Windows guide

Can my PC run Windows 11? How to check

A plain-English walkthrough of Microsoft's free check, what each requirement means, and what to do if your PC fails.

Reviewed: October 2026 · Written by a computer technician with nearly 30 years of repair experience

Short answer: Install Microsoft's free PC Health Check app and click Check now. It tells you in about two minutes whether your PC can run Windows 11, and which part fails if it can't.

Step 1: Run PC Health Check

Download PC Health Check from Microsoft's Windows 11 specifications page. Download it only from Microsoft, never from a pop-up or an email link.
Open the app and click Check now in the Windows 11 section.
Read the result. If your PC doesn't qualify, the app lists which requirement it failed.

Step 2: Understand the requirements

These are Microsoft's minimum requirements for Windows 11:

Windows 11 minimum requirements (Microsoft Learn)
Part	Minimum	What it means
Processor	1 GHz, 2+ cores, compatible 64-bit	Must be on Microsoft's supported processor list. This is the most common reason older PCs fail.
Memory (RAM)	4 GB	More makes everyday use smoother.
Storage	64 GB	More space may be needed over time for updates.
System firmware	UEFI, Secure Boot capable	A modern startup system that checks Windows hasn't been tampered with.
TPM	Version 2.0	A security chip, or a security feature built into the processor.
Graphics	DirectX 12, WDDM 2.0 driver	Most PCs that meet the other requirements meet this one.
Display	720p, larger than 9 inches	Rarely a problem on desktops or laptops.

Windows 11 Home also needs an internet connection and a Microsoft account to finish setup.

Step 3: "TPM 2.0 is not enabled" — often an easy fix

In my repair work, this is the result people worry about most, and it is often the easiest to fix. Many PCs have the security chip but it is switched off.

Press Windows key + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter.
If it says a compatible TPM cannot be found, the TPM may be turned off. If it shows TPM information, look at Specification Version. It must be 2.0.
To turn it on, go to Settings → Update & Security → Recovery → Restart now, then Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings → Restart.
Look under menus named Advanced, Security or Trusted Computing for a setting called Intel PTT, AMD fTPM, Security Device or TPM State. Enable it, save and exit.
Run PC Health Check again.

Settings screens differ by manufacturer. If you are not comfortable in these menus, check your PC maker's support page or ask someone you trust. Don't change other settings you don't understand.

Step 4: "This processor isn't supported" — the hard limit

This one can't be fixed with a setting. The processor is part of the computer's main board, and on most laptops it cannot be replaced. You can confirm your processor against Microsoft's processor lists.

That does not mean the PC is useless. It means you need a different plan.

What to do if your PC can't upgrade

Here is the short version. For all five options side by side, see what to do when your Windows 10 PC can't upgrade.

Need more time? Windows 10 can keep getting security updates through ESU until October 12, 2027. See how to enroll in Windows 10 ESU.
Don't panic or rush. Your PC will keep working. The risk is missing security fixes, not a sudden shutdown.
Be careful of scams. Microsoft will not call you about Windows 11 or Windows 10 support. Ignore pop-ups or calls offering to "upgrade" your PC for a fee.

Related guides

Sources

Facts checked against Microsoft's official pages on October 31, 2026. Microsoft can change these programs; confirm on the linked pages before acting.