Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
Skip to content
Redmond desk3 min

How to Check Whether Your PC Is Compatible With Windows 11

Use Microsoft PC Health Check or Windows Update to assess Windows 11 eligibility, then check graphics, display, and any failed requirement against your PC’s specifications.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check app or the eligibility assessment in Windows Update, then check your result against Microsoft’s system requirements. PC Health Check does not check graphics or display compatibility, so verify those separately before treating a passing result as a complete check.

Check Windows 11 compatibility with PC Health Check

  1. On your Windows 10 PC, download and open Microsoft’s PC Health Check app.
  2. Run the Windows 11 eligibility check.
  3. Read the overall result and, if the PC is not eligible, review the details to see which requirement failed.

A passing result means the PC meets the checks the app performs. Microsoft says the app does not check the graphics card or display, so confirm those requirements separately.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Check eligibility in Windows Update

On a consumer PC that is not managed by an organization, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and look for the Windows 11 eligibility assessment. Windows Update is useful if you want to check from Settings rather than run a separate diagnostic app. A PC being eligible and Windows Update offering the upgrade are not the same thing: wait until Windows Update says Windows 11 is ready for your device before upgrading. See Microsoft’s Windows 11 system requirements and upgrade guidance.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If your PC is managed by a workplace or school, ask your IT administrator to assess it; organization policies and management can affect the upgrade.

#1 Best Overall
Dell Optiplex 7050 SFF Desktop PC Intel i7-7700 4-Cores 3.60GHz 32GB DDR4 1TB SSD WiFi BT HDMI Duel Monitor Support Windows 11 Pro Excellent Condition(Renewed)
  • Model: Dell OptiPlex 7050 Small Form Factor (SFF)
  • Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 3.60 GHz
  • Memory: 32GB DDR4 Ram
  • Storage: 1TB Solid State Drive (SSD) Fast Boot + Storage
  • Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (64-bit)

Check the requirements the app does not verify

Compare the PC’s specifications with Microsoft’s Windows 11 specifications. Graphics and display are the two requirements Microsoft specifically says PC Health Check does not assess.

Requirement Windows 11 minimum What to check
Processor Compatible 64-bit CPU or SoC, 1 GHz or faster, with at least 2 cores The processor must also appear on Microsoft’s approved processor list; speed and core count alone do not establish compatibility.
Memory 4 GB RAM Check your PC’s installed memory and whether its manufacturer supports an upgrade.
Storage 64 GB Check available and installed storage, and confirm whether the PC supports a suitable drive upgrade.
Firmware and security UEFI firmware that is Secure Boot capable; TPM version 2.0 Confirm TPM 2.0 support and whether it needs to be enabled. Secure Boot may depend on firmware settings.
Graphics DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver Check the graphics hardware and driver against the requirement; the app does not verify this.
Display More than 9 inches diagonally and HD 720p or higher Check screen size and resolution; the app does not verify this.
Setup for Windows 11 Home and personal-use Pro Internet connectivity and a Microsoft account during initial setup This applies during initial setup for those editions.

Microsoft’s requirements page also provides approved processor lists and details for individual requirements. These are minimum specifications, not a guarantee that every feature will work identically on every PC.

Rank #2
Sale
Microsoft Windows 11 (USB)
  • Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
  • Biometric logins. Encrypted authentication. And, of course, advanced antivirus defenses. Everything you need, plus more, to protect you against the latest cyberthreats.
  • Make the most of your screen space with snap layouts, desktops, and seamless redocking.
  • Widgets makes staying up-to-date with the content you love and the news you care about, simple.
  • Stay in touch with friends and family with Microsoft Teams, which can be seamlessly integrated into your taskbar. (1)

Understand a failed compatibility result

TPM 2.0 is not detected

“Not detected” does not prove that the PC lacks TPM 2.0. Check the PC’s specifications and manufacturer instructions to find out whether it supports TPM 2.0 and whether it must be enabled. Microsoft provides guidance for enabling TPM 2.0. Do not assume a separate TPM module will work: support depends on the specific PC.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Secure Boot is unavailable

The requirement is for UEFI firmware that is Secure Boot capable. A PC may appear not to support Secure Boot because of its current firmware settings. Before changing them, use your computer manufacturer’s instructions; firmware options and procedures vary by model. Microsoft explains this in its Windows 11 and Secure Boot guidance.

