Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check app. On the Windows 10 computer, open the app, select Check now in the Windows 11 section, and read the specific requirement it reports. “Unsupported” is not a diagnosis by itself: the result may point to an incompatible processor, a disabled firmware feature, an assessment that has not refreshed after a hardware change, or a computer that qualifies but has not yet been offered the upgrade through Windows Update.
Download or reinstall PC Health Check from Microsoft’s official download page. The check tells you whether the device meets Microsoft’s minimum requirements; it does not guarantee an immediate Windows Update offer, and it cannot turn unsupported hardware into supported hardware.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Microsoft Windows 11 (USB) | $128.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Microsoft System Builder | Windоws 11 Home | Intended use for new systems | Install on a new PC |... | $119.99 | Buy on Amazon |
What “can run Windows 11” actually means
There are three different questions that are often collapsed into one:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →- Does the hardware meet Microsoft’s minimum requirements? This is the technical test performed by PC Health Check and Windows Update.
- Is the device eligible for an upgrade? A passing assessment means Microsoft considers the computer eligible under its requirements and current compatibility checks.
- Has Microsoft offered the upgrade yet? An eligible computer may still wait for an offer because rollout timing varies by device or a known compatibility issue is temporarily blocking the upgrade.
Therefore, a computer that has not received a Windows 11 offer is not automatically unsupported. Conversely, a computer that fails one requirement may still boot an installation, but it is not a supported Windows 11 device under Microsoft’s policy.
#1 Best Overall
- Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
- Biometric logins. Encrypted authentication. And, of course, advanced antivirus defenses. Everything you need, plus more, to protect you against the latest cyberthreats.
- Make the most of your screen space with snap layouts, desktops, and seamless redocking.
- Widgets makes staying up-to-date with the content you love and the news you care about, simple.
- Stay in touch with friends and family with Microsoft Teams, which can be seamlessly integrated into your taskbar. (1)
Check compatibility with PC Health Check
PC Health Check is Microsoft’s direct manual eligibility test. It reports the reason for an ineligible result instead of leaving you with a generic “unsupported” label.
- Prepare the PC. Sign in to the Windows 10 computer you want to check. Save open work and connect the computer to power if it is a laptop.
- Get the app. Download PC Health Check from https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp, then install it if it is not already present.
- Open PC Health Check. In the app, locate the Windows 11 eligibility section.
- Select “Check now.” Wait for the assessment to finish. The result should state whether the computer meets the Windows 11 requirements.
- Read the reason, not just the status. If the result is negative, note the exact item named—for example, processor, TPM, Secure Boot, storage, memory, graphics, or display. That item determines what can realistically be investigated.
- Use the manufacturer’s documentation for model-specific details. PC Health Check identifies the failed category, but the computer maker’s specifications and support instructions determine whether a firmware setting or hardware change is available for that exact model.
Microsoft explains how the app works in How to use the PC Health Check app.
How to interpret the result
| PC Health Check result | What it means | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Meets Windows 11 requirements | The device passes Microsoft’s current minimum hardware and compatibility assessment. | Check Windows Update for the offer. It may not appear immediately. |
| Does not meet requirements | At least one requirement failed. The app should identify the category or explain what needs attention. | Investigate that specific requirement with the PC manufacturer’s documentation; do not buy parts until you know which requirement failed. |
| Eligible, but no Windows Update offer | The hardware passes, but rollout timing or a known compatibility hold may delay the offer. | Keep Windows 10 updated, check again later, and review Microsoft’s installation guidance if you have a reason to install manually. |
| Result appears stale after a hardware change | Windows Update may still be using its previous assessment. | Run PC Health Check again. Microsoft says Windows Update’s eligibility information can take up to 24 hours to refresh after hardware changes. |
Windows 11 minimum requirements to compare against
The following are Microsoft’s published minimums. They are thresholds for eligibility, not a promise that every Windows 11 feature or application will work. Some features have additional requirements. See the current Windows 11 System Requirements page for Microsoft’s full wording.
