Whether you have the official supported PC’s or not, you can install windows 11 OS on your Laptop/Desktop as long as your Pc meets the general system requirements. However, you might not be aware of those system requirements, but you don’t have to worry. I am going to share the general system requirements for the new Microsoft Windows 11 OS installation.
Microsoft finally unveiled Windows 11. There’s a new Microsoft Store, Snap Layouts, and even Android apps are coming to Microsoft’s in-house operating system via the Amazon Appstore, in addition to a new UI. But now, you’re probably curious about the system requirements to see if your PC can run Windows 11.
Fortunately, Microsoft has already prepared a support document. Yes, the system requirements have been raised, though to be fair to Microsoft, it hasn’t presented them in any significant way since the Windows 7 era.
Firstly, RAM requirements are increasing. Windows 11 requires 4GB of RAM, which is double the amount needed for a 64-bit Windows 10 machine and quadruple the amount required for a 32-bit Windows 10 machine. You’ll also require 64GB of storage rather than 32GB.
To run Windows 11, you’ll need a 64-bit processor. 32-bit support is now available, and it was even available for new Windows 10 PCs, though they continued to receive updates. The CPU must also have two or more cores, which applies to all computers sold in the modern era.
Read: Officially, Windows 11 will not support AMD Zen or most Intel 7th-generation CPUs.
However, none of the listed CPU requirements are necessary, and it’s unclear why Microsoft includes them at all. The company has a list of CPUs that it supports. It’s pretty simple if you don’t want to look up your own. It’s eighth-gen or newer for Intel, Zen 2 or more contemporary for AMD, and Snapdragon 850 or newer for Qualcomm.
Microsoft had stated that it would review its stance on Intel’s seventh-generation and AMD’s Zen 1 CPUs, but nothing has changed. A single mainstream chip, the Core i7-7820HQ, is commonly known as the Surface Studio 2 CPU.
TPM 2.0 is the other significant change. However, if you have a supported CPU, you should already have it. Since Windows 10 version 1607, it’s been a requirement for new PCs. You can see whether your PC has it, and if it doesn’t, you might be able to turn it on in the BIOS.
Windows 11 System Requirements
Below are the main requirements for a window 11 upgrade, go through it to see if your PC has what it takes to run the new Windows 11 OS. If it meets the requirements then congrats to you. Get ready to download and install the new operating system on your PC.
| Processor: | 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC) |
|---|---|
| RAM: | 4 gigabyte (GB) |
| Storage: | 64 GB or larger storage device note: See below under “More information on storage space to keep Windows 11 up-to-date” for more details. |
| System firmware: | UEFI, Secure Boot capable |
| TPM: | Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 |
| Graphics card: | Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver |
| Display: | High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel |
| Internet connection and Microsoft accounts: | Windows 11 Home edition requires internet connectivity and a Microsoft account to complete device setup on first use. Switching a device out of Windows 11 Home in S mode also requires internet connectivity. Learn more about S mode here. For all Windows 11 editions, internet access is required to perform updates and download and take advantage of some features. A Microsoft account is required for some features. |
You may browse the whole Windows 11 system requirements if you like, which get much more detailed. One item absent from this list is the need for PCs to have a Precision touchpad, which may be a problem with older PCs and even current HP laptops.
If you’re unsure whether your PC matches the Windows 11 minimum requirements, you may use Microsoft’s PC Health tool to determine compatibility.
Take note that since this article was initially published, several solutions for these criteria have been provided. As it turns out, no workaround will be required. If your CPU is not compatible, Microsoft will allow you to install Windows 11 through an ISO. However, you will not receive updates.