11/27/2024 Windows Comment

How to Check if Your PC Meets the Windows 11 Minimum System Requirements

Windows 11 is here, bringing a fresh design and exciting features in Windows operating systems. But before upgrading, you need to confirm whether your device supports Windows 11. This guide will walk you through the steps to check your PC’s compatibility and how to meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11.

Windows 11 Minimum System Requirements

To install Windows 11, your device must meet the minimum system requirements. These include:

Processor: 1 GHz or faster with at least 2 cores on a 64-bit compatible processor or System on a Chip (SoC).
RAM: 4 GB or more.
Storage: 64 GB or more.
System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.0 driver.
Display: A high-definition display with at least 720p resolution and a screen size greater than 9 inches diagonally.
Internet Connection: Required for initial setup and updates. Windows 11 Home Edition specifically requires internet connectivity and a Microsoft account to complete the installation.

Visit Microsoft’s official page on system requirements for Windows for more detailed information.

How to Check Your PC’s Compatibility

Checking if your PC meets Windows 11 requirements is simple with Microsoft’s PC Health Check app or through manual verification. Follow the steps below to ensure your device setup is ready.

Using the PC Health Check App

Download the PC Health Check app from the Microsoft website.
Install and launch the application.
Click Check Now to analyze your system compatibility.
Review the results. The app will highlight any components that do not meet the minimum system requirements.

Manual Compatibility Check

For those who prefer manual verification, check the following components:

Processor and RAM: Go to Settings > System > About to view your processor and memory specifications.
TPM Version: Press Windows + R, type tpm.msc, and hit Enter to confirm that your Trusted Platform Module is version 2.0.
Secure Boot: Enter your system BIOS or UEFI settings (refer to your PC manufacturer’s instructions) and ensure Secure Boot is enabled.

What to Do If Your PC Doesn’t Meet the Requirements

If your PC is running Windows 10 but doesn’t meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11, here are your options:

Upgrade Hardware: Consider upgrading your processor, RAM, or enabling TPM to meet the hardware requirements.
Bypass Restrictions: Some advanced users have found ways to bypass restrictions, but this may limit access to Windows updates and features.
Stay on Windows 10: Windows 10 version updates will continue until October 14, 2025, providing time to plan for future upgrades.

FAQs About Windows 11 Requirements

Can I install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware?

Yes, but unsupported devices may not receive regular Windows updates and could face compatibility issues.

What happens if I don’t upgrade to Windows 11?

Your PC will remain on Windows 10, which is supported for several years. However, you’ll miss out on the new features in Windows 11.

Conclusion

Ensuring your PC supports Windows 11 is essential for a smooth upgrade to Windows. Use the PC Health Check app or manually verify your system components, including TPM version 2.0, Secure Boot, and WDDM 2.0 drivers. If your device doesn’t meet the system requirements for Windows 11, you can either upgrade your hardware or continue running Windows 10 until it reaches its end of support.

Ready to make the jump? Check your compatibility today and unlock the full potential of Windows 11!