Can My PC Run Windows 11? Try These Hacks

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If you’re looking to upgrade from Windows 10, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s how to see if your existing PC can run Windows 11 and what you’ll need to do to install the new operating system from Microsoft.

What is Windows 11 Operating System?

Windows 11, the first new version of the world’s most popular desktop operating system in six years, is on its way. It’s a big cosmetic enhancement of Windows 10, with rounded corners for all windows, relocated taskbar icons, and more beautiful Settings dialogues. It’s also a free update, so you’ll probably want to install it as soon as it’s available on your current PC.

Can My PC Run Windows 11?

The good news is that if you’re in the market for a popular desktop or laptop right now, or if you bought one in the last four years, it’s almost certainly already compatible with Windows 11. However, the new OS’s system requirements aren’t straightforward. Microsoft added to the confusion by withdrawing a troublesome compatibility checking tool just a few days after it was released. While third-party applications can analyze your system for Windows 11 compatibility, the only way to be sure you can update right now is to do it manually. So take your current PC’s specifications and follow along as we go over Microsoft’s comprehensive list of requirements.

What are the Hardware Requirements for Windows 11?

The most critical compatibility problems for Windows 11 are whether your PC has the basic processing resources to execute it, as with any new piece of software. Microsoft’s minimal requirements for memory, storage, main CPU, and graphics processor are as follows:

• A minimum of 4GB of system memory is required (RAM).
• At least 64GB of storage space is required.
• One of the officially certified processors (CPUs) may be found on three different lists: AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm.
• A graphics processor is DirectX 12 and Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 2.0 or above compatible.

You may use two built-in programs to see if your existing Windows 10 PC fulfills these minimal requirements. To begin, type “dxdiag” into the Taskbar search box and hit Enter to launch the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. You’ll see your CPU name, maximum RAM, and DirectX version on the System tab once the tool is active. Check to see if your processor’s name appears on one of the three lists above. Click the Display tab and look in the Drivers section to see which WDDM version you have.

Microsoft Windows 11

The last piece of hardware to verify is the size of your boot drive. To do so, open a File Explorer window and go to the left-hand menu and select This PC. The boot drive should be included in the Devices and Drives section, and it’s usually called “Windows (C:).” The graph below the name shows how much of your hard drive space you’ve used and how much is left.

In addition to these fundamental hardware requirements, Microsoft specifies that you’ll need an internet connection and a display with a diagonal size of at least 9 inches and a resolution of 720p or higher. Open Settings > System and look at the Display tab to check your display resolution. You can choose a suggested resolution from the drop-down box under Display Resolution; as long as it’s 1,280 by 720 pixels or greater, you’re set for Windows 11.

Is a TPM Required for Windows 11?

After you’ve confirmed your basic hardware specifications, check to see if your computer supports Trusted Platform Module (TPM) support, which is a new requirement in Windows 11. When you turn on your computer, the TPM generates a unique code known as a cryptographic key. The drive encryption is unlocked, and your computer starts up if everything is normal. Your PC won’t boot up if there’s a problem with the key—for example if a thief took your laptop and tried to tamper with the encrypted drive within.

TPMs are made up of two parts: a physical chip that is separate from the main processor and firmware embedded in it. It’s not easy to tell if your computer has a TPM, but if it meets the hardware requirements above and is less than five years old, it almost certainly does. (For additional information on the Windows 11 TPM requirement, see our dedicated guide at Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security, where a “Device security” module provides security processor details.)

There is a slew of other prerequisites for some of Windows 11’s optional features to work. To use the Auto HDR feature, which expands the colour space to offer enhanced clarity even with non-HDR game titles, you’ll need a 5G-capable modem, and your screen will need to support HDR. Check out Microsoft’s full requirements list for a complete list of these optional capabilities and what they require to function.

What if my computer isn’t capable of running Windows 11?

If your computer fails to meet one or more of the following criteria, it will not be able to run Windows 11. If that’s the case, you have three choices. The simplest option is to stick with Windows 10. Microsoft’s current operating system is already outstanding, and the company has pledged to support it until at least 2025, ensuring that your Windows 10 PC will receive security and feature updates for years to come. The second alternative is to upgrade the component or components that aren’t supported by Windows 11. Some hardware changes are straightforward, while others are unlikely to be worth the money and effort. If your PC or laptop has an easily accessible drive bay or memory slot, you may be able to pick up inexpensive replacements and install them yourself. Here are our guides to memory selection and storage drive replacement.

If all else fails, you can always buy a new PC that comes pre-installed with Windows 11. According to Microsoft, most Windows 10 PCs on the market today will be able to update to Windows 11. In marketing brochures for new PCs, the term “free upgrade to Windows 11” will emerge.

Frequently Asked Questions about Windows 11

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