, consider upgrading your hard drive or SSD.
System Firmware:
- Required: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
The more recent alternative to the outdated BIOS is called UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). It enables more sophisticated security features and quicker startup times. Secure Boot stops harmful or unauthorized applications from starting up during the boot process.
TPM (Trusted Platform Module):
- Required: TPM version 2.0
Passwords and encryption keys are among the private information that is encrypted on your device via TPM, a hardware-based security mechanism. Devices lacking TPM 2.0 will not be able to upgrade to Windows 11, as it is a required requirement.
Graphics Card:
- Minimum: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x driver
For Windows 11 to function properly, your GPU must be compatible with DirectX 12, a contemporary graphics API. Your system might not be able to run Windows 11’s newest graphics improvements if it has an outdated GPU.
Display:
- Minimum: 9” diagonal display with HD resolution (720p)
This criteria should be satisfied by the majority of contemporary laptops and monitors, but it’s important to consider, particularly for gadgets with smaller screens.
Internet Connection:
- Required for Initial Setup and Updates
For the initial setup, update downloads, and Microsoft account login, your device will require an internet connection in order to install or upgrade to Windows 11. A connection to the internet is also necessary for certain functions, such as Microsoft Teams.
How to Check If Your Device Is Windows 11 Compatible
Utilize the PC Health Checker
Microsoft provides PC Health Check, an official program, to check if your machine satisfies Windows 11 minimal requirements.
How to Use the Tool for PC Health Check:
Get the Tool Here: Download the PC Health Check program by going to Microsoft’s official Windows 11 page.
Install and Run: Launch the utility when it has been installed. It will automatically compare the hardware specifications of your device to those of Windows 11.
Examine the findings: If your PC qualifies for the upgrade, the utility will let you know. If not, it will indicate which hardware specifications are not satisfied (e.g., unsupported CPU, no TPM 2.0
Manual Checks of Important Hardware Elements
You can manually check to see whether your hardware satisfies the requirements if your computer fails the PC Health Check.
Verify the compatibility of the processor:
Look up the model of your CPU and compare it to Microsoft’s official list of compatible CPUs to see whether it is supported.
Newer or eighth-generation Intel CPUs (such as the Core i3, i5, i7, and i9) are included in this list. Supported AMD Ryzen CPUs are those from the 2000 series or later.
Check TPM 2.0:
- Your device must have TPM 2.0 enabled in order to run Windows 11. To find out if TPM is installed and activated, use these steps:
- Press Win + R to bring up the Run dialog box.
- After typing tpm.msc, press Enter.
- Locate the TPM Manufacturer Information area in the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Management window.
- Verify that 2.0 is the specification version.
- You might need to enable TPM 2.0 in the BIOS settings of your device if it isn’t already enabled (see below).
Check for Secure Boot and UEFI:
- Use these procedures to see if your device supports Secure Boot and UEFI:
- To launch the System Information tool, press Win + R, type msinfo32, and hit Enter.
- Check for Secure Boot State and BIOS Mode.
- UEFI should be mentioned as the BIOS Mode.
- You should have Secure Boot State enabled.
- You might need to visit the BIOS/UEFI settings and activate Secure Boot if it isn’t already enabled. Typically, this is done by pressing a key like F2 or Delete during boot.
Check Storage Space:
Make sure you have at least 64GB of free storage. To accomplish this, go to Settings > device > Storage and ensure that your device has enough open space for Windows 11.
On devices running Windows 10, use the Get Windows 11 app.
The Get Windows 11 app, which is accessible through Windows Update, is another option if you’re using Windows 10. This application will walk you through the process of upgrading to Windows 11 and let you know if your present hardware qualifies.
Tools for Manufacturers
To determine whether your system satisfies Windows 11’s requirements, several device makers offer their own tools or information. For instance, compatibility checkers may be available for download from Dell, HP, Lenovo, and other companies. Look for any available tools on the support or download page of your manufacturer’s website.
What Happens If Your Device Cannot Complement It?
You have a couple choices if your device doesn’t satisfy Windows 11’s basic requirements:
Upgrade Hardware: You may want to think about changing your hardware if your CPU is old or does not include TPM 2.0. For instance, TPM 2.0 may be added or enabled in the BIOS of a lot of motherboards.
Keep Using Windows 10: Up to October 14, 2025, Microsoft will keep providing security updates for Windows 10. You may comfortably use Windows 10 for a few more years if updating to Windows 11 is not an option.
Purchase a New Computer: It could be time to spend money on a new computer that satisfies the hardware requirements for Windows 11 if your existing system is incompatible.
Conclusion:
Checking a number of variables, including CPU compatibility, TPM version, system firmware, and accessible storage, can help you determine whether your device is compatible with Windows 11. It is advised to physically verify important hardware components like TPM and Secure Boot, even though Microsoft offers tools like the PC Health verify program to facilitate this procedure.
You may determine whether your device satisfies Windows 11 requirements by following the instructions in this tutorial, and if not, you can take the necessary action. Whether you want to purchase a new computer, upgrade, or stick with Windows 10, being knowledgeable will help you make the best choice for your requirements.
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