By Adam Smart, Ecokeys Support Engineer — Last updated 26 July 2026

Windows 11 Minimum System Requirements

How to Check Windows 11 Compatibility with PC Health Check

Microsoft’s PC Health Check app is the simplest method for most Windows 10 users.

1. Download the PC Health Check app from Microsoft.
2. Install and open the app.
3. Find the Windows 11 compatibility section.
4. Select Check now.
5. Review the result and expand any failed checks.

A compatible PC should receive confirmation that it meets the Windows 11 requirements. When a check fails, the app may identify the processor, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, memory or storage as the cause.

PC Health Check and Windows Update show different results

After changing hardware or enabling TPM and Secure Boot, Windows Update can take time to refresh the device’s eligibility. Run PC Health Check again and allow Windows Update time to reassess the PC.

How to Manually Check Whether Your PC Supports Windows 11

Check the processor, RAM and system type

1. Open Settings > System > About.
2. Under Device specifications, note the processor and installed RAM.
3. Confirm that System type shows a 64-bit operating system and x64-based processor.

The processor name must be checked against Microsoft’s supported processor list. A clock speed above 1 GHz does not automatically make an older processor eligible.

Check the available storage

1. Open Settings > System > Storage.
2. Check the size of the system drive and available free space.

The minimum storage-device size is 64 GB, but the upgrade and future updates require additional free space. A larger SSD generally provides a better experience than installing on a nearly full minimum-size drive.

Check the graphics version

1. Press Windows key + R.
2. Type dxdiag and select OK.
3. Open the Display tab.
4. Check the driver model and DirectX information.

Windows 11 requires DirectX 12 compatible graphics and a WDDM 2.0 driver.

How to Check for TPM 2.0

1. Press Windows key + R.
2. Type tpm.msc.
3. Select OK.

The TPM Management window should show that the TPM is ready for use and that the Specification Version is 2.0.

“Compatible TPM cannot be found”

This does not always mean that the PC lacks TPM hardware. Firmware TPM may be disabled in the UEFI settings.

Depending on the system, the setting may be labelled:

• Intel PTT or Platform Trust Technology
• AMD fTPM
• Security Device Support
• TPM Device

How to Check UEFI and Secure Boot

1. Press Windows key + R.
2. Type msinfo32.
3. Select OK.
4. Find BIOS Mode and Secure Boot State.

For a normal supported Windows 11 installation:

• BIOS Mode should show UEFI.
• Secure Boot State should show On, or the PC must at least be Secure Boot capable.

Secure Boot shows Unsupported

The PC may be using legacy BIOS mode, the system disk may use MBR rather than GPT, or the hardware may not support Secure Boot. Do not change the boot mode without checking the disk configuration and creating a full backup, because an incorrect change can stop Windows from starting.

How to Check Windows 11 Processor Compatibility

Find the exact processor model under Settings > System > About or in Task Manager under Performance > CPU.

Then compare it with Microsoft’s supported processor lists for:

• Intel processors
• AMD processors
• Qualcomm processors

Processor generation is a useful clue, but it is not a complete test. The precise model must be supported.

Example: Ryzen 5 3600 and Windows 11

The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is a 64-bit processor with the required core count and is included among supported AMD processor families for Windows 11. The rest of the PC must still meet the TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, memory, storage and graphics requirements.

Why Does PC Health Check Say My PC Cannot Run Windows 11?

What to Do When Your PC Is Not Compatible

1. Check whether TPM or Secure Boot is simply disabled

Many otherwise compatible PCs fail because a firmware setting is switched off. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before assuming that new hardware is required.

2. Install firmware and driver updates

A BIOS or UEFI update from the PC or motherboard manufacturer may improve compatibility or expose required security settings. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and do not interrupt a firmware update.

3. Upgrade replaceable components

RAM and storage can often be upgraded. Processor upgrades are less straightforward and may require a compatible motherboard, cooling system and firmware.

4. Replace an unsupported PC

When the processor or platform is not supported, replacing the PC is usually safer and more reliable than forcing Windows 11 onto unsupported hardware.

5. Avoid unsupported-installation workarounds

Microsoft does not recommend installing Windows 11 on devices that fail the minimum requirements. Unsupported devices can experience compatibility problems and are not entitled to Microsoft support; updates are not guaranteed.

Can a Compatible PC Still Be Denied the Upgrade?

Yes. Passing the hardware checks does not always mean Windows Update will offer the upgrade immediately. Microsoft can delay an upgrade because of a known driver, application or reliability issue affecting that device.

When the PC passes PC Health Check but Windows Update does not offer Windows 11, install current drivers and updates, then wait for the compatibility hold to be resolved rather than forcing the upgrade.

Before Upgrading to Windows 11

• Create a full backup of important files.
• Check that specialist applications and peripherals support Windows 11.
• Install manufacturer firmware and driver updates.
• Confirm that Windows 10 is activated.
• Record the current Windows edition.
• Make sure sufficient free storage is available.

When the PC is compatible and ready, follow our step-by-step Windows 11 USB installation guide.

Frequently Asked Questions