Windows 11 Upgrade System Requirements

In addition to increased reliability, the supported processors increase security capabilities at the chip level. These processors provide virtualization extensions and virtualization performance improvements. Windows 11 supports virtualization-based security which enables several security capabilities, including memory integrity, also known as hypervisor-protected code integrity . HVCI disables dynamic code injection into the Windows kernel. HVCI also provides driver control and ensures that all drivers loaded meet a policy of allowed drivers set by Microsoft and the user.

The United States Department of Defense requires virtualization-based security on Windows 10 for their devices. In partnership with our OEM and silicon partners, we will be enabling VBS and HVCI on most new PCs over this next year. And we will continue to seek opportunities to expand VBS across more systems over time. This means that devices can upgrade to Windows 11 and critical apps and devices will simply work. Raising the Windows 11 minimum system requirements enables us to better support apps and hardware for drivers and devices. Feedback also shows us that unsupported hardware is more likely to have older drivers that are incompatible with new OS features such as VBS.

Supported hardware also comes with modern drivers, which helps ensure not only the reliability we mentioned earlier, but also great hardware compatibility. In addition, the new minimum system requirements establish a new baseline that aligns with the hardware needs of many of the most commonly used apps customers rely on today for teleconferencing, browsing, productivity and entertainment. Citing security considerations, the system requirements for Windows 11 were increased over Windows 10. While the OS can be installed on unsupported processors, Microsoft does not guarantee the availability of updates. Windows 11 also drops support for 32-bit x86 CPUs and devices which use BIOS firmware.

At least 16GB of RAM The basic system requirements of Windows 11 differ significantly from Windows 10. Windows 11 only supports 64-bit systems such as those using an x86-64 or ARM64 processor; IA-32 processors are no longer supported. Thus, Windows 11 is the first ever consumer version of Windows not to support 32-bit processors and 16-bit software . The minimum RAM and storage requirements were also increased; Windows 11 now requires at least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The compatibility list includes the Intel Core i7-7820HQ, a seventh-generation processor used by the Surface Studio 2, although only on devices that shipped with DCH-based drivers.

Warren noted that he rarely used the Widgets panel or Microsoft Teams, citing that he preferred the weather display that later versions of Windows 10 offered, and didn't use Teams to communicate with his friends and family. He also acknowledged the expansion of Microsoft Store to include more "traditional" desktop applications. Overall, he concluded that "I wouldn't rush out to upgrade to Windows 11, but I also wouldn't avoid it. After all, Windows 11 still feels familiar and underneath all the UI changes, it's the same Windows we've had for decades." If the device does not have a TPM chip or Secure Boot, installing Windows 11 with different workarounds is still possible. Cunningham concluded that "as I've dug into and learned its ins and outs for this review, I've warmed to it more", but argued that the OS was facing similar "public perception" issues to Windows Vista and Windows 8. Original equipment manufacturers can still ship computers without a TPM 2.0 coprocessor upon Microsoft's approval.

Devices with unsupported processors are not blocked from installing or running Windows 11; however, a clean install or upgrade using ISO installation media must be performed as Windows Update will not offer an upgrade from Windows 10. Some third-party software may refuse to run on unsupported configurations of Windows 11. As part of the minimum system requirements, Windows 11 only runs on devices with a Trusted Platform Module 2.0 security coprocessor. According to Microsoft, the TPM 2.0 coprocessor is a "critical building block" for protection against firmware and hardware attacks. In addition, Microsoft now requires devices with Windows 11 to include virtualization-based security , hypervisor-protected code integrity , and Secure Boot built-in and enabled by default.

The operating system also features hardware-enforced stack protection for supported Intel and AMD processors for protection against zero-day exploits. The reasons for the strict Windows 11 minimum system requirements are performance- and security-based, according to Microsoft. The company's testing found that devices that did not meet minimum requirements experienced 52% more kernel mode crashes, aka the blue screen of death.

These requirements are also in line with those for core applications people use for video conferencing, working and gaming, the post said. With Windows 11, we are focused on increasing security, improving reliability, and ensuring compatibility. If your current PC meets Microsoft's hardware requirements, including an 8th gen or better CPU, TPM and Secure Boot, and a modern graphics card, you're golden. Or, if you either upgrade your system to meet the new specs, or buy a new device this holiday season, you'll be ready for Windows 11, too. You also can try to upgrade to Windows 11 using the media creation tool, but doing so would leave your PC unsupported. We talked a lot about running Windows 11 on "official" hardware that meets Microsoft's requirements.

However, Microsoft will technically let you install the OS on any PC using the media creation tool. Doing so isn't supported by Microsoft and you'll need to do some registry tweaks. You're also putting your PC at risk as you won't get critical security updates or driver updates. As we release to Windows Insiders and partner with our OEMs, we will test to identify devices running on Intel 7th generation and AMD Zen 1 that may meet our principles. We're committed to sharing updates with you on the results of our testing over time, as well as sharing additional technical blogs.

