Windows 11 has been around for over a couple of years and has received several updates since its introduction. The original OS brought with it a new UI, a whole new Microsoft Store, Snap Layouts, optimization for touchscreen devices, gaming improvements and more. But now, you're probably wondering what the system requirements are so you can see if your PC or laptop can even run Windows 11 or if those requirements have changed as a result of the latest Windows 11 version.
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Luckily, Microsoft already has a support document ready. And yes, the system requirements increased for the original version of Windows 11, although in fairness to the Redmond firm, they haven't raised them significantly since the Windows 7 era. The system requirements for the latest Windows 11 2023 version haven't changed much.
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Windows 11: Everything you need to know
Windows 11 is the latest and greatest operating system from Microsoft, and it packs a ton of changes. Here's what you need to know.
Windows 11 system requirements
First of all, RAM requirements went up. You need 4GB of RAM to run Windows 11, double that of a 64-bit Windows 10 machine and quadruple that of the 32-bit requirement for Windows 10. You'll also need 64GB of storage instead of 32GB.
You're going to need a 64-bit processor to run Windows 11. 32-bit support is out, and it was even out for new Windows 10 PCs, although they were still getting updates. The CPU also needs to have two or more cores, and that includes everything sold in the modern era.
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However, none of those listed CPU requirements matter, and it's unclear as to why Microsoft even lists them. The firm actually has a specific list of CPUs that are supported. If you don't want to look up yours, it's pretty simple. For Intel, it's eighth-gen or newer; for AMD, it's Zen 2 or newer; and for Qualcomm, it's Snapdragon 850 or newer.
Microsoft had promised to reconsider its position on Intel seventh-gen and AMD Zen 1 processors, but not much changed. Seventh-gen Core X and Xeon processors were added, as well as one single mainstream chip: the Core i7-7820HQ, also known as the processor in the Surface Studio 2.
The other key change is TPM 2.0, although if you've got a supported processor, you should have TPM 2.0. It's been a requirement for new PCs since Windows 10 version 1607. You can check and see if your PC has it, and if not, you might even be able to enable it in the BIOS.
Processor: | 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC) |
|---|---|
RAM: | 4 gigabyte (GB) |
Storage: | 64 GB or larger storage device Note: See below under “More information on storage space to keep Windows 11 up-to-date” for more details. |
System firmware: | UEFI, Secure Boot capable |
TPM: | Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 |
Graphics card: | Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver |
Display: | High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel |
Internet connection and Microsoft accounts: | Windows 11 Home edition requires internet connectivity and a Microsoft account to complete device setup on first use. Switching a device out of Windows 11 Home in S mode also requires internet connectivity. Learn more about S mode here. For all Windows 11 editions, internet access is required to perform updates and to download and take advantage of some features. A Microsoft account is required for some features. |
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If you'd like, you can take a look through the full requirements of Windows 11, which gets a lot more granular. One thing that's not listed here is that PCs will require a Precision touchpad, something that may be an issue with older PCs and even some newer HP laptops.
Use the PC Health Check app
If you are unsure if your PC meets the Windows 11 minimum requirements, you can also run Microsoft's PC Health tool, which will check your PC's compatibility for you. The app shows your Windows device's health, troubleshoots common problems, and optimizes its performance.
Upgrade your PC to Windows 11
If your Windows PC or laptop is eligible for Windows 11, you should install Microsoft's latest desktop OS without hesitation. In addition to the usual Windows 11 goodies, you can also leverage Microsoft Copilot AI bot to improve your workflow. Once you make a switch, check our dedicated guide to customize your Windows 11 PC like a pro.
