Planning to switch to Microsoft's latest operating system, but not sure if your hardware is up to the task? Learn about the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11 and how to check if your computer meets them. Get ready for the update now!

Windows 11 requirements. The processor is the basis

The heart of any computer is the processor, and Microsoft's latest system requires a really strong heart. What does Windows 11 need? The minimum requirements are.:

  • A processor clocked at at least 1 GHz with 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-generation Intel Core or AMD Ryzen 2000, then unfortunately, Windows 11 will not work with it. However, there are exceptions - Microsoft has published a list of older processors that are also supported.

Minimum Windows 11 requirements in terms of RAM

Windows 11 is a modern system that needs a minimum of 4 GB of RAM to run smoothly. Of course, the more, the better - with 8 GB or 16 GB you can count on a much smoother operation, especially if you use many applications at the same time.


It is also a good idea to invest in fast RAM modules, such as DDR4. These will speed up system performance and reduce program loading times.

Hard drive - capacity matters

Windows 11 takes up a lot of disk space - the minimum requirement is as much as 64 GB of free space. If you plan to install a lot of programs or games, it it's worth thinking about an even larger drive, if only 256 GB or 512 GB.


The best choice would be an SSD. Compared to traditional HDDs, solid-state media are much more efficient and responsive. If you have an older computer with an HDD, it may be high time for an upgrade.


Graphics card - system requirements

Although Windows 11 is not very demanding in terms of a graphics card, you need a GPU to run it:

  • DirectX 12 compatible (including DirectX 12 Ultimate);
  • supporting the WDDM 2.0 controller.

Most modern graphics cards meet these requirements. If your computer has Intel HD Graphics 600 integrated graphics or later, it will be enough to run Windows 11 smoothly. As for dedicated graphics cards, models from the last few years from NVIDIA or AMD should also have no problems running the new operating system.

The screen - quality matters

To work comfortably with Windows 11, you will need a screen with a resolution of at least 720p (1280x720) and a diagonal larger than 9 inches. Of course, the higher the resolution and larger the screen, the better - with Full HD (1920x1080) or 4K (3840x2160) you will be able to enjoy crystal clear images and a large working space.


It is also worth paying attention to the type of matrix - the best choice will be an IPS panel, which provides vivid colors and wide viewing angles.

Other requirements - TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot

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


There is also no getting around the function Secure Boot, which protects the computer from malware at the boot stage. To use it, you need to enable the "UEFI Firmware" option in your computer's BIOS.

How to check if the computer meets the requirements?

Not sure if your computer meets Windows 11 requirements? Nothing simpler - just use the free "PC Health Check" tool from Microsoft. After downloading and installing the program, click the "Check Now" button - after a while you'll know if your hardware is ready for Windows 11.


You can also manually check the specifications of your computer:

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

Windows 11 is a system with specific hardware requirements. If your computer doesn't meet any of them, it's better to stay 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 does not meet the minimum requirements, it is officially not supported by Windows 11. You can try to install the system at your own risk, but Microsoft does not guarantee that it will run stably and receive updates.

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

Yes, this 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, this is not enough.

  • How do I check if my computer has Secure Boot enabled?

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