For those who are using a PC that won't upgrade, and who aren't ready to transition to a new device, Windows 10 is the right choice. We will support Windows 10 through October 14, 2025 and we recently announced that the next feature update to Windows 10 is coming later this year. Whatever you decide, we are committed to supporting you and offering choice in your computing journey. If you want to see the full Windows 11 minimum system requirements, you can visit this page. Following the results of our testing, we are making a small number of additions to the compatible processor list , but otherwise will maintain the minimum system requirements as originally set. First of all, what are the hardware requirements for Windows 11?

Microsoft has published a breakdown of the requirementsand has released an updated PC Health Check app that you can download to your Windows 10 PC to check that it does indeed meet the hardware requirements. Keep in mind, if you meet these requirements, you'll have a Windows 11 PC fully supported by Microsoft. The Windows 11 requirements are harsh, but sneaking around them carries risks.It is possible to install Windows 11 without a supported CPU.

Typically, there are no significant changes in hardware requirements from version to version. However, Windows 11 represents the most significant update of Windows in the past decade, and it requires a more powerful hardware configuration to support the new default security features to keep devices and data safe and secure. Windows 11 has significantly increased the system requirements compared to previous versions of Windows.

While some users have been trying out Windows 11 via the Windows Insider Program Microsoft has been using that data to expand the list of compatible processors. That list was updated recently to include Intel Core X-series, Xeon W-series and Intel Core 7820HQ CPUs. So it's clear that Microsoft is still testing to ensure as many machines as possible work with the new operating system and it's worth keeping an eye on the long list of supported devices. Some requirements can be resolved if you're running an older PC, such as upgrading your display, graphics card, RAM, or storage, or adding a webcam.

Processors are a little trickier, and we'll cover those in the next section. Microsoft is beginning to roll out Windows 11 today with a much stricter set of hardware requirements. Legacy BIOS is no longer supported; a UEFI system with Secure Boot and a Trusted Platform Module 2.0 security coprocessor is now required. The TPM requirement in particular has led to confusion as many motherboards do not have TPM support, or require a compatible TPM to be physically installed onto the motherboard. A redesigned user interface is present frequently throughout the operating system, building upon Fluent Design System; translucency, shadows, a new color palette, and rounded geometry are prevalent throughout the UI.

A prevalent aspect of the design is an appearance known as "Mica", described as an "opaque, dynamic material that incorporates theme and desktop wallpaper to paint the background of long-lived windows such as apps and settings". In October 2019, Microsoft announced "Windows 10X", a future edition of Windows 10 designed exclusively for dual-touchscreen devices such as the then-upcoming Surface Neo. It featured a modified user interface designed around context-sensitive "postures" for different screen configurations and usage scenarios, and changes such as a centered taskbar and updated Start menu without Windows 10's "live tiles". Legacy Windows applications would also be required to run in "containers" to ensure performance and power optimization. Microsoft stated that it planned to release Windows 10X devices by the end of 2020.

Internet Explorer has been replaced by the Chromium-based Microsoft Edge as the default web browser, and Microsoft Teams is integrated into the Windows shell. Microsoft also announced plans to allow more flexibility in software that can be distributed via Microsoft Store, and to support Android apps on Windows 11 . Devices that do not meet the minimum system requirements will remain on Windows 10 and continue to be supported with security updates.

Customers using long term service releases will continue to be supported through the published end of support dates. For more information about Windows 10 support, see HP products tested with Windows 10. Cnet listed out two available online tools users could use to check for Windows 11 compatibility. To clarify, these programs need to be downloaded and installed on the device so it can run a diagnostic program and check on its eligibility.

The taskbar's buttons are center-aligned by default, and it is permanently pinned to the bottom edge of the screen; it cannot be moved to the top, left, or right edges of the screen as in previous versions of Windows. The "Widgets" button on the taskbar displays a panel with Microsoft Start, a news aggregator with personalized stories and content (expanding upon the "news and interests" panel introduced in later builds of Windows 10). Microsoft Teams is similarly integrated with the taskbar, with a pop-up showing a list of recent conversations. There is a way to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, but we wouldn't recommend it. Although Microsoft hasn't confirmed it, the company has heavily implied that unsupported users won't receive critical security updates.

If you still want to install, you can do so using the Media Creation Tool, which bypasses hardware checks. The program returns one of three possible windows after the compatibility check runs. I'm running Enterprise on my production PC and have flagged this as an error or problem with Microsoft via its Feedback Hub. Windows 11 raises the bar for security by requiring hardware that can enable protections like Windows Hello, Device Encryption, virtualization-based security , hypervisor-protected code integrity and Secure Boot. The combination of these features has been shown to reduce malware by 60% on tested devices.

To meet the principle, all Windows 11 supported CPUs have an embedded TPM, support secure boot, and support VBS and specific VBS capabilities. But if your machine doesn't meet these specs, it appears unlikely that Microsoft is going to back down and officially allow 6th or 7th gen processors to run Windows 11. There are already workarounds filtering out, including using the Media Creation Tool, but this leaves your PC in an unsupported state without access to critical security updates. Yes, Windows 11 introduces a new user interface including a redesigned Start menu and Taskbar which are now centered on the bottom of the screen. Instead, the Start menu shows only pinned and recommended apps. The top portion of the menu shows a search bar and pinned apps and the lower part has recommended files, folders, and apps based on your usage habits.

