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Windows 11 & Windows 10 – System Requirements

Learn about the minimum hardware requirements for installing Windows 11 or Windows 10 and how to check whether your computer is compatible.

Before purchasing or installing Windows, make sure your computer meets the requirements for the version you intend to use.

Windows 11 System Requirements

Your computer must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Processor: 1 GHz or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC). The processor must also appear on Microsoft’s supported processor list.

  • Memory (RAM): 4 GB or more

  • Storage: 64 GB or more

  • System firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot capability

  • TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0

  • Graphics: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver

  • Display: A display larger than 9 inches with a minimum resolution of 720p and 8 bits per color channel

  • Internet connection: Required to download updates and complete certain setup steps

  • Microsoft account: Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro for personal use require an internet connection and a Microsoft account during the initial setup

Please note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee optimal performance. More RAM and storage may be recommended depending on the programs and features you intend to use.

You can review the official requirements on the Microsoft Windows 11 system requirements page.

How to Check Windows 11 Compatibility

Microsoft recommends using the PC Health Check application:

  1. Download and install the PC Health Check application.

  2. Open the application.

  3. Locate the Introducing Windows 11 section.

  4. Select Check now.

  5. Review the compatibility result.

If your computer does not pass the check, the application may identify the component that does not meet the requirements.

TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot may already be available on your computer but disabled in the BIOS or UEFI settings. Contact the computer manufacturer before changing these settings if you are unsure.

Windows 10 System Requirements

The minimum requirements for Windows 10 are:

  • Processor: 1 GHz or faster processor or System on a Chip (SoC)

  • Memory (RAM):

    • 1 GB for the 32-bit version

    • 2 GB for the 64-bit version

  • Storage: 32 GB or more

  • Graphics: DirectX 9 or later with a WDDM 1.0 driver

  • Display: Minimum resolution of 800 × 600

  • Internet connection: Required for updates and certain features

You can review the official requirements on the Microsoft Windows 10 system requirements page.

Important Information About Windows 10

Microsoft ended standard support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Computers running Windows 10 will continue to operate, but they no longer receive free security updates, software updates, or technical support from Microsoft.

For improved security and continued support, Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11 on a compatible computer.

How to Check Your Computer’s Specifications

If Windows is already installed:

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.

  2. Select System.

  3. Select About.

  4. Review the following information under Device specifications:

    • Processor

    • Installed RAM

    • System type

To check available storage:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Select System.

  3. Select Storage.

To check the TPM version:

  1. Press Windows key + R.

  2. Enter tpm.msc.

  3. Select OK.

  4. Check the value next to Specification Version.

For Windows 11, the specification version must be 2.0.

Before Installing Windows

Before starting an installation or upgrade:

  • Back up your important files.

  • Confirm that the computer supports the Windows version you intend to install.

  • Make sure enough storage space is available.

  • Check that drivers are available from the computer manufacturer.

  • Verify that your software and connected devices are compatible.

  • Confirm that you have purchased the correct Windows edition.

If your computer does not meet the Windows 11 requirements, purchasing a Windows 11 product key will not make the device compatible. A product key activates Windows but does not change the computer’s hardware capabilities.

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