According to Microsoft, a PC must meet these minimum specs:
• CPU: 64-bit, 2 cores, ≥ 1 GHz (Intel 8th Gen+, AMD Ryzen 3000+, Qualcomm 7c+)
• RAM: 4 GB (8 GB recommended)
• Storage: 64 GB (SSD recommended)
• Firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot enabled
• TPM: Version 2.0
• Graphics: DirectX 12 capable, WDDM 2.0 driver
• Display: ≥ 9″, 720 p, 8-bit per channel
• Internet / Microsoft account: mandatory for Home, recommended for first-time setup of Pro/Enterprise
Instead of hunting down each spec manually, use the tools below to run an instant check.
Microsoft’s own utility delivers a traffic-light verdict with a single click.
Download: microsoft.com/windows/windows11 → bottom of page “Download PC Health Check App.”
Possible results
• “This PC meets Windows 11 requirements.”
• “This PC doesn’t currently meet Windows 11 requirements.”
• “Your organization manages updates on this PC.” (common on Education/Enterprise images)
Tip: Click “See all results” to view details on CPU generation, TPM status and Secure Boot.
If your PC is not compatible go to this section: What if your device isn’t compatible?
Open-source app on GitHub (portable EXE, no install). Each requirement is color-coded: Green = OK, Yellow = maybe, Red = not met. Perfect for analyzing borderline CPUs or firmware settings.
You can find the WhyNotWin11 GitHub Repository here. There you can download the executable (.exe).
If your PC is not compatible go to this section: What if your device isn’t compatible?
Single-PC checks are fine at home or in small offices. But if you manage tens, hundreds or thousands of endpoints you’ll want an automated solution.
XEOX is a cloud-based Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM) platform. It allows you to seamlessly create automations to run the official Windows 11 readiness script on all your Windows devices on a larger scale.
Key benefits
✓ Deploy the XEOX agent via Intune or Group Policy in minutes
✓ Mark all your devices as “Windows 11 ready” or “Windows 11 not ready”
✓ Exportable reports for management or MSP clients
✓ Install Windows updates via automations effortlessly
Quick start
A red result doesn’t necessarily mean you must scrap the machine. Below are the most common blockers, how to fix them, and links to step-by-step resources.
TPM 2.0 missing or disabled
• Many PCs since 2016 include a firmware TPM (fTPM) that is simply turned off.
• Enter UEFI setup (usually F2, Del, F10) → Security → “TPM”, “fTPM” or “PTT” → enable & save.
• Still no TPM? Check whether your motherboard supports a plug-in TPM 2.0 module.
Microsoft guide How to enable TPM 2.0 on your PC
Secure Boot off
• In the same UEFI menu look for Secure Boot and switch it to “Enabled”.
• If Legacy/CSM boot is active you may need to disable it first.
Microsoft docs Secure the Windows boot process
Unsupported CPU generation
• Check the official processor lists:
– Intel: supported Windows 11 Intel processors
– AMD: supported Windows 11 AMD processors
• BIOS updates sometimes move a CPU from “yellow” to “green”. Visit your OEM’s support page and flash the latest firmware.
• Still blocked? Plan a hardware refresh or keep running Windows 10 (supported until 14 Oct 2025) and schedule replacements in your budget cycle.
Insufficient RAM or storage
• RAM is usually upgradable on desktops and many laptops; 8 GB is today’s sweet spot.
• Replace spinning HDDs with SSDs—this both meets the 64 GB requirement and speeds up the eventual upgrade.
Temporary workaround: install anyway (unsupported)
Microsoft allows a registry-based bypass for TPM/Secure Boot, but you lose entitlement to cumulative updates—risky for production systems. Instructions are in the official media-creation-tool guide, section Install Windows 11 on an unsupported device.
Long-term options
• Stay on Windows 10 and purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU) after 2025.
• Move workloads to Azure Virtual Desktop or Windows 365 Cloud PC.
• Replace endpoints during the next refresh cycle—use XEOX’s asset reports to prioritize hardware that fails multiple checks.
Optimized patch management, secure remote access, seamless software deployment, task automation and scripting and a comprehensive CMDB to keep an eye on your IT assets.
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