Before you start
- A Windows 10 PC
- An internet connection
Method 1 Check with PC Health Check
-
Step 1: Download the app
Go to Microsoft’s Windows 11 page and download PC Health Check (it may already be installed on Windows 10: search for it in Start).
-
Step 2: Run the check
Open it and click Check now in the Introducing Windows 11 section.
-
Step 3: Read the result
A green message means your PC meets the requirements. Otherwise, click See all results to find out exactly what failed.
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz or faster, 2+ cores, 64-bit, on Microsoft’s supported list (roughly Intel 8th gen / AMD Ryzen 2000 or newer) |
| Memory | 4 GB RAM |
| Storage | 64 GB or more |
| Firmware | UEFI with Secure Boot capable |
| TPM | Trusted Platform Module 2.0 |
| Graphics | DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.0 driver |
| Display | 720p, larger than 9 inches |
Method 2 Check TPM and Secure Boot yourself
-
Step 1: Check TPM
Press Win + R, type tpm.msc and press Enter. Under TPM Manufacturer Information, Specification Version should show 2.0. “Compatible TPM cannot be found” usually means it’s switched off.
-
Step 2: Check Secure Boot
Press Win + R, type msinfo32 and press Enter. Look at BIOS Mode (should be UEFI) and Secure Boot State.
Method 3 Turn on TPM and Secure Boot in the BIOS
-
Step 1: Restart into UEFI settings
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now, then Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
-
Step 2: Enable TPM
Look under Security or Advanced for Intel PTT, Intel Platform Trust Technology, AMD fTPM or TPM Device and enable it.
-
Step 3: Enable Secure Boot
Under Boot or Security, enable Secure Boot. If it’s greyed out, your PC may be in Legacy/CSM mode; switching to UEFI on an existing installation needs a disk conversion, so research your model first.
-
Step 4: Save and check again
Save changes (often F10), restart and run PC Health Check again.
Troubleshooting
“This processor isn’t currently supported for Windows 11”
Older CPUs can’t be fixed in settings. Installing Windows 11 anyway on unsupported hardware is possible but not supported by Microsoft and may not receive updates.
I can’t find TPM settings in the BIOS
Search your motherboard or laptop model plus “enable TPM”. The name differs by manufacturer, and very old PCs simply don’t have TPM 2.0.
Frequently asked questions
Is upgrading from Windows 10 to 11 free?
Yes, for PCs that meet the requirements and have a genuine, activated Windows 10.
Will I lose my files when upgrading?
No, the upgrade keeps your files and apps. Back up first anyway.
How much RAM do I really need?
4 GB is the minimum; 8 GB or more makes Windows 11 run comfortably.
Summary
Run PC Health Check to see whether your PC qualifies. If TPM or Secure Boot is the only problem, turn them on in the UEFI settings. If the processor isn’t supported, it’s time to plan a replacement as Windows 10 support winds down.
