Windows 11 System Requirements: Hardware Compatibility Checker 2025

Processor Requirements:

• 1 GHz or faster CPU with two or more cores
• 64-bit compatible processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
• Must support SSE4.2 instruction set (Intel) or SSE4A (AMD)
• Must support POPCNT (Population Count) instruction

Memory and Storage:

• 4 GB RAM minimum (8 GB recommended for optimal performance)
• 64 GB available storage space
• Additional space required for updates and specific features

System Firmware:

• UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability
• Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0

Graphics and Display:

• DirectX 12 compatible graphics with WDDM 2.0 driver
• High definition (720p) display, 9 inches or larger diagonally
• 8 bits per color channel

Network Requirements:

• Internet connectivity for initial setup and ongoing updates
• Microsoft account is required for Windows 11 Home and Pro personal use

BitLocker Drive Encryption:

TPM 2.0 (included in base requirements). Available on Windows 11 Pro and higher editions

Windows Hello:

An IR camera for face recognition or a fingerprint reader. Compatible biometric hardware

Auto HDR:

HDR-capable monitor. Compatible graphics card supporting HDR output

Hyper-V Virtualization:

Processor with Second Level Address Translation (SLAT). Available on Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions

Current Generation Support (August 2025):

• 12th Generation Intel Core (Alder Lake)
• 13th Generation Intel Core (Raptor Lake)
• 14th Generation Intel Core (Raptor Lake Refresh)
• Intel Core Ultra 100/200 series (Meteor Lake/Arrow Lake)

Legacy Support:

• 8th Generation Intel Core (Coffee Lake) and newer
• Intel Xeon E-series compatible models
• Selected Pentium and Celeron processors from supported generations

Current AMD Support (August 2025):

• AMD Ryzen 2000 series (Zen+) and newer
• AMD Ryzen 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, and 8000 series
• AMD Threadripper 2000 series and newer
• AMD EPYC 2nd and 3rd generation processors

Budget Processor Support:

• AMD Athlon Gold and Silver series (compatible generations)
• Selected AMD A-series processors from supported lines

ARM-Based Windows 11:

• Snapdragon 8cx and 8cx Gen 2
• Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 (Microsoft SQ3)
• Selected enterprise-focused Qualcomm processors

TPM 2.0 Security Functions:

• Secure key storage for BitLocker encryption
• Hardware-based random number generation
• Platform integrity measurement and attestation
• Secure authentication for Windows Hello

Method 1: TPM Management Console

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog
2. Type tpm.msc and press Enter
3. Check the status under the “Status” section
4. Verify “Specification Version” shows 2.0

Method 2: Windows System Information

1. Press Windows key + R
2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter
3. Look for “TPM Version” in System Summary

Method 3: PC Health Check App

Microsoft provides a dedicated compatibility checker through the PC Health Check application, available at Microsoft's download page.

Intel Systems:

1. Restart the computer and enter BIOS setup (typically F2, F12, or Del key)
2. Navigate to Security or Advanced settings
3. Look for “Intel Platform Trust Technology (PTT)” or “Intel TXT”
4. Enable the setting and save changes

AMD Systems:

1. Access BIOS/UEFI setup during startup
2. Navigate to Advanced or Security settings
3. Find “AMD fTPM” or “AMD Platform Security Processor”
4. Enable and save the configuration

Download and Installation:

1. Visit Microsoft's PC Health Check page
2. Download and install the current version of the application
3. Launch and click “Check now” for immediate assessment

Assessment Results:

• Compatible: System meets all Windows 11 requirements
• Incompatible: Detailed explanation of specific requirement failures
• Partially Compatible: Some requirements met, others need attention

Windows Update Integration:

Windows Update includes built-in compatibility checking for eligible systems. To enable automatic assessment, navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

Command Line Verification:

Advanced users can verify specific requirements using PowerShell commands:

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Tpm -Namespace "root\cimv2\security\microsofttpm"

Symptoms: PC Health Check reports “TPM 2.0 not detected”

Solutions:

1. Check BIOS Settings: TPM may be disabled in firmware
2. Verify Hardware Support: Computers older than 2016 may lack TPM 2.0
3. Update BIOS: Newer firmware may enable TPM support
4. Hardware Upgrade: Add a discrete TPM module if the motherboard supports it

