Windows 11 has increased the minimum hardware requirements, and in this hands-on video, we will explain these requirements and show you two ways to check if your computer is compatible.
Although the new version of the OS will be offered as a free upgrade for existing Windows 10 devices, Microsoft is trying to improve the security of Windows this time around. As a result, many users won’t be eligible to upgrade their devices.
For starters, Windows 11 now needs a specific processor since no every silicon will be compatible. The new specifications require an 8th Gen Intel processor or equivalent from AMD with a least two cores. Computers now also need at least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Finally, and perhaps the most controversial change is that now devices will require a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip and Secure Boot to run the OS.
In this hands-on video, we’ll show you can quickly check if your computer’s hardware configuration is compatible using the PC Health Check app.
At the time of this writing, Microsoft has removed the tool from its download page to improve it due to the lack of transparency with the new changes. However, the video also explains how you can check if your computer is compatible without the need for any tool.
You can also use WhyNoWin11, a third-party tool capable of confirming precisely the components that are not compatible to understand why Windows 11 may not run on your device.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].