Windows 11 Requirements Explained: Can Your PC Run It? (2026)

Short answer: the Windows 11 requirements are a 1 GHz or faster processor with 2 or more cores that is on Microsoft’s approved list, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, DirectX 12 graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver and a 720p display larger than 9 inches. Windows 11 Home and Pro also need internet and a Microsoft account during setup. The easiest way to check your PC is Windows Update or the free PC Health Check app.

This guide explains each of the Windows 11 requirements in plain words, how to check your PC, how to fix the most common blocker (TPM 2.0) and what to do if your PC is not eligible. It is based on Microsoft’s official requirements page, checked in October 2026.

• Processor: 1 GHz+, 2+ cores, on the approved CPU list
• Memory and storage: 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage
• Security: UEFI with Secure Boot, TPM 2.0
• Same for Home and Pro
• Check: Windows Update or PC Health Check

Windows 11 requirements at a glance

These are the minimum Windows 11 system requirements. A PC that only just meets them will run Windows 11, but more memory (8 GB or more) and a fast SSD make it feel much quicker in daily use.

How to check if your PC meets the Windows 11 requirements

• Windows Update: on Windows 10, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. If your PC is eligible, Windows offers the upgrade there.
• PC Health Check: install Microsoft’s free PC Health Check app on Windows 10. It has a simple button that checks Windows 11 eligibility and tells you what is missing.
• Managed PCs: if your PC belongs to a company or school, ask the IT administrator first.

If you change something to meet the requirements, for example turning on TPM, Microsoft advises waiting until Windows Update says the device is ready before you upgrade.

Each requirement explained

Processor. A 1 GHz or faster processor with two or more cores is not enough on its own: the model must also be on Microsoft’s list of approved CPUs (see the lists for Intel and AMD processors). Many PCs from before about 2018 are not on the list, and the processor cannot be upgraded on most laptops.

Memory and storage. You need at least 4 GB of RAM and a 64 GB storage drive. On many desktop PCs and some laptops, RAM and the drive can be upgraded if you are below the limit.

UEFI and Secure Boot. The PC must use UEFI firmware (the modern version of the BIOS) and be capable of Secure Boot, a feature that only lets trusted software start the PC.

TPM 2.0. The Trusted Platform Module is a security chip, or a feature built into the processor, that protects encryption keys. It is the requirement that blocks the most older PCs, often only because it is switched off.

Graphics and display. Graphics must support DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver, and the screen must be at least 720p and larger than 9 inches. Almost every PC from the last few years meets this.

Internet and Microsoft account. Windows 11 Home and Pro for personal use need an internet connection and a Microsoft account during the first setup.

Windows 11 requirements on laptops vs desktops

The Windows 11 requirements are the same for every PC, but what you can fix is different. On a desktop you can often add RAM, replace the drive or even change the motherboard. On most laptops the processor and often the memory are soldered in, so if the processor is not on Microsoft’s list, upgrading the laptop itself is not possible.

3 myths about the Windows 11 requirements

• “My PC is fast, so it must be fine.” Speed is not enough: the processor model must be on the approved list, even if it is quick.
• “No TPM means I need a new PC.” Often TPM 2.0 is there but switched off. Check the firmware settings first.
• “Pro needs a better PC than Home.” No, the Windows 11 requirements are the same for Home and Pro.

How to turn on TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot

On many PCs TPM 2.0 exists but is disabled in the firmware settings. Restart the PC and open the firmware (UEFI/BIOS) setup, usually with a key such as F2, Delete or F10 during start-up. Look for a setting called Intel PTT (Platform Trust Technology) or AMD fTPM and turn it on; Secure Boot is usually in the Boot or Security menu. Menus differ by manufacturer, so check your PC maker’s support page if you cannot find them.

Be careful in the firmware settings and change only these options. If you are not comfortable doing it, ask a technician or message us and we will point you to the right guide for your PC.

Upgrading from Windows 10

Your PC must run Windows 10 version 2004 or later to upgrade through Windows Update, and on eligible PCs the upgrade is free. Back up your files first: the upgrade keeps your files and apps in most cases, but a backup protects you if something goes wrong. Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025, so upgrading is the best way to keep getting updates; see our guide to Windows 10 end of support for all options. For step-by-step instructions, see how to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11.

What if your PC does not meet the requirements?

You have two safe choices. You can enroll in the consumer Extended Security Updates program, which protects Windows 10 with security updates until 12 October 2027 (Microsoft: Windows 10 ESU), or you can move to a new PC that meets the requirements. Microsoft warns against installing Windows 11 on PCs that do not meet the requirements, because such devices may not get updates. Whichever option you choose, keep a recent backup of your files.

Home or Pro: same requirements

Windows 11 Home and Pro have the same hardware requirements. If your PC can run Home, it can run Pro too. Pro adds tools such as BitLocker, Remote Desktop and Hyper-V; Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox also need virtualization support in the processor. Read Windows 11 Home vs Pro to decide which one you need.

Building a new PC?

A new PC you build yourself needs a Windows license. Check that the motherboard has TPM 2.0 (most current ones do, sometimes switched off by default) and Secure Boot, install Windows 11 from Microsoft’s installation media, and activate it with a product key. Our guides show how to activate Windows 11 Pro and where to find a Windows product key.

Recommended specs for a smooth experience

• 8 GB of RAM or more for browsing with many tabs, Office and video calls.
• An SSD instead of a hard disk, which makes start-up and apps much faster.
• At least 128 GB of storage, so updates have room to install.
• A recent processor from the approved list, so you keep getting updates for years.

These are practical tips, not Microsoft requirements, but they make the difference between a PC that just works and one that feels slow. If you plan to keep the PC for several years, choose more memory and storage than the minimum.

Checklist before you buy a Windows 11 key

• PC Health Check or Windows Update says your PC meets the Windows 11 requirements.
• TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are turned on.
• You know whether you want Home or Pro.
• You have backed up your files.
• You know where to enter the key: Settings > System > Activation.

If every point is ticked, your PC is ready for a Windows 11 license and a smooth upgrade.

Get a Windows 11 Pro key from IQSIX

If your PC meets the requirements and you need a license, IQSIX sells a Windows 11 Pro product key for one PC. You get the 25-character key by email after your payment is confirmed.

• Payment: crypto, card, or a Remitly bank or mobile money transfer at checkout.
• One PC: each key is for a single device.
• Help: not sure your PC is ready? Ask us on WhatsApp or through our contact page.

See all our software keys.

Windows 11 requirements FAQ

Sources, checked 17 October 2026: Microsoft Support: Windows 11 system requirements, Windows 10 support has ended and Windows 10 ESU.