Windows 11 imposes stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10. Before purchasing a license, verify that your PC is compatible. This guide details every criterion and shows you how to check your configuration in just a few clicks.
Official minimum requirements
| Component | Minimum required | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz, 2 cores, 64-bit | Intel 8th gen+ / AMD Ryzen 2000+ |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB or more |
| Storage | 64 GB | 256 GB+ SSD |
| TPM | Version 2.0 | TPM 2.0 (built-in since 2018+) |
| Secure Boot | UEFI compatible | Enabled in BIOS |
| Display | 9 inches, 720p | 1080p (Full HD) |
| Graphics card | DirectX 12 + WDDM 2.0 | Dedicated GPU for gaming |
TPM 2.0: the most common blocker
The TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is a security chip on the motherboard. Windows 11 requires version 2.0 for BitLocker encryption, Windows Hello, and firmware attack protection.
The good news: virtually all PCs manufactured after 2018 include a TPM 2.0. It is sometimes disabled by default in the BIOS/UEFI.
Check if TPM is present
Press Win + R, type tpm.msc and hit Enter. The window displays your TPM version. If you see "Version 2.0," you're compatible.
Enable TPM in BIOS
If TPM doesn't appear, restart your PC and enter the BIOS (Del, F2, or F12 key depending on manufacturer). Look for an option named:
- Intel: "Intel Platform Trust Technology (PTT)" → Enable
- AMD: "AMD fTPM" → Enable
Secure Boot: the other key requirement
Secure Boot prevents malicious software from loading during computer startup. Windows 11 requires your PC to boot in UEFI mode with Secure Boot enabled.
To check: press Win + R, type msinfo32. Look for "Secure Boot State" - it should say "On."
⚠️ Warning
If your disk is partitioned as MBR (legacy format), you'll need to convert it to GPT to enable Secure Boot. Windows includes the mbr2gpt tool to make this conversion without data loss.
Why TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot matter
Windows 11 is not only about more power. It also requires a more modern security foundation. TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot help protect startup, encryption keys and system integrity.
On a work computer, these requirements are not just checkboxes. They support security features such as encryption and reduce exposure to some startup-level attacks.
Automatic verification tool
Microsoft offers the PC Health Check app that automatically analyzes your system and tells you if your PC is Windows 11 compatible. Download it free from the official Microsoft website.
The tool checks in one click: processor, RAM, storage, TPM, Secure Boot, and graphics card. It shows a clear diagnosis with any missing components.
Compatible processors: Intel and AMD
Intel
8th generation Intel processors (Coffee Lake, 2017) and newer are officially supported. This includes: Core i3/i5/i7/i9-8xxx and above, certain recent Pentium Golds and Celerons.
AMD
2nd generation AMD Ryzen processors (Ryzen 2000, Zen+, 2018) and newer are supported. Recent Athlon 3000 and Athlon Gold models are also compatible.
💡 PC less than 6 years old?
As a general rule, if your PC was built in 2018 or later, it's Windows 11 compatible. The only things to check are usually enabling TPM and Secure Boot in the BIOS.
What if the PC is not compatible?
If the processor or TPM is not compatible, forcing installation can create a difficult-to-maintain workstation. For professional use, it is better to document the constraint and plan hardware renewal.
If the PC is compatible but Microsoft’s tool says otherwise, check the BIOS/UEFI: TPM, Secure Boot and UEFI mode may simply be disabled.
- Update BIOS/UEFI if the manufacturer recommends it.
- Enable TPM/fTPM/PTT depending on the platform.
- Enable Secure Boot in UEFI mode.
- Avoid bypasses on a production workstation.
My PC isn't compatible: what are my options?
Stay on Windows 10
Windows 10 no longer receives free security updates from Microsoft since October 14, 2025. It can still be a viable option for older PCs or legacy constraints, especially if paid ESU is part of your plan. You can purchase a Windows 10 Pro license at a reduced price.
Upgrade your hardware
Sometimes, adding RAM or enabling TPM/Secure Boot is enough. Check the PC Health Check diagnosis to identify exactly what's missing.
Conclusion
Checking your PC's Windows 11 compatibility takes just minutes using PC Health Check or manual checks (tpm.msc, msinfo32). Most post-2018 PCs are compatible after enabling TPM and Secure Boot in the BIOS.
Ready to move forward? Start with Windows 11 Pro and double-check fit in the Windows hub.