Windows 11 needs a supported processor (roughly Intel 8th gen or AMD Ryzen 2000 and newer), TPM 2.0, UEFI with Secure Boot, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage. The processor is the only part you can’t change in settings. Most PCs that “fail” actually have TPM or Secure Boot switched off in the BIOS. If your PC passes and Windows 10 is activated, the upgrade to Windows 11 is free.
tpm.msc and press Enter. Under TPM Manufacturer Information, look for Specification Version: 2.0. If it says “Compatible TPM cannot be found”, choose No; it may just be switched off.msinfo32 and press Enter. Check BIOS Mode says UEFI and look at Secure Boot State. “On” or “Off” both mean your PC supports it; “Unsupported” or BIOS Mode “Legacy” means No.Windows 10 support ended in October 2025, so millions of people are checking whether their PC can run Windows 11. This checker compares your processor with the 1,480 models on Microsoft’s official supported lists for Intel and AMD, plus Qualcomm, and walks you through the other requirements. For a final confirmation, Microsoft’s free PC Health Check app reads your hardware directly.
Windows 11 System Requirements
| Requirement | Minimum | Can you fix it? |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz, 2+ cores, 64-bit, on Microsoft’s supported list | No (hardware) |
| RAM | 4 GB | Often upgradable |
| Storage | 64 GB | Often upgradable |
| Firmware | UEFI, Secure Boot capable | Usually a BIOS setting |
| TPM | Version 2.0 | Usually a BIOS setting |
| Graphics | DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.0 driver | Rarely an issue |
| Display | 720p, larger than 9 inches | Rarely an issue |
How to Check TPM 2.0
Press Win + R, type tpm.msc and press Enter. The TPM Management window shows your TPM details:
If no TPM is found, it’s probably switched off. Almost every Intel processor from 2017 onwards has Intel PTT and every Ryzen has AMD fTPM built in. Turn it on in your BIOS under Security or Advanced settings. Microsoft explains the steps in Enable TPM 2.0 on your PC.
How to Check Secure Boot and UEFI
Press Win + R, type msinfo32 and press Enter. In System Summary, check two lines:
- BIOS Mode: UEFI is required. “Legacy” means you’ll need to switch to UEFI, which may mean converting the drive from MBR to GPT with Microsoft’s
mbr2gpttool first. - Secure Boot State: “On” or “Off” both mean the PC is capable. Turn it on in the BIOS before upgrading. “Unsupported” means the PC can’t use it.
What If My Processor Isn’t Supported?
Processors older than Intel’s 8th generation and AMD’s Ryzen 2000 series aren’t on Microsoft’s list, with a few exceptions. You have three honest options:
Is the Windows 11 Upgrade Free?
Yes, if your PC meets the requirements and runs an activated copy of Windows 10: Windows 11 is a free upgrade through Windows Update, and your existing licence carries over. You only need a new key for a new PC you’re building, a PC with unactivated Windows, or to move from Home to Pro. Not sure what kind of licence you have? Try our OEM vs Retail key checker.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my PC can run Windows 11?
Check that your processor is on Microsoft’s supported list, that your PC has TPM 2.0 and UEFI with Secure Boot, and that it has at least 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage. This checker or Microsoft’s PC Health Check app does it for you.
Which processors support Windows 11?
Roughly Intel 8th generation Core and newer, AMD Ryzen 2000 series and newer (most Ryzen 2000 desktop chips and all later ones), and Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c, 8c, 8cx and X series, plus a few exceptions listed by Microsoft.
Is Intel 7th generation supported by Windows 11?
Mostly no. A few 7th generation chips, such as the Core i7-7820HQ in some business laptops, are on Microsoft’s list, but most are not.
Why does my PC say it can’t run Windows 11 when it’s new enough?
Usually TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot is switched off in the BIOS. Enable Intel PTT or AMD fTPM and Secure Boot, then check again.
What is TPM 2.0 and does my PC have it?
TPM is a security chip, often built into the processor as firmware. Run tpm.msc and look for Specification Version 2.0. Most PCs from 2017 onwards have it.
Is the upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 free?
Yes, for PCs that meet the requirements and run an activated copy of Windows 10. Your licence carries over automatically.
What happens if I stay on Windows 10?
Windows 10 keeps working, but free security updates ended in October 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates extend protection until 12 October 2027.
Is this checker accurate?
It uses Microsoft’s official supported processor lists and requirements. Because browsers can’t read your hardware, it relies on your answers, so confirm with Microsoft’s PC Health Check app before upgrading.
Processor data compiled from Microsoft’s official Windows 11 supported processor lists (via the open-source WhyNotWin11 project) and Microsoft’s newer 24H2 and 25H2 lists.