In short: Windows 11 needs a recent 64-bit processor with two or more cores, 4 GB of memory, 64 GB of storage, UEFI firmware capable of Secure Boot and a TPM 2.0 chip. To check, install Microsoft's free PC Health Check app and click Check now. On many recent PCs flagged as "incompatible", all it takes is turning on TPM or Secure Boot in the BIOS.
Windows 11 minimum requirements
| Component | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Processor | 64-bit, 1 GHz or faster, at least 2 cores, a model on Microsoft's list |
| Memory | 4 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB |
| Firmware | UEFI, Secure Boot capable |
| TPM | Version 2.0 |
| Graphics card | DirectX 12 compatible, WDDM 2.0 driver |
| Display | 720p, larger than 9 inches diagonally |
| Setup | Internet connection and, for personal use, a Microsoft account |
Since version 24H2, the processor must also support the SSE4.2 and POPCNT instructions. In practice this only rules out processors more than fifteen years old.
Check in two minutes with PC Health Check
- Open the Start menu and search for PC Health Check. If it is not there, download it from Microsoft's website.
- Click Check now in the Windows 11 panel.
- Read the result: a message confirms compatibility, or names the exact component that is blocking.
Check TPM and Secure Boot manually
- TPM: press Windows + R, type
tpm.mscand press Enter. The "Specification Version" line should read 2.0. A message saying no compatible TPM was found usually means it is disabled in the BIOS. - Secure Boot: type
msinfo32in the same box. In System Information, look at "BIOS Mode" (it should say UEFI) and "Secure Boot State".
Turn on TPM 2.0 in the BIOS
Most Intel and AMD processors released since 2017 include a firmware TPM 2.0, often disabled by default on motherboards sold separately.
- Restart and enter the BIOS (Del, F2 or F10 depending on the brand).
- Look for the option in the security or advanced menus: Intel PTT (Platform Trust Technology) on Intel, AMD fTPM on AMD.
- Enable it, save, restart and run the test again.
Turn on Secure Boot
Secure Boot requires Windows to start in UEFI mode from a GPT disk. If "BIOS Mode" says "Legacy", first convert the disk with Microsoft's mbr2gpt tool after a full backup, then switch the BIOS to UEFI mode and enable Secure Boot. If the disk is already GPT, you only need to enable the option in the BIOS.
My processor is not on the list
This is the only case without a clean software fix: Microsoft does not offer Windows 11 through Windows Update on these machines, and workarounds do not guarantee future updates. Keep Windows 10 with the ESU programme, free in Europe until 12 October 2027 (see our guide Windows 10 end of support), while you plan a new PC.
Frequently asked questions
PC Health Check says my PC is not compatible: is that final?
Not necessarily. If the block comes from TPM or Secure Boot, it can often be fixed in the BIOS. Only a processor missing from Microsoft's list is a final obstacle.
Do I need a Microsoft account to install Windows 11?
For personal use, yes: setup asks for an internet connection and a Microsoft account, on Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro alike. A work account or a company domain can replace it on Windows 11 Pro.
Does turning on TPM erase my data?
No, enabling TPM or Secure Boot does not touch your files. Converting a disk from MBR to GPT, however, should always be preceded by a backup.
My PC is compatible: do I need a new licence?
No, if Windows 10 is already activated on it: upgrading to the same edition of Windows 11 is free. You need a licence for a new PC without an operating system, a self-built PC or one that was never activated.
Is your PC ready? Our Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro keys are delivered by email within minutes, with Microsoft's official download link and an invoice.