Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

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

On a Windows 10 PC, use Microsoft’s PC Health Check app and select Check now under Windows 11 eligibility. It reports whether the device meets the minimum requirements and explains why it may not. You can also check eligibility in Windows Update, though a passing result does not guarantee an immediate upgrade offer.

Check Windows 11 eligibility with PC Health Check

  1. Install Microsoft’s PC Health Check app if it is not already on your PC.

  2. Open the app from taskbar search.

  3. In the Windows 11 eligibility section, select Check now.

  4. Read the result. If the PC is not eligible, note the requirement the app identifies as the reason.

    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.

PC Health Check assesses the device against the minimum requirements; it does not judge compatibility only by processor speed.

Check Windows Update as well

In Windows 10, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Windows Update assesses eligibility for that device and may offer the Windows 11 upgrade when it is ready. Microsoft can delay an offer because of a compatibility issue or roll it out over time, so a passing check does not mean an upgrade button will appear immediately. See Microsoft’s Windows 11 installation guidance.

Rank #2
Dell Latitude 5420 14" FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Camera, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
  • 256 GB SSD of storage.
  • Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
  • Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.

What Windows 11 requirements should you check?

Microsoft’s minimum requirements include all of the following. A processor must meet the listed speed and core thresholds and appear on Microsoft’s approved processor list.

Component Minimum requirement
Processor 1 GHz or faster, with two or more cores, on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC); it must be on Microsoft’s approved list.
Memory 4 GB RAM.
Storage 64 GB or larger storage device.
Firmware and security UEFI firmware capable of Secure Boot and TPM version 2.0.
Graphics DirectX 12-compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
Display More than 9 inches diagonally, with HD resolution (720p).

These are baseline hardware requirements, not a guarantee that every Windows 11 feature or app will work on the PC; some features need additional hardware. Check Microsoft’s Windows 11 system requirements for the current details.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3

Separately, initial setup of Windows 11 Home and Pro for personal use requires an internet connection and a Microsoft account. That is a setup requirement, not part of the PC Health Check hardware assessment. More details are in Microsoft’s system requirements.

What to do if your PC fails the check

Identify the specific failure first

Use PC Health Check’s explanation, then compare it with your computer maker’s specifications and support information. The failed item matters: adding memory or storage will not resolve an unsupported processor, firmware limitation, Secure Boot issue, or missing TPM 2.0. Microsoft identifies processor compatibility as a key factor; processor speed and core count are characteristics of the manufactured chip, not upgrades to those characteristics.

Rank #4
15.6 Inch Laptop Computer, N4020, 4GB DDR4 RAM, 128GB eMMC,with Windows 11
  • 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.

Check whether a component change is practical

Some PCs allow memory or storage upgrades, but others do not, and a successful component upgrade may leave another requirement unmet. Before buying parts, confirm what your exact model supports and whether the proposed change fixes the failure PC Health Check reported.

After hardware changes, refresh the assessment

Run PC Health Check again and revisit Windows Update. Microsoft says eligibility information can take up to 24 hours to refresh after hardware changes; its PC Health Check guidance also explains how to refresh eligibility manually. Even an eligible PC may not receive the upgrade offer right away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Windows 11 Laptop with i3 Processor 15.6" Work Laptop for College Students
  • 【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
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

If the PC is ineligible: compare your options

Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. After that date, Windows 10 no longer receives normal free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes. Microsoft’s consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program can provide security updates through October 12, 2027, subject to its terms. Review Microsoft’s Windows 10 end-of-support guidance for current options and conditions.

Choose based on the failed requirement, the cost and expected useful life of any repair, whether the PC is otherwise suitable for your needs, and how long you need to keep using it. If replacing it, compare the new PC’s processor, memory, storage, display, and fit for your workload rather than assuming that Windows 11 alone makes it the right device.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Dell Latitude 5420 14' FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Camera, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
Dell Latitude 5420 14" FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Camera, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
256 GB SSD of storage.; Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM; Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
$289.00
Bestseller No. 3
HP 14' HD Laptop, Windows 11, Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD, Webcam, Dale Pink (Renewed)
HP 14" HD Laptop, Windows 11, Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD, Webcam, Dale Pink (Renewed)
14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
$249.99

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.