Compatibility & Usage of the Windows 11 Health Check App
Windows 11 has been officially released and is now the current version of Windows. If you’re curious whether your PC can run it—or you’re planning an upgrade from Windows 10—you can quickly check compatibility and understand the hardware requirements below. (Eligible Windows 10 PCs can upgrade to Windows 11 for free.)
System compatibility Windows 11
Microsoft publishes the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11. If your PC meets (or exceeds) these, you’re eligible to upgrade:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster, 2+ cores, on a compatible 64-bit CPU or SoC
- Memory: 4 GB RAM or more
- Storage: 64 GB or larger
- System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
- Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.x driver
- Display: >= 9 inches, 720p (1280×720) minimum
Feature-specific requirements still apply (for example, some AI or security features may require newer CPUs or NPUs). If your PC misses Secure Boot or TPM 2.0, check your BIOS/UEFI settings—many systems ship with these off by default and can be enabled without new hardware.
Windows 11 PC Health Check app
Microsoft’s official PC Health Check app verifies whether your device meets Windows 11 requirements and explains any blockers (e.g., TPM off, Secure Boot disabled).
- Download PC Health Check from Microsoft.
- Install and run it, then click Check now.
- If an item fails (e.g., TPM), click See all results for details and links to learn how to fix it.
About past inaccurate results
Early preview builds of PC Health Check (from the Windows 11 announcement period) sometimes showed incorrect failures. Microsoft has since updated the app repeatedly; the current version reports blockers more accurately and links to fixes. If you tested long ago, re-download the latest tool from Microsoft instead of older mirrors.
Conclusion
Most relatively recent PCs that already run Windows 10 well can meet Windows 11’s requirements—often by enabling Secure Boot/TPM 2.0. Use PC Health Check to confirm, then upgrade in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update when offered, or create installation media if you prefer a clean install. If your device isn’t compatible, you can continue using Windows 10 with Extended Security Updates for a limited time or consider new hardware when it’s convenient.
References
- Windows 11: Specs & system requirements (Microsoft)
- Windows 11 system requirements (Support)
- Download: PC Health Check app
- Enable TPM 2.0 on your PC (Support)
- Upgrade to Windows 11: FAQ (free upgrade)
What’s New in This Update
- Rewrote intro to reflect that Windows 11 is fully released and eligible Windows 10 PCs can upgrade free.
- Replaced outdated PC Health Check guidance with Microsoft’s current download link and steps.
- Clarified minimum requirements and added notes on enabling Secure Boot/TPM 2.0 in UEFI.
- Updated “inaccurate results” section to note fixes in the current PC Health Check app.
- Added References linking to Microsoft’s specs, support articles, and download pages.
Last updated: 2025-10-21