Symptoms: System fails Secure Boot requirement check

Solutions:

1. Enable in BIOS: Access firmware settings and enable Secure Boot
2. Convert to UEFI: Legacy BIOS systems need conversion to UEFI mode
3. Clear Secure Boot Keys: Reset and reinstall security certificates if corrupted

Symptoms: CPU doesn't appear on Microsoft's compatibility list

Solutions:

1. Verify Generation: Confirm exact processor model and generation
2. Check Updated Lists: Microsoft periodically updates supported processor lists
3. Consider Workarounds: Advanced users may bypass checks (not recommended)
4. Hardware Replacement: Upgrade to a compatible processor or system

Symptoms: Available disk space below 64 GB requirement

Solutions:

1. Disk Cleanup: Remove temporary files and unused applications
2. Storage Optimization: Move files to external storage or cloud services
3. Storage Upgrade: Install a larger SSD or additional storage drives

Desktop Solutions:

Professional workstations like the HP ProLiant DL320 Gen11 offer enterprise-grade reliability with full Windows 11 compatibility for demanding business applications.

Laptop Considerations:

Modern business laptops such as the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 provide built-in Windows 11 optimization with integrated security features, making them ideal for professional environments requiring immediate compatibility.

Specialized Workstations:

For design and engineering workflows, systems like those detailed in our CAD workstation guide for architecture firms ensure Windows 11 compatibility and application-specific performance requirements.

Phase 1: Essential Compatibility

• Enable TPM 2.0 in existing systems
• Upgrade storage to meet minimum requirements
• Ensure Secure Boot capability

Phase 2: Performance Optimization

• Increase RAM to 8 GB or higher
• Add SSD storage for improved responsiveness
• Update graphics drivers for enhanced compatibility

Phase 3: Future-Proofing

• Plan processor upgrades for unsupported systems
• Consider complete system replacement timing
• Evaluate business laptop options for mobile workforce needs

In-Place Upgrade:

• Maintains existing files and applications
• Requires full compatibility verification
• Recommended for compatible systems with Windows 10 21H2 or later

Clean Installation:

• Fresh Windows 11 installation
• Requires data backup and application reinstallation
• Provides optimal performance and stability

Enterprise Deployment:

• Volume licensing and management tools
• Requires a comprehensive compatibility assessment
• May use Windows Autopilot for automated deployment

Assessment Factors:

• Current hardware age and remaining useful life
• Compatibility upgrade costs vs. replacement costs
• Employee productivity impact during transitions
• Security risk tolerance for unsupported systems

Regulatory Requirements:

Many industries require supported operating systems for compliance. Windows 11's enhanced security features may simplify compliance with HIPAA, SOX, and GDPR regulations.

Security Enhancements:

• Hardware-based security through TPM 2.0
• Secure Boot prevents malware injection during startup
• Enhanced BitLocker integration for data protection
• Improved Windows Defender integration

Pilot Programs:

• Test Windows 11 on representative hardware configurations
• Validate critical application compatibility
• Assess user training requirements
• Document performance baselines

Compatibility Validation:

• Run PC Health Check on all target systems
• Test line-of-business applications in a Windows 11 environment
• Verify peripheral device drivers and functionality
• Assess network and domain integration requirements

Baseline Establishment:

• Document current system performance metrics
• Monitor application launch times and responsiveness
• Track system resource utilization patterns
• Establish user satisfaction benchmarks

Post-Migration Analysis:

• Compare Windows 11 performance to Windows 10 baselines
• Monitor security incident reduction
• Assess user productivity impacts
• Document support ticket volume changes

Hardware Longevity:

Windows 11 requirements establish a baseline that should remain relevant through the operating system's lifecycle. Investing in hardware that exceeds minimum requirements provides extended compatibility assurance.

Security Evolution:

As cyber threats evolve, Windows 11's hardware-based security foundation provides adaptability for future security enhancements without requiring additional hardware changes.

Cloud Integration:

Windows 11's enhanced cloud integration capabilities require reliable internet connectivity and modern authentication methods, factors that should influence hardware selection decisions.

Remote Work Support:

The increased prevalence of remote work makes hardware reliability and security more critical, supporting the value proposition of meeting Windows 11's enhanced requirements.