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Short answer: Microsoft’s PC Health Check checks whether a Windows 10 PC is eligible for Windows 11. It is not mainly a tool for checking whether a computer can run Windows 10. To check Windows 10 installation requirements, compare your PC’s specifications with Microsoft’s minimums below. For most Windows 10 users, the more urgent question is whether the PC can move to Windows 11: standard support for Windows 10 Home and Pro ended on October 14, 2025.
Windows 10 requirements at a glance
Microsoft’s published requirements for newer Windows 10 versions are installation minimums, not a guarantee of good performance.
| Component | Windows 10 minimum |
|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz or faster processor or system-on-a-chip (SoC) |
| Memory | 1 GB for 32-bit Windows 10; 2 GB for 64-bit |
| Storage | 32 GB or larger for newer Windows 10 versions |
| Graphics | DirectX 9 or later with a WDDM 1.0 driver |
| Display | 800 × 600 |
See Microsoft’s Windows 10 system requirements. A PC that meets these minimums may still feel slow, especially with little RAM, a nearly full drive, or a traditional hard disk. As practical—not official—targets, consider at least 4 GB RAM as a bare floor, 8 GB for more comfortable everyday multitasking, an SSD where possible, and ample free storage for updates and recovery.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsCheck whether your Windows 10 PC can upgrade to Windows 11
Use Microsoft’s free PC Health Check app for the quickest eligibility result. Download it from Microsoft’s official PC Health Check download, install it, then:
#1 Best Overall
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
- Open PC Health Check from Windows Search.
- Find the Windows 11 eligibility section and select Check now.
- Review the result and open the details for any requirement that failed.
The app compares the device with Windows 11’s minimum requirements and can explain common reasons for ineligibility. A pass means the PC meets Microsoft’s baseline eligibility checks; it is not a performance benchmark or a guarantee that every app, game, driver, or peripheral will work as expected.
Windows 11 minimum requirements
Windows 11 requires more than Windows 10. Microsoft’s baseline includes:
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
- A compatible 64-bit processor or SoC running at 1 GHz or faster, with at least two cores. Processor compatibility lists matter; clock speed alone is not enough.
- 4 GB RAM and a storage device of at least 64 GB.
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability and TPM 2.0.
- DirectX 12-compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
- An HD display at least 720p. Microsoft’s display-size requirement is above 9 inches diagonally for applicable devices; desktop monitors are treated differently in the hardware requirements.
- An internet connection and Microsoft account during initial setup for Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro for personal use.
Check the complete, current list at Microsoft’s Windows 11 specifications. A 64 GB drive can meet the total-capacity minimum but still lack enough free space to perform an upgrade, keep temporary installation files, or roll back.
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Check your PC’s specifications manually
Processor, RAM, system type, and Windows edition
- Open Settings.
- Select System, then About.
- Review Processor, Installed RAM, System type, and Windows edition.
Menu wording can vary slightly by Windows update, language, edition, or manufacturer customization.
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Storage capacity and free space
Go to Settings → System → Storage. Check both the drive’s capacity and available space. Total capacity is the full size of the drive; available space is what remains for Windows, applications, updates, and temporary files.
Windows version
Press Windows key + R, type winver, and press Enter. The dialog shows the installed Windows version. A direct Windows 11 upgrade path requires Windows 10 version 2004 or later, in addition to eligible hardware.
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
Graphics and display information
Press Windows key + R, enter dxdiag, and press Enter. Review the System and Display tabs (and Render, if present) for DirectX and graphics-driver information. PC Health Check does not replace checking graphics and display details where those are relevant.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Firmware, Secure Boot, and TPM
- Enter
msinfo32in Run to open System Information. Look for BIOS Mode and Secure Boot State. - Enter
tpm.mscin Run to open the TPM management console. If a TPM is present, inspect its status and specification version.
These tools report what Windows can currently see. Firmware settings, hardware support, permissions, and device configuration can affect the result.
