Windows 11 Compatibility Requirements Explained

Can Your PC Run Windows 11?

Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than any previous Windows version, and many perfectly functional PCs can't upgrade. This has confused a lot of people who have computers that run Windows 10 fine but are mysteriously blocked from Windows 11. Let's break down what the requirements actually mean, why Microsoft made them so strict, and what to do if your PC doesn't qualify.

Quick Compatibility Check

Download Microsoft's PC Health Check tool from Microsoft's website and run it. It will tell you immediately if your PC can run Windows 11. If it says no, the most common blockers are: TPM 2.0 missing or disabled, CPU too old (needs 8th gen Intel or Ryzen 2000 series minimum), or Secure Boot disabled.

The Hard Requirements

Windows 11 requires ALL of these:

1. Processor (CPU)

• Intel: 8th generation Core (2017) or newer
• AMD: Ryzen 2000 series (2019) or newer
• Specific model must be on Microsoft's supported CPU list

This is the requirement that blocks most PCs. A perfectly functional Intel 7th gen i7 from 2016 doesn't qualify, despite being quite capable.

2. TPM 2.0

Trusted Platform Module 2.0 is a security chip (or firmware feature) that encrypts data and verifies system integrity. Many PCs from 2016-2018 have TPM 2.0 but it's disabled in BIOS by default.

3. Secure Boot

A security feature that prevents malware from loading during boot. Most PCs since 2012 support it, but it's often disabled.

4. UEFI Firmware

Replaces old BIOS. Most PCs since 2012 have UEFI, though some might be in "Legacy BIOS" mode.

5. RAM

4GB minimum, but Windows 11 really needs 8GB to run comfortably.

6. Storage

64GB minimum. Also needs to be SSD for practical performance.

7. Graphics

DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.0 driver. Most GPUs from 2015+ qualify.

8. Display

720p resolution minimum, 9" screen.

Why These Strict Requirements?

Microsoft's Official Reasons:

1. Security: TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot provide hardware-based security against malware and rootkits
2. Reliability: Newer CPUs have features that improve stability
3. Performance: Older hardware struggles with Windows 11's interface

The Cynical Take:

Pushing people to buy new PCs boosts Microsoft's hardware partners and makes the Windows ecosystem look more modern. Many 7th gen Intel PCs run Windows 11 fine when you bypass the checks.

The truth is probably somewhere in between. The security improvements are real, but the strict CPU cutoff does seem arbitrary.

Checking Your PC's Compatibility

Method 1: PC Health Check Tool (Easiest)

1. Download "PC Health Check" from Microsoft's website
2. Run it and click "Check now"
3. It tells you yes/no and what's blocking you if no

Method 2: Manual Check

Check CPU:

1. Right-click Start, select System
2. Look at Processor line
3. Google "[your CPU model] Windows 11 compatible"

Check TPM:

1. Press Win+R, type tpm.msc, press Enter
2. If it opens and shows "TPM 2.0" under Specification Version, you have it
3. If it says "Compatible TPM cannot be found," it's either missing or disabled

Check Secure Boot:

1. Press Win+R, type msinfo32, press Enter
2. Look for "Secure Boot State"
3. Should say "On" - if it says "Off" or "Unsupported," it's disabled or unavailable

Enabling TPM and Secure Boot

If your PC is blocked only because TPM or Secure Boot are disabled, you can enable them in BIOS:

Accessing BIOS

1. Restart your PC
2. During boot, press the BIOS key repeatedly (usually F2, F10, F12, or Delete - watch screen for "Setup" message)
3. You'll enter BIOS/UEFI settings

Enabling TPM

1. Look for Security or Advanced tab
2. Find "TPM," "PTT" (Intel), or "fTPM" (AMD)
3. Change from Disabled to Enabled
4. Save and exit (usually F10)

Enabling Secure Boot

1. In BIOS, find Boot or Security tab
2. Look for "Secure Boot"
3. Change from Disabled to Enabled
4. Save and exit

Warning: Enabling Secure Boot on a PC that was running Windows in Legacy BIOS mode may prevent Windows from booting. You may need to reinstall Windows in UEFI mode. Backup first.

What If Your CPU Is Too Old?

If your CPU doesn't meet the requirements, you have several options:

Option 1: Stay on Windows 10 (Until October 2025)

Windows 10 support ends October 14, 2025. You can keep using it until then, but after that you won't get security updates. This is the simple option if you're planning to replace your PC in the next year anyway.

Option 2: Continue Using Windows 10 (Unsupported)

Your PC will continue working after October 2025, but without security updates you're vulnerable to new threats. This is risky for internet-connected PCs, especially for banking or sensitive data.

Option 3: Bypass the Requirements (Unsupported)

There are workarounds to install Windows 11 on unsupported PCs. This involves registry edits or using modified installers. Microsoft doesn't officially support this, and you might not get updates.

We don't recommend this for most people. If something breaks, Microsoft support won't help you.

Option 4: Replace Your PC

If your PC is 7+ years old and doesn't meet Windows 11 requirements, replacement makes sense. You're buying time by staying on Windows 10, but the clock is ticking until October 2025.

Option 5: Switch to Linux

For tech-savvy users, Linux distributions like Ubuntu or Linux Mint run great on older hardware and receive ongoing security updates. But this requires learning a new system and checking that your software works on Linux.

Common Questions About Windows 11 Requirements

"My PC runs Windows 10 fine, why can't it run Windows 11?"

Windows 11's interface and security features do require more resources, but honestly, many older PCs could probably run it. Microsoft drew a hard line for support and security reasons, even if it meant excluding capable hardware.

"Will Microsoft extend Windows 10 support?"

They've given no indication they will. October 14, 2025 is the current end date. Plan accordingly.

"Can I pay for extended Windows 10 support?"

Microsoft offers paid Extended Security Updates for businesses, but it's expensive and not offered to home users.

"What happens after Windows 10 support ends?"

Your PC keeps working. You can still use it, install programs, etc. You just won't get monthly security patches, which means new vulnerabilities discovered after October 2025 won't be fixed.

Making Your Decision

If Your PC Meets Requirements

Upgrade to Windows 11 when you're ready. It's free, and you'll have continued support. The interface takes some getting used to, but it's fine once you adjust.

If Your PC Is Close (Just Needs TPM/Secure Boot Enabled)

Enable them in BIOS and upgrade. This is a simple fix.

If Your CPU Is Too Old But PC Is Less Than 7 Years Old

This is frustrating - your PC works fine but Microsoft drew the line just before your model. You can stay on Windows 10 until late 2025, then reassess. Maybe Microsoft will relent on requirements, or you'll replace it by then.

If Your PC Is 7+ Years Old

Plan to replace before October 2025. You can keep using Windows 10 until then, but you'll need to upgrade eventually.

Checking Before Buying a New PC

If you're buying a new PC, verify it includes:

• Windows 11 pre-installed OR
• Explicit "Windows 11 ready" marketing OR
• CPU from 2018 or newer (8th gen Intel+, Ryzen 2000+)

Any PC sold new in 2024+ should support Windows 11, but verify to be safe, especially for budget or refurbished models.

Need Help Determining Your Options?

Figuring out whether your specific PC can run Windows 11, whether you should enable TPM/Secure Boot, or what your best path forward is can be confusing. BIOS settings vary by manufacturer, and making the wrong choice can cause boot issues.