| Component | Minimum requirement | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz or faster, with at least two cores, using a processor that appears on Microsoft’s approved CPU list | Clock speed and core count alone are not enough. A processor must also be on Microsoft’s supported list; these processor characteristics are not treated as ordinary upgradeable components. |
| Memory | At least 4 GB of RAM | Adding memory can address only a memory shortfall. It cannot fix an unsupported processor, TPM problem, or firmware limitation. |
| Storage | At least 64 GB of storage | Free space needed during an upgrade can be greater than the minimum capacity. A larger drive does not correct another failed requirement. |
| Firmware | UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability | The computer may have the capability even if Secure Boot is currently disabled. The correct setting and safe procedure depend on the model and its existing installation mode. |
| Security module | TPM version 2.0 | A TPM may be present but disabled, or the system may have an older version. The manufacturer’s instructions are needed before changing firmware settings. |
| Graphics | DirectX 12-compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver | The graphics processor and its driver both matter. Installing a different driver cannot make incompatible graphics hardware meet the requirement. |
| Display | More than 9 inches diagonally, HD resolution (720p), and 8 bits per color channel | This is a device requirement, not a recommendation to attach an external monitor to bypass an incompatible built-in display. |
What to do for each failed requirement
Unsupported processor
If PC Health Check identifies the CPU, verify the exact model against Microsoft’s approved processor list and the computer manufacturer’s specifications. A processor that runs at 1 GHz and has two or more cores can still fail because its model is not approved. In most laptops and many compact desktops, replacing the processor is impractical or impossible. Do not assume that increasing RAM, replacing storage, or updating a driver will change this result.
TPM 2.0 missing or disabled
Some systems include TPM 2.0 but have it disabled in UEFI firmware. The setting may be described using a manufacturer-specific name. Before changing it, read the support instructions for the exact model and back up important data. Firmware changes can affect encryption, boot configuration, or an existing operating-system installation. If you cannot identify the setting confidently, ask the manufacturer or a qualified technician rather than guessing.
Secure Boot or UEFI problem
A PC may support Secure Boot without currently using it. The manufacturer’s documentation should establish whether the machine is running in UEFI mode and whether enabling Secure Boot is supported without reinstalling or repairing Windows. Do not change legacy/UEFI settings casually: switching modes on an existing installation can make Windows fail to boot if the disk and boot configuration are not prepared for the change.
Insufficient RAM
Less than 4 GB of RAM is below Microsoft’s minimum. A memory upgrade may be feasible on a desktop or upgradeable laptop, but only after checking the model’s supported memory type, slot count, and maximum capacity. If PC Health Check names a different failure, adding RAM will not resolve it.
Insufficient storage
A drive with less than 64 GB of capacity does not meet the minimum. Check the computer’s specifications before buying a replacement: some systems use removable drives, while others have storage soldered to the board. Capacity is only one part of the decision; the replacement must be compatible with the model and leave a supported boot configuration.
Graphics or driver failure
Confirm the graphics hardware and driver against the manufacturer’s support information. A newer driver may resolve a driver-detection issue, but it cannot add DirectX 12 capability to graphics hardware that lacks it. Avoid treating a driver update as a guaranteed fix until the underlying graphics model is known.
Display below the minimum
The built-in or primary display must exceed 9 inches, support at least 720p resolution, and provide 8 bits per color channel. This requirement is generally fixed by the device design. An external monitor should not be presented as a guaranteed way around a failed device specification.
Refresh the assessment after changing hardware or firmware
If you have enabled TPM or Secure Boot, replaced a drive, added memory, or made another hardware change, run PC Health Check again. Windows Update does not necessarily recalculate eligibility instantly. Microsoft says its assessment can take up to 24 hours to refresh after a hardware change.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #2
- STREAMLINED & INTUITIVE UI, DVD FORMAT | Intelligent desktop | Personalize your experience for simpler efficiency | Powerful security built-in and enabled.
- OEM IS TO BE INSTALLED ON A NEW PC with no prior version of Windows installed and cannot be transferred to another machine.
- OEM DOES NOT PROVIDE SUPPORT | To acquire product with Microsoft support, obtain the full packaged “Retail” version.
- PRODUCT SHIPS IN PLAIN ENVELOPE | Activation key is located under scratch-off area on label.
- GENUINE WINDOWS SOFTWARE IS BRANDED BY MIRCOSOFT ONLY.
- Restart the computer after the change so firmware and Windows can detect it.
- Open PC Health Check and select Check now again.
- Install any pending Windows 10 updates, restart, and check Windows Update again.
- If Windows Update still shows an old status after 24 hours, follow Microsoft’s current instructions for manually refreshing the eligibility assessment in its PC Health Check guidance.
If the app continues to identify the same failure, treat that as an unresolved requirement rather than an update-delay problem.
