System Requirements to Install Windows 11
Check whether your computer is compatible with the latest version of Windows before upgrading.
Before trying to upgrade, check whether your machine meets the requirements — Windows 11 is considerably more demanding than Windows 10 in this specific respect.
The full requirements
| Component | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz, 2 cores or more, 64-bit, from a list of compatible models |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB |
| Firmware | UEFI with Secure Boot |
| TPM | Version 2.0 |
| Graphics | DirectX 12 compatible |
The requirement that rules out the most machines: TPM 2.0
TPM 2.0 is the reason why many machines, even powerful ones, are left out of the official upgrade. Most PCs sold from 2018 onward include it, although it sometimes comes disabled by default in the BIOS/UEFI, not entirely absent.
How to check without guessing
The most reliable way is Microsoft's official free app, "PC Health Check" — you download it, run it, and it tells you with certainty whether your machine is compatible, and if not, which specific requirement fails.
Tip: if the app says TPM 2.0 fails, before giving your machine up for lost, go into the BIOS/UEFI and check whether the option exists (sometimes called "PTT" on Intel or "fTPM" on AMD) — it may simply be disabled, not absent from the hardware.
What if my machine doesn't meet the requirements?
There are unofficial methods to install Windows 11 bypassing these requirements, but we do not recommend them: you are left without official Microsoft support, with no guarantee of receiving future security updates normally, and with the possibility of running into unresolved compatibility problems. If your machine does not meet the requirements, the more sensible options are to stay on Windows 10 with the paid ESU programme while you decide, or to upgrade the missing hardware.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know for certain if my PC is compatible with Windows 11?
The most reliable way is Microsoft's official, free 'PC Health Check' app, which analyses your machine and tells you exactly which requirement fails, if any does.
Is it safe to install Windows 11 bypassing the requirements?
We do not recommend it — you are left without official Microsoft support and without a guarantee of receiving security updates normally in the future, plus a higher risk of compatibility problems.
Is TPM 2.0 always absent on older machines?
Not always — many machines from 2018 onward have it built in, but disabled by default in the BIOS/UEFI. It is worth checking there before assuming your machine is not compatible.