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A PC can run Windows 11 version 26H2 if it meets the baseline hardware requirements below and Windows Update offers the upgrade for that specific device. Microsoft reported general availability for 26H2 on September 29, 2026, but the rollout is phased, so meeting the requirements does not guarantee the update appears on your PC on the same day. The processor is the check that most often decides the answer, so start there.
Baseline requirements at a glance
These are Microsoft’s baseline requirements for Windows 11. Every item applies to every PC, and a device must meet all of them.
| Component | Requirement | What to confirm on your PC |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz or faster, two or more cores, compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip | The exact model must appear on Microsoft’s approved CPU list |
| Memory | 4 GB or greater | Installed RAM; some PCs with less memory may have an upgrade option, depending on the device |
| Storage | 64 GB or greater of available disk space | Free space, not total capacity; updates and some features may need more, and some PCs have upgrade options |
| Graphics | DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver | GPU and driver support |
| Firmware | UEFI firmware that is Secure Boot capable | Whether Secure Boot can be enabled on your device’s configuration |
| Security processor | TPM version 2.0 | Whether your model includes TPM 2.0 and how it can be enabled or fixed, per the manufacturer |
| Display | High definition (720p), at least 9 inches diagonally, 8 bits per color channel | Screen specifications in the device documentation |
| Internet and setup | Internet access is needed for updates and some features; Windows 11 Home requires internet and a Microsoft account to complete first-use setup | See the setup section below |
Processor: why clock speed and core count are not enough
Meeting the 1 GHz and two-core figures does not qualify a processor on its own. The model must also appear on Microsoft’s approved CPU list. To find your exact model, open Settings > System > About and read the Processor line, then compare it against Microsoft’s list.
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Microsoft Support explains why this figure cannot be fixed by upgrading the chip:
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“The clock speed (the 1 Ghz or faster requirement) and number of cores (2 or more) are inherent to the processor design as it was manufactured and are not considered upgradable components.” — Microsoft Support, Windows 11 System Requirements
In practice, a processor that is not on the list means the PC is not eligible through the standard upgrade path, regardless of how fast it is.
Firmware, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0
Modern Windows 11 eligibility depends on two security features that are set in the firmware and hardware rather than in Windows itself. Both are baseline requirements, and both are the most common reason a reasonably new PC fails the check.
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UEFI firmware and Secure Boot
The PC must run UEFI firmware, and that firmware must be Secure Boot capable. Capability is part of the baseline, but whether a particular device can actually turn Secure Boot on depends on its configuration. A PC that is capable but has Secure Boot switched off can usually be corrected in the firmware settings. A PC still running legacy BIOS does not meet the requirement.
TPM version 2.0
A Trusted Platform Module with version 2.0 is required. Support and remediation are device-specific, so check the manufacturer’s documentation for your model. A generic TPM module is not a reliable fix for every PC, because the firmware and board must support it.
Setup, internet and Microsoft account requirements
Internet access is needed for updates and some features. For first-use setup, Windows 11 Home requires internet and a Microsoft account. Microsoft Support states that Windows 11 Home and Pro for personal use require internet connectivity and a Microsoft account during initial setup. These setup rules concern the consumer editions described here; managed work or school devices follow the organization’s own setup process.
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Upgrading from Windows 10
For a direct upgrade, Microsoft’s requirements state that an eligible Windows 10 device must be running Windows 10 version 2004 or later and have the September 14, 2021 security update or later installed. The device must also meet the Windows 11 hardware requirements above.
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How to check a specific PC
Work through these steps in order. Each one narrows the answer, and the last step confirms whether Windows Update will offer the upgrade.
- Identify the processor model. Open Settings > System > About and note the Processor line. Compare it with Microsoft’s approved CPU list.
- Check memory and free storage. In Settings > System > About, read Installed RAM and confirm it is 4 GB or greater. Then open Settings > System > Storage and confirm at least 64 GB is free.
- Check TPM 2.0. Press Windows key + R, type
tpm.msc, and press Enter. The Specification Version field should read 2.0. If the console reports that no compatible TPM is found, check the manufacturer’s documentation before assuming the PC cannot be upgraded. - Check Secure Boot. Press Windows key + R, type
msinfo32, and press Enter. Under System Summary, read Secure Boot State. “On” means it is enabled. “Off” means the firmware supports UEFI but Secure Boot is disabled. “Unsupported” usually means the PC is running legacy BIOS. - Run PC Health Check or review Windows Update. Microsoft points consumers to the PC Health Check app for a simple eligibility assessment. On an unmanaged PC, Windows Update can also show whether the device is eligible. Open Settings > Windows Update to check.
If you changed hardware to meet the requirements, Microsoft advises waiting until Windows Update notifies you that Windows 11 is ready for that device. Work or school PCs should be checked with the IT administrator.
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Optional features need extra hardware or an edition
Some Windows 11 features require hardware or an edition beyond the baseline. A PC that lacks them still runs Windows 11. Keep these checks separate from the compatibility decision.
| Feature | Extra requirement | Edition note |
|---|---|---|
| 5G connectivity | A 5G-capable modem | Not stated in Microsoft’s requirements list |
| Auto HDR | An HDR monitor | Not stated in Microsoft’s requirements list |
| DirectStorage | An NVMe SSD and a DirectX 12 GPU with Shader Model 6.0 support | Not stated in Microsoft’s requirements list |
| Three-column Snap layouts | A screen with at least 1920 effective pixels in width | Not stated in Microsoft’s requirements list |
| BitLocker To Go | A USB flash drive | Available in Pro and higher editions |
The USB flash drive matters only for BitLocker To Go. It is not needed for Windows 11 compatibility or installation.
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If your PC falls short
- Memory and storage: Some PCs can be upgraded, but the options depend on the device. Check the manufacturer’s upgrade options for your exact model before buying any component, because a generic upgrade may not work across different models.
- Processor, TPM and firmware: Confirm with the manufacturer whether your model can be changed to meet the requirement. The manufacturer’s support materials are the authoritative source for model-specific answers.
- Managed devices: Ask your IT administrator rather than running a standalone upgrade.
Windows 11 26H2 rollout and known issues
Microsoft reported general availability for Windows 11 version 26H2 on September 29, 2026. The rollout is phased. At launch, eligible Windows 11 version 25H2 and 24H2 devices could receive it when users enabled “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” under Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options. Availability varies by device, so follow Windows Update rather than expecting the update immediately.
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Microsoft’s release-health listing at general availability included these known issues, which it marked as mitigated at that time:
- Certain USB Audio Class 1.0 devices may fail to start or produce sound after an update.
- Domain-joined devices in some Credential Guard scenarios may lose a secure trust relationship.
- Desktop loading issues may occur in some virtual desktop environments.
These items reflect the status Microsoft reported on September 29, 2026. Check the current release-health page before upgrading, because known-issue status changes over time.
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