Why an eligible PC may not be offered Windows 11
Passing PC Health Check does not create an immediate Windows Update offer. Microsoft stages upgrades and can delay a device when a known compatibility issue could affect the installation or the user experience. Timing therefore varies between otherwise similar computers.
Check Windows Update periodically and keep the existing Windows installation current. Do not interpret the absence of an offer as proof that the hardware failed. Conversely, do not interpret a passing check as a guarantee that every application, peripheral, or optional Windows 11 feature will work; those can have additional requirements.
Microsoft describes the available installation routes in Ways to install Windows 11. That page explains installation methods, while PC Health Check remains the appropriate tool for determining eligibility.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Managed work or school computers
If the PC belongs to an employer, school, or other organization, ask the IT administrator whether it is eligible and when it should be upgraded. Administrators may control Windows Update, hold upgrades for application testing, or use policies that PC Health Check cannot override. Do not change firmware, install from USB, or bypass organizational controls without authorization.
Installing Windows 11 on hardware that fails
Microsoft does not recommend installing Windows 11 on a device that does not meet the minimum requirements. Its official warning says: Installing Windows 11 on this PC is not recommended and may result in compatibility issues.
The device is outside Microsoft support, compatibility problems may occur, and updates—including security updates—are not guaranteed. Microsoft also states that warranty coverage does not cover damage attributed to incompatibility. See the complete Windows 11 unsupported-device notice.
What installation media can and cannot do
A USB installation drive is an installation method, not an eligibility checker. It can install Windows on a computer that meets the requirements, but it does not make a failed processor, TPM, firmware configuration, graphics adapter, or display specification supported. Using installation media on an ineligible PC means accepting Microsoft’s unsupported-device conditions; it should not be described as a fix for the failed check.
When manual installation is a poor choice
- The processor is not on Microsoft’s approved list and cannot be replaced in a supported way.
- The computer has no TPM 2.0 or no supported path to enable it.
- The manufacturer does not support the required UEFI or Secure Boot configuration.
- The machine is used for work, school, regulated data, or security-sensitive tasks where update guarantees and vendor support matter.
- You have not made a verified backup and do not have a recovery plan.
Choosing a practical path after a failed check
| Situation | Most sensible next step | What to verify first |
|---|---|---|
| TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot appears disabled | Review the manufacturer’s firmware instructions or obtain qualified help. | Exact model, current boot mode, encryption status, and recovery options. |
| RAM or storage is below minimum | Consider a model-compatible upgrade if the computer supports one. | Supported part type, maximum capacity, installation procedure, and total cost. |
| Processor is not approved | Check whether the manufacturer offers a practical supported replacement; otherwise compare the cost and reliability of a replacement PC. | Exact CPU model, motherboard limitations, warranty, and whether the resulting system would meet every other requirement. |
| Graphics or display fails | Confirm the hardware specification and supported driver with the manufacturer. | DirectX version, WDDM driver support, display size, resolution, and color depth. |
| All requirements pass, but no offer appears | Wait for rollout, keep Windows updated, and monitor compatibility notices. | Whether the device is subject to a known compatibility hold or organizational policy. |
| Several requirements fail or upgrades are uneconomical | Use a supported Windows 11 computer rather than forcing an unsupported installation. | Data migration, application compatibility, and recovery media. |
Do not buy generic RAM, storage, a TPM module, or another PC until PC Health Check has identified the failed requirement and the manufacturer confirms that the proposed change is supported for the exact model.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallWindows 10 support after October 14, 2025
Microsoft states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10 under its stated support policy. This does not mean a Windows 10 computer instantly stops working; it means you should review Microsoft’s current support and upgrade options for your circumstances and plan around the loss of standard support.
For a computer that fails Windows 11 requirements, the decision is therefore between a supported hardware upgrade or replacement, an organization-managed plan, and knowingly continuing with an unsupported operating system or device. PC Health Check gives you the factual starting point; it does not remove the support and security consequences of the final choice.
Quick Recap
Final check before deciding
- Run PC Health Check and record the exact failed requirement.
- Confirm the computer’s precise model and configuration with its manufacturer.
- Determine whether the issue is a supported setting change, a feasible hardware upgrade, or a fixed limitation.
- After any change, restart, rerun the check, and allow up to 24 hours for Windows Update’s assessment to refresh.
- If the check passes but no offer appears, account for staged rollout and compatibility holds.
- For work or school devices, ask IT before changing anything.
- Do not treat USB installation media or an installation workaround as proof that unsupported hardware has become supported.
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.
