Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check app or the eligibility assessment in Windows Update to check whether your PC can upgrade to Windows 11. If the result identifies a failed requirement, check that item before changing firmware settings or buying hardware. Microsoft says PC Health Check does not assess the graphics card or display, so verify those separately.
Check compatibility with PC Health Check
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On your Windows 10 PC, download and open Microsoft’s PC Health Check app.
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In the app, select the Windows 11 eligibility check and run it.
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Review the overall result. If the PC does not meet the requirements, open the detailed result to see which requirement failed.
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An eligible result means the PC passes the checks the app performs; it is not a substitute for the separate graphics and display checks below.
Check eligibility in Windows Update
On a consumer PC that is not managed by an organization, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and review the Windows 11 eligibility information. Microsoft’s Windows 11 installation guidance describes this route. If the device is managed by your employer or school, ask its IT administrator to assess it.
Compatibility and upgrade availability are related but not identical: a PC may meet the requirements before Windows Update offers the upgrade. After changing a setting or component, wait until Windows Update says Windows 11 is ready for that device before upgrading.
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What Windows 11 requires
Use Microsoft’s Windows 11 specifications to check the details, especially the items PC Health Check does not verify.
| Requirement | Minimum | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Compatible 64-bit CPU or SoC, 1 GHz or faster, with at least 2 cores | The processor must also appear on Microsoft’s approved processor list; speed and core count alone do not establish eligibility. |
| Memory | 4 GB RAM | Whether an upgrade is possible depends on the PC model. |
| Storage | 64 GB | Whether the drive can be upgraded depends on the PC model. |
| Firmware | UEFI, Secure Boot capable | Secure Boot may be unavailable because of firmware settings even on a PC that supports it. |
| TPM | Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 | Confirm that the PC supports TPM 2.0 and check whether it needs to be enabled. |
| Graphics | DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver | Check separately; PC Health Check does not assess the graphics card. |
| Display | Larger than 9 inches diagonally and HD 720p resolution | Check separately; PC Health Check does not assess the display. |
Windows 11 Home and personal-use Pro also require an internet connection and Microsoft account during initial setup.
Understand a failed compatibility result
TPM 2.0 is not detected
“Not detected” does not necessarily mean the PC needs a separate TPM module. First confirm that the model supports TPM 2.0, then follow the manufacturer’s instructions to check whether it must be enabled. Microsoft’s TPM guidance explains how to investigate detection and enablement. Do not buy a TPM module without confirming that it is supported by your PC.
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Secure Boot is unavailable
Microsoft notes that firmware settings can make Secure Boot appear unavailable on some modern PCs. Check the PC manufacturer’s support information before changing UEFI or BIOS settings; the required configuration is UEFI and Secure Boot capability.
Memory or storage fails
Some PCs can accept more RAM or a larger drive, but compatibility and upgrade options vary by model. Check the manufacturer’s specifications or ask a retailer about the exact PC before purchasing a component.
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Check the exact processor against Microsoft’s approved list. The 1 GHz speed and two-core thresholds are inherent to the processor and are not considered upgradable components; meeting those figures alone is not enough if the processor is not approved.
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Choose the next step
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The checks pass: Confirm graphics and display requirements, then use Windows Update to see when the upgrade is ready for your device.
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A setting or upgrade may resolve the failure: Verify that the PC manufacturer supports the change, and weigh compatibility and cost before proceeding.
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The PC cannot meet a requirement: Microsoft says you may consider a PC that meets the Windows 11 specifications. There is no universal hardware fix; the right answer depends on the failed requirement and the model.
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The PC is managed by work or school: Contact your IT administrator rather than changing settings or upgrading it yourself.
Microsoft states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. If your PC remains on Windows 10, take that support status into account when deciding what to do next.
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