On which computers can we install Windows 11? Hardware requirements

Are you planning to upgrade to Microsoft’s latest operating system but aren’t sure if your computer can handle it? Check out the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 and find out how to verify if your computer meets them. Get ready for the update now!

Windows 11 – System Requirements. The processor is key

The heart of every computer is its processor, and Microsoft’s latest operating system requires a truly powerful one. What does Windows 11 need? The minimum requirements are:

• a processor with a clock speed of at least 1 GHz and 2 or more cores;
• support for 64-bit architecture
• compatibility with the x86 or ARM64 instruction set.

If your processor is older than an 8th Gen Intel Core or AMD Ryzen 2000, unfortunately, Windows 11 won’t work with it. However, there are exceptions—Microsoft has published a list of older processors that are also supported.

Windows 11 minimum RAM requirements

Windows 11 is a modern operating system that requires at least 4 GB of RAM to run smoothly. Of course, the more RAM you have, the better—with 8 GB or 16 GB, you can expect much smoother performance, especially if you’re running multiple applications at the same time.

It’s also a good idea to invest in fast RAM modules, such as DDR4. They’ll speed up your system and reduce program load times.

Hard drive – capacity matters

Windows 11 takes up a lot of disk space—the minimum requirement is 64 GB of free space. If you plan to install a lot of programs or games, you should consider a larger drive, such as 256 GB or 512 GB.

An SSD is the best choice. Compared to traditional HDDs, solid-state drives are much faster and more responsive. If you have an older computer with an HDD, it might be time for an upgrade.

Graphics card – system requirements

Although Windows 11 isn't very demanding when it comes to graphics cards, you'll need a GPU to run it:

• compatible with DirectX 12 (including DirectX 12 Ultimate);
• that supports the WDDM 2.0 driver.

Most modern graphics cards meet these requirements. If your computer has integrated Intel HD Graphics 600 or newer, that should be sufficient for Windows 11 to run smoothly. As for discrete graphics cards, models from NVIDIA or AMD released in the last few years should also have no trouble supporting the new operating system.

Screen – Quality Matters

For a comfortable experience with Windows 11, you’ll want a screen with a resolution of at least 720p (1280x720) and a diagonal size of more than 9 inches. Of course, the higher the resolution and the larger the screen, the better— with Full HD (1920x1080) or 4K (3840x2160), you’ll be able to enjoy a crystal-clear image and a large workspace.

It’s also worth paying attention to the type of display— an IPS panel is the best choice , as it offers vibrant colors and wide viewing angles.

Other requirements – TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot

In addition to standard components, Windows 11 also requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. This is a special chip responsible for system security and the protection of sensitive data.

You’ll also need the Secure Bootfeature, which protects your computer from malware right from the system startup phase. To use it, you need to enable the “UEFI Firmware” option in your computer’s BIOS.

How can I check if my computer meets the requirements?

Not sure if your computer meets the requirements for Windows 11? It’s easy— just use Microsoft’s free “PC Health Check” tool. After downloading and installing the program , click the “Check Now” button—in a moment, you’ll find out if your computer is ready for Windows 11.

You can also manually check your computer's specifications:

• Processor – right-click on "This PC" and select "Properties." You'll find information about the processor in the "System" section .
• RAM – In Task Manager, go to the "Performance" tab and select "Memory."
• Hard drive – In File Explorer, right-click the system drive (usually C:) and select "Properties."
• Graphics card – go to Device Manager and expand the "Graphics cards" section.

Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements. If your computer doesn't meet any of them, you're better off sticking with the older Windows 10, which will be supported until 2025.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

•  Can I install Windows 11 on an older computer?

If your computer doesn't meet the minimum requirements, it isn't officially supported by Windows 11. You can try installing the operating system at your own risk, but Microsoft doesn't guarantee that it will run smoothly or receive updates.

• Do I need a TPM 2.0 module to install Windows 11?

Yes, that is one of the requirements. Without a TPM 2.0 module, installation will not be possible. Some older computers may have TPM 1.2—unfortunately, that is not enough.

• How can I check if Secure Boot is enabled on my computer?

Enter your computer's BIOS—this is usually done by pressing the F2, F10, or Del key during startup. Then, locate the "Secure Boot" option and make sure it is set to "Enabled."