Rank #3
Office Suite 2026 Special Edition for Windows 11-10-8-7-Vista-XP | PC Software and 1.000 New Fonts | Alternative to Microsoft Office | Compatible with Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • THE ALTERNATIVE: The Office Suite Package is the perfect alternative to MS Office. It offers you word processing as well as spreadsheet analysis and the creation of presentations.
  • LOTS OF EXTRAS:✓ 1,000 different fonts available to individually style your text documents and ✓ 20,000 clipart images
  • EASY TO USE: The highly user-friendly interface will guarantee that you get off to a great start | Simply insert the included CD into your CD/DVD drive and install the Office program.
  • ONE PROGRAM FOR EVERYTHING: Office Suite is the perfect computer accessory, offering a wide range of uses for university, work and school. ✓ Drawing program ✓ Database ✓ Formula editor ✓ Spreadsheet analysis ✓ Presentations
  • FULL COMPATIBILITY: ✓ Compatible with Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint ✓ Suitable for Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP (32 and 64-bit versions) ✓ Fast and easy installation ✓ Easy to navigate

Memory or storage falls short

Some PCs can be upgraded, but compatible RAM and storage depend on the model. Check with the manufacturer or a retailer before buying parts. An upgrade to memory or storage will not fix a separate processor or firmware failure.

The processor fails despite meeting the speed and core thresholds

Microsoft requires a processor from its approved list as well as the minimum speed and core count. Those processor characteristics are inherent to the design and are not considered upgradable components.

Rank #4
Sale
TP-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC - Bluetooth 5.4 USB Dongle Receiver
  • Bluetooth 5.4 + Broad Compatibility - Provides Bluetooth 5.4 plus EDR technology and is backward compatible with Bluetooth V5.3/5.0/4.2/4.0/3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1.
  • Faster Speed, Extended Range - Get up to 2x faster data transfer and 4x broader coverage compared to Bluetooth 4.0 — perfect for smooth audio streaming and stable connections.
  • EDR and BLE Technology - This Bluetooth dongle is quipped with enhanced data rate and Bluetooth low energy, UB500 has greatly improved data transfer speed and operates at the optimal rate of power consumption
  • Nano-Sized - A sleek, ultra-small design means you can insert the Nano Bluetooth receiver into any USB port and simply keep it there regardless of whether you are traveling or at home
  • Plug & Play with Free Driver Support - Plug and play for Windows 8.1/10/11 (internet required). Supports Win7 (driver required and can be downloaded from website for free). Download the latest driver from TP-Link website to utilize Bluetooth 5.4
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What to do after the check

  • If the PC passes: verify graphics and display, then wait for Windows Update to say the upgrade is ready for your device.
  • If a setting may be the issue: consult the PC manufacturer’s model-specific directions before changing firmware or security settings.
  • If an upgrade may address the failure: confirm that the manufacturer supports the component and that it is compatible with your exact model before purchasing.
  • If the PC cannot meet a minimum requirement: Microsoft says you may consider a PC that meets the Windows 11 specifications.

Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, according to Microsoft’s Windows 11 specifications page.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Dell Optiplex 7050 SFF Desktop PC Intel i7-7700 4-Cores 3.60GHz 32GB DDR4 1TB SSD WiFi BT HDMI Duel Monitor Support Windows 11 Pro Excellent Condition(Renewed)
Dell Optiplex 7050 SFF Desktop PC Intel i7-7700 4-Cores 3.60GHz 32GB DDR4 1TB SSD WiFi BT HDMI Duel Monitor Support Windows 11 Pro Excellent Condition(Renewed)
Model: Dell OptiPlex 7050 Small Form Factor (SFF); Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 3.60 GHz; Memory: 32GB DDR4 Ram
$392.99
SaleBestseller No. 2
Microsoft Windows 11 (USB)
Microsoft Windows 11 (USB)
Make the most of your screen space with snap layouts, desktops, and seamless redocking.; FPP is boxed product that ships with USB for installation
$127.70
Best Value
Dell Optiplex 3070 Micro PC | Windows 11 Pro | Intel i5-9500 | 8GB RAM + 250GB SSD | 5G WiFi + BT | Mini Desktop Computer (Renewed)
  • SPACE-SAVING PERFORMANCE FOR HOME & OFFICE – The Dell OptiPlex 3070 Micro delivers dependable computing power in a compact footprint, making it ideal for desks with limited space or clean, minimal workstations.
  • RELIABLE INTEL PROCESSING POWER – Equipped with an Intel Core i5 9th Gen Hexa-Core processor (i5-9500), this system offers smooth performance for everyday multitasking, web browsing, and business productivity.
  • CONFIGURED FOR EFFICIENCY – Comes with 8GB DDR4 RAM and a 250GB SSD, delivering fast load times, responsive multitasking, and ample storage for files and applications.
  • WINDOWS 11 PRO & WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY – Pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, offering advanced features and security for business or home use. Includes a WiFi and Bluetooth adapter for convenient wireless connectivity.
  • VERSATILE & ENERGY-EFFICIENT DESIGN – The ultra-small form factor is ideal for space-conscious users and supports a variety of mounting and placement options. Its low power usage and quiet operation make it perfect for professional environments.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.