Windows 11 Compatibility: How to Check If Your PC Makes the Cut
Windows 11 has been out for a while now, and if you’re still running Windows 10, you might be wondering: Can my PC handle the upgrade? Or worse, why won’t my PC upgrade?
Before you shake your fist at Microsoft, let’s break down how to check your PC’s compatibility and what might be holding it back.
How to Check if Your PC Can Run Windows 11
The easiest way to check if your computer can run Windows 11 is to use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool. Here’s how:
Download the PC Health Check tool from Microsoft’s official website.
Install and run the tool – it’s quick and painless
Click ‘Check now’ – the tool will analyze your hardware and tell you if your PC is eligible.
If you get a green checkmark, congratulations! You can upgrade. If not, keep reading– we’ll figure out what’s going on.
Why Won’t My PC Upgrade to Windows 11?
There are a few common reasons why your PC might be stuck in Windows 10 limbo:
Your Processor Isn’t Supported: Windows 11 requires an Intel 8th Gen or AMD Ryzen 2000 series processor (or newer). If your processor is older, Microsoft has decided you’re living in the past and won’t let you upgrade – at least, not officially.
You Don’t Have TPM 2.0: One of the biggest roadblocks is Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0. This security feature is required for Windows 11, and if your PC doesn’t have it enabled, you’ll get a compatibility error. You can check by: Pressing Windows + R, typing tpm.msc, and hitting Enter. If it says TPM 2.0 is ready for use, you’re good. If not, check your BIOS – it may just need to be enabled.
Secure Boot Isn’t Enabled: Windows 11 requires Secure Boot, another security feature. You can check this by: Pressing Windows + R, typing msinfo32, and looking for “Secure Boot State.” If it’s ‘Off,’ you might need to enable it in your BIOS.
Not Enough RAM or Storage: Windows 11 requires 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. If you’re low on space, consider a good spring cleaning (aka deleting those old downloads you forgot about).
Your Graphics Card Isn’t Up to Snuff: You’ll need a DirectX 12-compatible GPU. If you’re running an older integrated graphics card, that could be the issue.
Windows 11 System Requirements
If you want to upgrade, your PC needs to meet these minimum requirements:
Processor: 1GHz or faster, Intel 8th Gen/AMD Ryzen 2000 or newer
RAM: 4GB minimum (but really, aim for 8GB+)
Storage: 64GB minimum (SSD recommended)
TPM: Version 2.0
Secure Boot: Enabled
Graphics: DirectX 12-compatible GPU
Display: 720p resolution or higher, 9”+ screen
Internet Connection: Required for initial setup and updates
What If My PC Doesn’t Meet the Requirements?
If your PC isn’t eligible, you have a few options:
Upgrade your hardware – Adding RAM, a new CPU, or enabling TPM might make your PC Windows 11-ready.
Stick with Windows 10 – It’s supported until October 14, 2025, so you have time.
Find a solution that works best for your needs – If upgrading or sticking with Windows 10 isn't ideal, consider other alternatives. You might explore using Linux if you want a free, lightweight OS, or check out cloud-based computing solutions like Windows 365 for business environments. If your primary concern is security, investing in extended security updates for Windows 10 could be an option. The best choice depends on your specific requirements and how you use your PC.
Windows 11 brings some nice features, but not every PC is invited to the party. Check your compatibility, weigh your options, and decide whether it’s worth upgrading now – or waiting until the next version of Windows inevitably shakes things up again.
Still have questions or need assistance schedule a call with us or visit our Learning Center for more information. We're here to help!
