If you’re still running Windows 10 and wondering whether your PC can handle Microsoft’s newer operating system, it’s worth checking before you upgrade. Windows 11 has stricter hardware and security requirements that might leave some older computers behind, but it’s compatible with the majority of modern PCs
Watch this: How to install Windows 11 with an update or a bootable USB
Annoyingly, Microsoft’s own tool for determining device compatibility — the PC Health Check app — wasn’t up to par when Microsoft first announced Windows 11 (there were reports it didn’t give people enough information about why their devices weren’t compatible), so the company temporarily removed the app. But Microsoft’s PC Health Check is now back online and in working order. The app will tell you if your computer meets the requirements to run Windows 11 — and if your PC doesn’t, the tool will tell you why and provide links for more support.
Watch this: Windows 11: Will your computer be able to run it? What to know
But that’s not the only way to check if your device will work with Windows 11. Read on for all of your options for checking Windows 11 device compatibility. If your device doesn’t meet eligibility requirements, it might be time for a PC upgrade.
Option 1: Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check app to see if your computer can run Windows 11
Follow these steps to test whether your PC meets the system requirements for Windows 11.
1. Download Microsoft’s PC Health Check. Open the file, agree to the terms of service and click Install. Make sure the box is checked that says Open PC Health Check, and click Finish.
Here’s what you’ll see after running the updated Microsoft PC Health Check app if your device is not compatible with Windows 11.
2. The app home page that pops up says, “PC health at a glance.” At the top, a box reads, “Introducing Windows 11.” Click Check now.
If your machine isn’t compatible, you’ll get a message that says, “This PC doesn’t currently meet Windows 11 system requirements,” with more information below. If your machine is compatible, you can download the Windows 11 update for free and enjoy the latest features. Mastering some essential keyboard shortcuts can lead to an even better Windows 11 experience.
Option 2: Try the WhyNotWin11 app to check Windows 11 compatibility
An open-source app called WhyNotWin11 is a good alternative to the PC Health Check app. The GitHub app, created by a developer not affiliated with Microsoft, has a less friendly interface, but it should give you more information and go into more detail about various potential compatibility issues. Here’s more information from TechRadar on how to use it to determine your own device’s compatibility with Windows 11.
Option 3: Check Microsoft’s list of system specifications for Windows 11
To determine if your current PC will be able to run Windows 11, you can check out this list of system specifications on Microsoft’s website, or in the chart below.
What are the system requirements to run Windows 11?
Here’s the full list of system requirements for Windows 11, including at least 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage and a 720p display larger than 9 inches diagonally.
Windows 11 requirements
| Spec | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Processor | 1GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB or larger storage device |
| System firmware | UEFI, Secure Boot-capable |
| TPM | Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 |
| Graphics card | Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver |
| Display | HD (720p) display greater than 9 inches diagonally, 8 bits per color channel |
| Internet connection and Microsoft account | For Windows 11 Home edition: internet connectivity; Microsoft account to complete device setup on first use. For all Windows 11 editions: Internet access to perform updates and to download and use some features; Microsoft account for some features |
What if my PC can’t run Windows 11?
If your PC can’t run Windows 11, it means your device doesn’t fulfill the minimum installation requirements. To solve this, you can either consider upgrading your hardware (and making sure essential security features like Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are enabled) or upgrading your computer.
There are ways to bypass the minimum installation requirements, but we don’t recommend doing that. Skipping the official requirements can lead to several issues and security risks. Plus, you might also deal with slower performance and frequent crashes.
Watch this: 7 ways to take screenshots in Windows 11
