Complete Guide: Windows 11 System Requirements [Everything You Need to Know]

Introduction

It's been about a year since Windows 11 debuted, and its first major upgrade is expected in the coming weeks. If you weren't convinced by our initial review, the software has now been in wider use, and many of the serious issues have been addressed, so you might be considering an upgrade.

To assist you in smoothly transitioning to Windows 11, we've compiled a comprehensive installation guide that includes tips and step-by-step instructions on enabling required components such as TPM and Secure Boot. Keep reading if you'd like to learn more!

What are the requirements for Windows 11?

Microsoft released the latest major version of its Windows operating system, Windows 11, in October 2021. If your computer or tablet meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11, you can upgrade to it for free. However, to upgrade to Windows 11, users must meet the following requirements:

1. Hardware Requirements

The hardware requirements for Windows 11 are as follows:

• A 1 GHz or faster 64-bit processor (or SoC) with multiple cores.
• 4 GB of RAM or more.
• 64 GB* of available storage is required to install Windows 11.

Downloading updates and enabling features might require more space.

• Compatible with DirectX 12 and WDDM 2.0.
• System firmware that supports UEFI/Secure Boot.
• Trusted Platform Module 2.0.
• 9-inch or larger display, 720p, 8 bits per color channel.
• An internet connection is required to get updates, download, and use certain features.

If you're interested in enabling Secure Boot for Windows 11, you can read the following article:

Windows 11 System Requirements | Enable Secure Boot for Windows 11 Installation

When users want to upgrade to the new Windows 11, they find that there are many requirements and limitations. One of them is that users need to enable Secure Boot.

Operating System Requirements

If your Windows 10 device was released after 2004 and you've installed the September 14, 2021 security update, you'll be able to upgrade directly to Windows 11.

Specific Feature Requirements

Some Windows 11 features have additional requirements. See Features and requirements:

• A 5G modem is required.
• Auto HDR: Requires an HDR monitor.
• BitLocker To Go: Requires a USB drive. Available with Windows Pro and above.
• Client Hyper-V requires a processor that supports SLAT. Available with Windows Pro and above.
• Cortana: Requires a microphone and speaker, and is available on Windows 11.
• DirectStorage: Requires an NVMe SSD and a DirectX 12 GPU with Shader Model 6.0 support to store and run games.
• Presence sensing: Sensors detect proximity or intent to interact with the device.
• Smart video conferencing: Requires a camera, microphone, and speaker (audio output).
• Multiple voice assistants: Requires a microphone and speaker.
• Three-column layout requires a screen width of 1920 pixels.
• Taskbar mute/unmute: Requires a camera, microphone, and speaker (audio output). The app must support global mute/unmute functionality.
• Spatial sound: Requires hardware and software support.
• Microsoft Teams: Requires a camera, microphone, and speaker (audio output).
• Two-factor authentication: Requires a PIN, biometrics (fingerprint reader or infrared camera), or Wi-Fi/Bluetooth phone.
• Windows Projection requires a WDDM 2.0 graphics adapter and Wi-Fi Direct.

Comparison of Windows 11 Requirements with Windows 10 Requirements

For some users, making the switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11 can be more challenging than for others. Some consider Windows 11 to be one of Microsoft's most controversial operating system updates. Below, we'll delve into the CPU requirements and features of both Windows 10 and 11 to help you decide which is best for you.

Requirements for Windows 10

• Latest operating system: Make sure you're running the latest version of Windows by installing Service Pack 1 or the latest updates for Windows 8.1.

Check which version you have. If you need the latest updates, get Service Pack 1 (SP1) or the Windows 8.1 update.

• Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor or SoC
• RAM: 1 GB for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
• Hard disk space: 16 GB for 32-bit OS or 20 GB for 64-bit OS
• Graphics: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
• Display: 800x600 resolution

Windows 11 System Requirements

To upgrade to Windows 11, you need Windows 10, version 2004 or later. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to get the free update.

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster processor with two or more cores (on a system on a chip, SoC) and 64-bit capability.
• RAM: 4 GB (GB) or more.
• Storage: 64 GB or more.
• System firmware: UEFI secure boot capable.
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
• Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible graphics with WDDM 2.0 driver.
• Display: High definition (720p) display that is 9 inches diagonal or larger, with 8 bits per color channel.

We believe that

While Windows 10 previously required a 1 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM (2 GB for 64-bit), 16 GB of storage, and a display with 800x600 resolution, Windows 11 demands more from your computer, requiring a dual-core processor running at 1 GHz or faster and 64-bit capable.

Windows 11 requires a 8th Gen Intel Core CPU or higher. It supports processors from the Ryzen 2000 series and up. It needs more RAM. Microsoft has bumped up the minimum RAM requirement to 4GB and storage to 64GB. Previously, the requirements were 1GB of RAM and 16GB of storage.

