PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, 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 minuteTo check whether your PC meets Windows 11 requirements, open Microsoft’s PC Health Check app and choose Check now in the Windows 11 section. Then check Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates. The first check explains hardware eligibility; Windows Update indicates whether an upgrade is currently offered to your device. Those are different results: staged rollouts and compatibility safeguards can delay an offer even when a PC meets the minimum requirements.
Check Windows 11 eligibility with PC Health Check
- Search Windows for PC Health Check and open the app. If it is not installed, download it from Microsoft’s official PC Health Check download.
- In the Windows 11 section, select Check now.
- Read the result and any details about requirements the PC does not meet. Microsoft describes PC Health Check as a way to assess eligibility and identify reasons a device may not qualify. See Microsoft’s PC Health Check instructions.
Check whether Windows Update is offering the upgrade
On Windows 10, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, then select Check for updates. Microsoft says Windows Update assesses whether a particular device meets the minimum requirements and indicates when the upgrade is ready. The device must be running a currently supported Windows 10 version; Microsoft’s requirements page specifies Windows 10 version 2004 or later for an upgrade through Windows Update. See Windows 11 system requirements and Microsoft’s Windows 11 installation guidance.
Understand the difference between eligible and offered
A PC can meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements without receiving an upgrade offer immediately. Microsoft stages releases by device and may use a compatibility safeguard hold if a known issue could affect the experience. Such holds are intended to avoid disruption from incompatible apps or drivers; see Microsoft’s PC Health Check guidance.
Eligibility also depends on the specific Windows release. Microsoft’s notice published February 10, 2026 says Windows 11 version 26H1 is for select new devices and “is not designed to be offered or installed on existing devices.” It is not an in-place update from Windows 11 versions 24H2 or 25H2. That guidance is specific to 26H1, not a general rule for every Windows release. Check Microsoft’s 26H1 notice for that release’s scope.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
- 4GB DDR4 System Memory; 128GB Solid State Drive
- 11.6" HD (1366 x 768) Multi-Touch Display
- Combo headphone/microphone jack - Noble Wedge Lock slot - HDMI; 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1
- Windows 11 Pro
What the eligibility check evaluates
Microsoft’s published Windows 11 minimum requirements include the following:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster, with at least two cores, and included on Microsoft’s approved processor list. Speed and core count alone do not establish compatibility.
- Memory and storage: At least 4 GB of RAM and a storage device of at least 64 GB.
- Firmware and security: UEFI firmware that is Secure Boot capable, and TPM version 2.0.
- Graphics and display: DirectX 12-compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver, plus a high-definition display larger than 9 inches diagonally with 8 bits per color channel.
These are minimums, not a guarantee that every Windows 11 feature will be available; some features have additional requirements. Initial setup of Windows 11 Home and personal-use Pro requires an internet connection and a Microsoft account. Consult Microsoft’s full requirements and feature notes for the target release.
Rank #2
- Everyday Performance for School and Light Work: A Core M3 2-core, 4-thread processor with a 1.1GHz base frequency and up to 3.0GHz turbo supports online classes, homework, documents, spreadsheets, email, web browsing and video calls for everyday study and entry-level office tasks.
- Crisp 15.6-Inch FHD IPS Display: The 1920x1080 Full HD IPS screen provides a clear, spacious view for homework, notes, presentations, online lessons, web research and streaming at home, school or work.
- 128GB SSD with Room to Grow: The M.2 2280 SATA SSD supports fast startup and everyday file access, with storage expansion up to 2TB. The laptop includes 4GB DDR3 1333MHz memory in two SO-DIMM slots with one slot currently in use.
- Versatile Ports and Wireless Connectivity: Connect accessories and displays through two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, USB-C for charging and USB 2.0 data, HDMI 1.4, a 3.5mm audio jack and a MicroSD card slot, plus dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0.
- Lightweight for Study and Work: At 3.46 lbs and 0.76 inch thin, the DGBook is easy to carry between home, school and work. A 7.7V 5000mAh lithium-ion polymer battery, 2.0MP webcam, dual microphones and dual speakers support everyday portable use and video calls.
Why the checks may disagree or appear out of date
Windows Update has not refreshed after a hardware change
If you recently changed hardware, run PC Health Check again. Windows Update can take up to 24 hours to refresh eligibility information after a hardware change, according to Microsoft. A supported component change does not guarantee an immediate upgrade offer. See Microsoft’s guidance on checking eligibility after hardware changes.
A requirement depends on firmware or the processor
PC Health Check may identify a failed requirement and describe possible actions. Some checks involve firmware settings, such as TPM configuration or Secure Boot, so consult the PC manufacturer’s instructions before changing them. Other requirements, including whether the processor appears on Microsoft’s approved list, may not be fixable through a settings change.
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 →Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
The device is managed by work or school
Microsoft says its consumer assessment options are designed for PCs that are not managed by an IT administrator. If your organization manages the device, ask its IT team about eligibility and upgrade timing rather than changing managed settings yourself. See Microsoft’s requirements page.
What to do before installing
Back up important files before installing a new Windows version. Microsoft lists OneDrive or another suitable destination as backup options; an external drive is another possible destination, not a prerequisite for checking eligibility. Follow Microsoft’s installation guidance.
Rank #4
- 14” Diagonal HD BrightView WLED-Backlit (1366 x 768), Intel Graphics
- Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD
- 1x USB Type C, 2x USB Type A, 1x SD Card Reader, 1x Headphone/Microphone
- 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, HP Webcam with Integrated Digital Microphone
- Windows 11 OS
Do not use an unsupported installation workaround as proof that a PC is eligible. Microsoft warns that installing without checking eligibility through PC Health Check or Windows Update can leave the system unsupported; see Microsoft’s Windows 11 installation guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Windows 10 support status
Microsoft says support for Windows 10 ended October 14, 2025. After that date, it no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10 under standard support. This lifecycle statement does not address separate extended-security programs. Check Microsoft’s Windows 10 support notice for current details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 14” Diagonal HD BrightView WLED-Backlit (1366 x 768), Intel Graphics,
- Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD
- 3x USB Type A,1x SD Card Reader, 1x Headphone/Microphone
- 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, HP Webcam with Integrated Digital Microphone
- Windows 11 OS, Dale Blue
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.