Best Value
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
Why a PC fails the Windows 11 check—and what to do
| Failure or concern | What it usually means | Safe next step |
|---|---|---|
| Unsupported processor | The processor may be too old or absent from Microsoft’s supported-processor list even if it is fast enough by clock speed. | Check the exact processor against Microsoft’s supported list. Adding RAM or enabling TPM does not make an unsupported CPU supported; replacing the PC may be the practical option. |
| TPM 2.0 missing | The PC may lack TPM 2.0, or firmware-based TPM may be disabled or not recognized by Windows. | Check the manufacturer’s guidance for settings named TPM, Security Device, Intel PTT, or AMD fTPM. Back up data and save the BitLocker recovery key before firmware changes. Do not clear the TPM casually: it can affect BitLocker, Windows Hello, certificates, and other credentials. |
| Secure Boot unavailable | Secure Boot generally depends on UEFI support. A system set to legacy BIOS/CSM mode, or using an MBR system disk, may need more than a simple toggle. | Check the PC or motherboard maker’s instructions before changing boot mode or converting a disk. Legacy-dependent hardware or operating systems may be affected, and firmware changes can trigger BitLocker recovery. |
| Not enough storage | The drive may be smaller than 64 GB, or it may not have enough free space for the upgrade. | Check capacity and available space separately. Remove files you no longer need or seek manufacturer help with a drive upgrade; preserve a backup before major changes. |
| Graphics or display concern | Windows 11 requires DirectX 12-compatible graphics and a WDDM 2.0 driver, as well as supported display characteristics. | Check the PC maker’s graphics-driver support and the specifications for the actual device. Avoid driver-download sites that are not the device or component manufacturer. |
| Windows version too old | The installed Windows 10 version may not qualify for the direct upgrade path. | Confirm the version with winver. Microsoft specifies Windows 10 version 2004 or later for the upgrade path; update the existing installation where available. |
Before changing BIOS/UEFI settings, enabling Secure Boot, converting a disk, or updating firmware, back up important files, record existing settings, and locate the BitLocker recovery key. If this is a work or school PC, ask the IT administrator first; organizational policies and deployment plans may govern the upgrade.
What to do if the PC is not eligible
- Upgrade if it passes officially. If Windows Update offers Windows 11 for an eligible Windows 10 device, follow its instructions. Microsoft describes the upgrade from qualifying Windows 10 Home or Pro to the equivalent Windows 11 edition as free, subject to device and installation eligibility.
- Fix a configurable setting if appropriate. A supported firmware TPM may only need to be enabled, or UEFI/Secure Boot may be available with careful preparation. Confirm the exact procedure with the PC manufacturer rather than assuming a setting change is safe or sufficient.
- Consider a Windows 11-compatible computer. If the CPU is unsupported, the device lacks required firmware capability, or the necessary conversion is disproportionate, replacement is generally a safer long-term route. Check supported processor, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, driver support, and enough RAM and SSD storage for your real workload.
- Use Windows 10 ESU only as a bridge, if eligible. Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates for eligible Windows 10 version 22H2 devices. Availability, enrollment terms, and duration can depend on region and account or device eligibility; consult Microsoft’s Windows 10 end-of-support and ESU page for current terms. ESU is not a return to full Windows support or feature updates.
Installing Windows 11 on hardware that fails Microsoft’s requirements is not the same as making it officially supported. A workaround may leave the device outside Microsoft’s support conditions and may bring update, driver, security, warranty, or recovery risks. It is not the default fix for an ineligible everyday computer.
Windows 10 support ended: what that means
Windows 10 Home and Pro, including version 22H2, reached end of standard support on October 14, 2025. The PC does not stop booting on that date, but ordinary standard security updates, feature updates, and technical assistance for those editions ended. Continuing to use an unprotected installation can increase security and software-compatibility risk. Certain specialized LTSC and IoT releases have separate lifecycles, so the Home and Pro date should not be applied automatically to every Windows 10 deployment. See Microsoft’s lifecycle announcement for scope.
ESU can provide a limited security-update bridge for eligible devices, but it does not provide the normal Windows 10 feature-update and support lifecycle. Check the current official enrollment terms for your market before relying on it.
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