Your PC can run Windows 11 if it meets Microsoft's minimum requirements: a compatible 64-bit processor, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, and a TPM 2.0 security chip, among others. The quickest way to find out is Microsoft's free PC Health Check app, or simply checking Windows Update for an upgrade offer.
Here's exactly what Windows 11 needs, how to check your PC in a few minutes, the most common reasons PCs fail the check, and what to do if yours can't upgrade.
The quick answer
- Check Windows Update: if your PC meets the requirements, Microsoft says you should see an option to upgrade to Windows 11 for free.
- Run the PC Health Check app on Windows 10 for a full compatibility check.
- Common blockers are an older processor, TPM 2.0 switched off, or Secure Boot not enabled.
- If your PC can't upgrade, Microsoft's options are Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 through October 12, 2027, or moving to a new Windows 11 PC.
Windows 11 minimum requirements
These are Microsoft's published minimum requirements for installing Windows 11:
| Component | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
Processor | 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores, on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC) |
RAM | 4 GB |
Storage | 64 GB or larger |
System firmware | UEFI, Secure Boot capable |
TPM | Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 |
Graphics card | Compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver |
Display | High definition (720p), larger than 9 inches diagonally, 8 bits per color channel |
To upgrade from Windows 10, your PC must be running Windows 10 version 2004 or later.
How to check if your PC can run Windows 11
Option 1: Check Windows Update
On Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates. According to Microsoft, if your PC meets the minimum requirements, you should see an option to upgrade to Windows 11 for free.
Option 2: Use the PC Health Check app
Microsoft's PC Health Check app assesses whether a Windows 10 PC can run Windows 11 and tells you which requirement, if any, it doesn't meet. Microsoft notes that the app doesn't check the graphics card or display, because most compatible devices meet those requirements.
Option 3: Check your specs yourself
- Processor and RAM: go to Settings > System > About and look under device specifications.
- Storage: go to Settings > System > Storage to see your drive's capacity.
- TPM: press Windows key + R, type tpm.msc and press Enter. The window shows whether a TPM is present and its specification version.
- Secure Boot: press Windows key + R, type msinfo32 and press Enter, then look for Secure Boot State in the System Summary.
You can also ask your PC's manufacturer, which Microsoft suggests if you're unsure.
Why PCs fail the Windows 11 check
- The processor isn't on the compatible list. Windows 11 needs a compatible 64-bit processor, and many older PCs don't have one. This is usually the hardest requirement to fix.
- TPM 2.0 is present but switched off. Many PCs have a TPM that's disabled in the firmware settings. Microsoft publishes instructions on how some PCs can be enabled to meet this requirement.
- Secure Boot isn't enabled. Microsoft also explains how some PCs can be set up to meet the UEFI and Secure Boot requirement.
- Too little storage or memory, such as a drive smaller than 64 GB or less than 4 GB of RAM.
If you're not comfortable changing firmware settings, your PC's manufacturer or a local repair shop can check for you.
What to do if your PC can't run Windows 11
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft gives two routes if your PC can't upgrade:
- Stay on Windows 10 with Extended Security Updates (ESU). Enrolled PCs continue to receive critical and important security updates through October 12, 2027. You enroll from Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Enrollment is free if you sync your PC settings with Windows Backup, or costs 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or a one-time $30, and one license covers up to 10 devices.
- Move to a new Windows 11 PC, and trade in or recycle the old one.
ESU delivers security fixes only; it doesn't add features or make an older PC any faster. If you're keeping a Windows 10 PC going until 2027, it's worth keeping it clean and well maintained in the meantime.
What about Copilot+ PCs?
Copilot+ PCs are a class of Windows 11 AI PCs with higher requirements than standard Windows 11. On top of the minimum requirements, Microsoft says they need a processor with a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of more than 40 trillion operations per second, 16 GB of DDR5 or LPDDR5 memory, and 256 GB of SSD or UFS storage. You don't need a Copilot+ PC to run Windows 11; they're only required for certain on-device AI features.
Keep your PC running well on Windows 11 or Windows 10
Whether you upgrade or stay on Windows 10 for now, an older PC benefits from regular maintenance. System Mechanic® from iolo runs on Windows 11, 10 and 8. Its Smart ActiveCare® uses AI to detect and repair more than 30,000 different issues while your PC is idle, LiveBoost increases the speed and availability of CPU, RAM and drive resources, and it removes more than 50 types of hidden junk files. It also patches Windows security vulnerabilities, and the Pro and Ultimate Defense editions add real-time antivirus. One subscription covers up to 10 devices, meaning the personal computers in your home, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my PC can run Windows 11?
Check Windows Update on Windows 10: if your PC meets the requirements, Microsoft says you should see an option to upgrade for free. For a detailed answer, run Microsoft's PC Health Check app, which tells you which requirement your PC doesn't meet.
What are the minimum requirements for Windows 11?
A 1 GHz or faster compatible 64-bit processor with 2 or more cores, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, DirectX 12-compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver, and a 720p display larger than 9 inches.
Is the upgrade to Windows 11 free?
If your PC meets the minimum requirements and runs Windows 10 version 2004 or later, Microsoft offers the upgrade for free through Windows Update.
Why does my PC say it can't run Windows 11?
The most common reasons are an older processor that isn't on the compatible list, TPM 2.0 being switched off, or Secure Boot not being enabled. Microsoft publishes guidance on how some PCs can be enabled to meet the TPM and Secure Boot requirements.
What happens if my PC can't upgrade?
You can stay on Windows 10 and enroll in Extended Security Updates, which keep delivering critical and important security updates through October 12, 2027, or move to a new Windows 11 PC.
Do I need a Copilot+ PC for Windows 11?
No. Copilot+ PCs have higher requirements, including an NPU capable of more than 40 trillion operations per second and 16 GB of memory, but they're only needed for certain AI features. Any PC that meets the standard minimum requirements can run Windows 11.
