Windows 11 System Requirements Explained Simply
TPM 2.0, UEFI, Processor Generation: We explain simply what hardware Windows 11 really needs.
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Short answer: Windows 11 requires an Intel 8th generation or AMD Ryzen 2000 processor or newer, at least 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage space, and UEFI firmware with Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. The TPM chip is the real hurdle for most older PCs – Microsoft's free "PC Health Check" tool shows in seconds whether your device is compatible.
The most important requirements
| Requirement | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel 8th Generation / AMD Ryzen 2000 or newer |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB |
| Firmware | UEFI with Secure Boot |
| Security Chip | TPM 2.0 |
TPM 2.0 - the biggest hurdle
The Trusted Platform Module chip in version 2.0 is absolutely necessary and most often causes incompatibility on older PCs. Many PCs from 2018 onwards already have TPM 2.0 installed, but it often has to be activated in the BIOS – for Intel usually under the name PTT, for AMD as fTPM.
How do I check my PC?
Microsoft's free "PC Health Check" tool shows in seconds whether your device is compatible and, if rejected, also states the exact reason.
"The Health Check said 'not compatible' - but my computer had TPM 2.0 built-in all along, just disabled in the BIOS." A user describes how a single changed setting saved him the supposedly necessary new purchase.
What if my PC doesn't have TPM 2.0?
First, it's worth checking the BIOS to see if TPM is just deactivated. If only TPM 1.2 is actually present, Microsoft describes a documented registry path for the upgrade - with the note that updates are not guaranteed. Details can be found in the article Windows 11 without TPM 2.0.
Conclusion
Most PCs from the last five years meet the requirements - a look into the BIOS for TPM 2.0 is worthwhile before switching. You can find suitable licenses in our Windows overview.