In addition, Windows 11 comes with more-compatible graphics cards and a TPM with higher visual resolution.

Is Windows 11 worth it?

For most users, the upgrade to Windows 11 will be worth it. The latest version of Microsoft's operating system looks significantly different from its predecessor, Windows 10, but under the hood, the two are very similar. Let's consider the pros and cons.

Benefits:

• Features and design alterations powered by AI.
• Memory management
• Equipped with 4GB RAM for exceptional performance.
• Exceptional collaboration tools
• Automatic assistance in composition, adapting to eye contact in meetings, and blurring the background.

Disadvantages:

• More bugs than Windows 10
• Recent updates significantly impact SSD performance
• Device compatibility issues

Reasons to Buy Windows 11:

• Windows 11 feels smooth and fluid, despite occasional Control Panel dialogues. The rounded window corners, compact taskbar, and touch-friendly design are appealing.
• Screenshot options continue to improve in Windows 11.
• Apps perform better in Windows 11 compared to Windows 10.
• Ultra-secure Windows 11 - mainly thanks to the security processor, Trusted Platform Module (TPM).
• The new dock behavior in Windows 11 makes working with external displays more convenient.

How to check if your PC can run Windows 11

We have compiled a list of various methods for you to check if your PC is compatible with Windows 11, along with step-by-step instructions for users to install it on their devices.

There are two ways to check if your PC can run Windows 11:

Option 1: Check if your PC has TPM

Option 2: Download PC Health Check

Option 1: Check if your PC has a TPM

Step 1: Type tpm.msc in the Windows 10 search bar to open the Trusted Platform Module Management app.

Step 2: Scroll down to “TPM Manufacturer Information” to see if a TPM is installed and attested.

Option 2: Download PC Health Check

Second, Microsoft offers a free app called “PC Health Check” that tells you whether your computer is capable of running Windows 11. It can be downloaded from the company's website.

You can get Windows 11 through Windows Update when it's available. When you're ready, Windows Update will let you know. Follow the prompts to install. This option won't remove any info from your PC. Here's how to run Windows 11 on your device:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Update & Security. Click Update.

Step 2: You should see the offer to upgrade to Windows 11 for free. Click “Download and install,” then accept and install.

Step 3. Under "Windows Update," you should see the "Windows 11 Upgrade" with a percentage and its download status. Complete the upgrade.

Abstract

Windows 11 is the new standard for personal computer operating systems. Microsoft has dedicated significant time and effort to enhance the look and feel of Windows 10. It's crucial to remember that transitions to new operating systems are rarely seamless. To ensure a smooth upgrade to Windows 11, this article will provide you with the latest updates, recommendations, and other relevant data.

FAQ: Requirements for Windows 11

Does my PC meet the requirements for Windows 11?

The best way to determine if your hardware upgrade meets the requirements for Windows 11 is: 1. Visit Microsoft's official Windows 11 system requirements page (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications) for detailed information. 2. Run the "PC Health Check" app. Microsoft offers a free tool called "PC Health Check" that analyzes your device and tells you if it meets the compatibility requirements for Windows 11. You can download it from the Microsoft Store or directly from the Microsoft website. 3. Check specific hardware components: - Processor: Ensure your CPU is on the supported list, with most modern 8th generation Intel and AMD Ryzen 2000 series processors and later being compatible. - RAM: At least 4GB is required, but 8GB or more is recommended. - Storage: You need at least 64GB of available disk space, with an SSD being preferred. - TPM: Windows 11 requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, a security chip found in most modern computers. - Graphics card: Integrated or dedicated graphics processors should be compatible with Windows 10. - Network connection: A wireless network adapter is needed for updates and certain features. - Display: A screen with at least a 9-inch diagonal, HD (720p) resolution, and a minimum pixel ratio of 1366x768. By following these steps, you can accurately assess whether your upgraded computer will be able to run Windows 11.

• Download PC Health Check here.
• Press the Windows logo key + S or select Search, then enter PC Health Check.
• Click Check now.

2. Is 4GB of RAM enough for Windows 11?

While a 4 GB RAM Windows 11 is supported, it is not ideal. It frequently crashes and reloads due to third-party apps. Windows 11 recommends a minimum of 8 GB of RAM.

3. Which is better, Windows 10 or Windows 11?

Windows 11 is a better gaming operating system than Windows 10, which will borrow technology from the Xbox Series X to improve visuals, with Auto HDR boosting the color range for DirectX 11 and later games.

How do I check if my PC is compatible with Windows 11?

Click on Windows 11 on the Microsoft website. Under “Check compatibility,” click “Download app.” Download the Microsoft PC Health Check app.