The UI changes include windows with rounded corners and buttons in the middle of the taskbar. Exactly how this will play out is not clear, but some users have reported receiving updates on unsupported installations. Rather than intending to punish users with older hardware, it is more likely that Microsoft is covering itself against the possibility that some updates will not work. It would be a mistake to bypass the requirements on production systems that work well with Windows 10, or on hardware that is still under warranty.

Windows 11 doesn't have any huge features that make it a must-upgrade, and Microsoft warns that unsupported PCs may experience bugs. In fact, Microsoft warns that it may eventually stop providing security updates for unsupported PCs running Windows 11. Windows 11 is available in two main editions; the Home edition, which is intended for consumer users, and the Pro edition, which contains additional networking and security features , as well as the ability to join a domain. Windows 11 Home may be restricted by default to verified software obtained from Microsoft Store ("S Mode"). Windows 11 Home requires an internet connection and a Microsoft account in order to complete first-time setup. Windows 11 will require an 8th-gen Core CPU and above, according to the Windows 11 hardware requirements for Intel CPUs.

A similar list of supported AMD processors on Windows 11 indicate that the Ryzen 2000 series and above is supported. Our performance testing of Windows 11's Virtualization-Based Security feature shows a likely reason why those are the cutoffs. On the Arm side of things, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 850 and up are also supported by Windows 11. Knowing that some users will want to install Windows 11 on systems that don't meet all of its hardware requirements, Microsoft has provided a registry hack that loosens them up somewhat. Using this hack, you can install on a system that has at least TPM 1.2 and has an unsupported CPU. That said, we recommend the scripts above because they don't require you to have TPM of any kind.

At last, everything comes to the performance and peace of mind for users. Microsoft has also stated that unsupported systems are likely to have 52% more kernel crashes compared to the supported devices. Also, the company claims that systems that meet Windows 11 requirements are expected to have a 99.8% crash-free experience. Although Microsoft has already revealed a walkaround to bypass the TPM 2.0 and processor requirements, the company has also warned users against installing the operating system on unsupported devices.

The tool is back and is now significantly improved, and if it detects any incompatibilities with your PC, it will list them individually. But you can also prepare for an upgrade to Windows 11 by checking your PC's hardware and software capabilities by hand. This approach is especially helpful if you've got a home-built PC that may have a Trusted Platform Module installed, but not enabled. So grab your current PC's specs and follow along as we go over the extensive lists of requirements that Microsoft has published. Either of these tools can provide you ample intelligence to determine if your PC is ready for Windows 11, with one caveat. Older PCs whose CPUs qualify under the processor requirement may include hardware-based TPM chips of version 1.3 or older .

These CPUs can emulate TPM 2.0, so what looks like a failure to meet Windows 11 requirements at the hardware level can be offset in software. I will explain further in the section on the Windows 11 Compatibility Check script below. If you attempt to install Windows 11 on a device that doesn't meet the system requirements then it's possible that you won't receive updates and that all future support will be dropped. TPM is a hardware based security feature either built in to your system's motherboard or added as an installable chip. However, not all systems will have TPM enabled, and even if your PC is TPM capable, you may have to turn it on in the UEFI/BIOS settings. The TPM is a "dedicated microcontroller designed to secure hardware through integrated cryptographic keys," meant to keep your computer safer from attack.

You can use the Microsoft PC Health Check app to confirm whether your computer meets the minimum requirements. If the system configuration isn't compatible, the app will also show you details of the components that are not compatible. This information will help you determine steps to resolve the problem or whether it's time to upgrade the device.

Microsoft has finally updated the Windows Ink Workspace, now called the "Pen menu" that gives you quick access to pinned apps that are designed with inking in mind. What's great is that it's finally customizable, so you can put any app of your choice in there. It's accessible via a button shortcut on a physical pen, or via the System Tray as a shortcut for it pops up when you begin interacting with your device with a pen. There are reportedly ways to install Windows 11 even if you don't have TPM 1.2 or UEFI. But this isreally unsupported—you're even more at risk of encountering bugs and not getting future security updates if you hack your way around even these base-level requirements. We've also seen mixed reports of success from people following these tricks.

Even if it works for you, an update in a few months may result in your computer blue-screening, breaking your operating system and forcing you to reinstall Windows 10. As promised earlier, Microsoft has finally released the Windows 11 update. The latest version of the Windows operating system is now available to everyone around the world.

Before the stable release of the new operating system, Microsoft had released several beta versions of Windows 11 to those who opted to beta-test the operating system via the Windows 11 Insider Program. Windows 11 includes tons of new features such as new a new Task Bar, a brand new design for the Start Menu, various widgets, refreshed icons, redesigned UI, an updated Microsoft Store, support for running Android apps, and much more. The first Windows 11 preview came alongside a PC Health Check meant to gauge eligibility, but users discovered it was inaccurate.