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On a Windows 10 PC, open Microsoft’s PC Health Check app, find the Windows 11 eligibility section, and select Check now. It reports whether the device meets the minimum requirements and, if not, identifies the reason and possible next steps. Windows Update also assesses eligibility, but passing the check does not mean the upgrade is ready to install immediately.
How to check if your PC can run Windows 11
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Install or open PC Health Check.
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In the app, find the Windows 11 eligibility section and select Check now.
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Read the result and note the exact requirement or component that failed. Follow the app’s suggested actions where available.
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If you change hardware or firmware settings, run the check again. Microsoft says Windows Update’s eligibility information can take up to 24 hours to refresh after a hardware change; an eligible device may still not receive the upgrade offer right away.
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Microsoft describes PC Health Check as a comprehensive eligibility check, but it does not check the graphics card or display. If those requirements are uncertain, consult the specifications for your exact PC model. See Microsoft’s PC Health Check instructions and Windows 11 specifications.
Windows 11 minimum system requirements
A PC must meet all applicable minimum requirements; satisfying a single conspicuous item, such as RAM, is not enough. Microsoft’s Windows 11 System Requirements are:
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| Component | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz or faster, with at least two cores, using a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC). The processor must also appear on Microsoft’s approved CPU list. |
| Memory | At least 4 GB RAM. |
| Storage | At least 64 GB. |
| Firmware and security | UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, and TPM version 2.0. |
| Graphics | DirectX 12-compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver. |
| Display | High-definition (720p) display larger than 9 inches diagonally, with 8 bits per color channel. |
| Internet and account | Internet access and a Microsoft account during initial setup for Windows 11 Home and Pro for personal use. |
| Upgrade starting point | For an upgrade through Windows Update, Windows 10 version 2004 or later. |
What a failed eligibility check means
Processor not supported
Check the exact CPU model against Microsoft’s approved list; adequate clock speed and core count alone do not qualify a processor. Microsoft notes that clock speed and core count are inherent to the processor design and are not upgradable components. A processor outside the approved list can therefore disqualify a PC even when its headline specifications seem sufficient.
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RAM or storage is below the minimum
Memory or storage may sometimes be upgraded, but that depends on the PC. Check the manufacturer’s documentation for the exact model before buying parts, then rerun PC Health Check after the change.
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TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot is unavailable or disabled
A compatible security feature may be present but disabled, or the model may need a manufacturer-specific configuration change. Check Microsoft’s and the PC maker’s instructions for your model before changing firmware settings or buying a TPM module. Compatibility and the possibility of a fix vary by device.
Graphics or display is the concern
PC Health Check does not assess the graphics card or display, according to Microsoft’s specifications page. Verify those details in the manufacturer’s specifications for the particular PC rather than treating a passing app result as confirmation of them.
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Why a supported PC may not show the Windows 11 upgrade
Minimum-requirement eligibility and an upgrade offer in Windows Update are related but not identical. Microsoft rolls out upgrades by device, and a compatibility safeguard hold can temporarily delay an offer when a known issue could disrupt the experience. After hardware changes, give Windows Update time to refresh its assessment; then check again. A missing offer on a device that passes PC Health Check does not by itself prove that the hardware is unsupported. See Microsoft’s guidance on checking eligibility after hardware changes.
Should you upgrade the PC, replace it, or install Windows 11 anyway?
Base the decision on the exact failing requirement, whether the manufacturer supports a fix for that model, and whether the device meets all requirements after any change. Compare the cost and effort of a verified upgrade with replacing the PC; there is no universal repair price or break-even point. If shopping for a replacement, verify the exact candidate model’s processor, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot capability, RAM, and storage—not just a broad product-family description. Also account for software and accessory compatibility and back up important files before an upgrade, as Microsoft advises in its Windows 11 upgrade FAQ.
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Microsoft does not recommend installing Windows 11 on a device that fails the minimum requirements. Its warning says such a device is unsupported by Microsoft, may have compatibility problems, and is not guaranteed to receive updates, including security updates. Microsoft also warns that compatibility-related damage is not covered by the manufacturer warranty. Bypassing the check is not a routine, supported workaround; read Microsoft’s unsupported-device guidance before considering it.
If your PC cannot qualify: Windows 10 support has ended
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10 after that date, although the PC continues to work. If your device cannot meet Windows 11 requirements, assess a model-specific repair or upgrade against replacement with a compatible PC, and plan for the security and compatibility implications of continuing to use an unsupported operating system. Microsoft’s PC Health Check guidance and upgrade FAQ describe the support end and upgrade options.
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