Skip to main content

What are the requirements to run Windows 11?

Chances are you've heard of Windows 11 by now. It's the latest and greatest version of Microsoft's popular operating system. But are you wondering if your PC can run it?

Unlike past versions, Windows 11 has some strict install requirements. This has been causing controversy, but if you purchased your PC in the last few years, you should be able to run Windows 11 just fine.

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

5 minutes

What You Need

  • An internet connection

  • A Windows 10 PC

That's why we put together this guide looking at all the requirements for Windows 11. From TPM to disk space, processor, and more, here's what you need to know.

windows 11 moves to finally kill control panel
Microsoft

Basic requirements to run Windows 11

To run Windows 11, your system needs to meet Microsoft's minimum system requirements. In the event that it doesn't fit what we've mentioned here, then you might want to buy a new PC. If you're unsure of any of these specs, check with your PC marker.

  • Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC). The processor must be Intel 8th-generation or newer or AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer. Microsoft has a full list of supported processors on its website.
  • RAM: 4GB, if your PC has less than 4GB, you can consider adding additional RAM. Check with your PC maker first.
  • Storage: 64 GB or larger. If your PC is low on storage, check out our guide on how to manage disk space.
  • System Firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot capabilities. We talked about using UEFI in a separate post.
  • TPM: Version 2.0. Our guide covers how you can check for this.
  • Graphics card: DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
  • Display: High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9 inches diagonally, 8 bits per color channel.
  • Internet: Windows 11 Home edition requires internet connectivity and a Microsoft account.
windows 11 requirements pc health check
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to check PC if your PC can run Windows 11

Now that you understand the minimum requirements to run Windows 11, you can check to see if your PC works with it. Microsoft makes this easy with the PC Health Check app. It's an official app you can download straight from Microsoft. Here's how you can get started with it.

Step 1: Visit Microsoft's website and download the PC Health Check app. Look for the Download PC Health Check App button on the page.

Step 2: Once the download is finished, launch the installer. Follow the steps on your screen. The app will then install and you can search for "PC Health Check" in your Start Menu to launch the app.

Step 3: When the app is running, click the Check Now button at the top to check if your PC meets the system requirements. If all is well, you'll see a box pop up notifying you that your system is compatible. For more information, click See All Results. You'll see how each of your PC's components stacks up against Microsoft's list.

If your PC isn't compatible, then you can try upgrading your RAM, storage, motherboard and processor, and add a TPM 2.0 chip to your system so it can fit the requirements. If you can't do that, then buying a new PC is a better option. We have a list of the best laptops and desktops that can help.

Editors' Recommendations

Arif Bacchus
Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…
How to join the Windows Insider program
The Dell XPS 13 on a table with the Start Menu open.

The Windows Insider program is Microsoft's early-release testing platform for new Windows builds and features. It's the only place to get access to the Microsoft Copilot at this time, so if you're keen to play around with the smartest version of Clippy to date, then you'll need to sign up, and join the Dev channel. For anyone interested in other upcoming features (or more stable builds) there are other channels to consider, too.

Whichever one you want to sign up to, though, joining is pretty straightforward. Here's how to do it.

Read more
The latest Windows Update is reportedly causing Starfield problems
A man walking into a dusty town on another planet in starfield.

If you've installed the latest Windows 11 update and you've been experiencing all sorts of issues ever since, you're not alone And if you're still yet to install it, it's probably best hold off on it for now. Many users have been reporting problems following the recent update, including crashes, slowdowns, and blue screens of death (BSOD). Gamers appear to be affected most of all, with some reporting stuttering in Starfield and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. 

Following the latest update released on Patch Tuesday, various reports of problems started pouring in across social media and Microsoft's Feedback Hub. Microsoft itself hasn't spoken up about this yet, but considering the number of reported issues, we could soon hear an official comment on the situation. If you've already installed the update and aren't experiencing problems, you have nothing to worry about. If you have installed and are encountering issues, it's best to revert to the previous version and reach out through the Feedback Hub.

Read more
The best Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts
Close up of Microsoft Surface Pro 6 keyboard.

Keyboard shortcuts can speed up even the most mundane of Windows 10 tasks. Learning the best of them can make your PC experience faster, more efficient, and, in some cases, even more enjoyable.

These are the essential Windows 10 shortcuts that can make you feel more like a PC wizard. A master of the keys, so to speak.

Read more