FREE WINDOWS 11 COMPATIBILITY CHECKER

Windows 11 Compatibility Checker Can Your PC Run Windows 11?

Instantly find out if your PC is ready for Windows 11. This compatibility checker analyzes critical hardware requirements like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, memory, storage, and processor support. Get a clear, actionable answer and detailed guidance for your upgrade journey.

Your PC Configuration

How It Works

We validate your inputs against Microsoft's published Windows 11 requirements: TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, minimum RAM and storage, and supported CPU generations. For definitive results, also run Microsoft's PC Health Check app.

Compatibility Result

Configure your PC, then check

What Does This Calculator Do?

The Windows 11 Compatibility Checker is a technical tool designed to evaluate whether your desktop or laptop meets Microsoft's official Windows 11 system requirements. It rigorously assesses five key components: TPM 2.0 presence and status, Secure Boot support, RAM capacity, available storage, and CPU generation support. Each criterion is checked against Microsoft's baseline for Windows 11, ensuring results are accurate and up to date.

Unlike generic scanners, this tool provides specific feedback on which component, if any, is holding your system back from upgrading to Windows 11. It is invaluable for DIY builders, IT administrators, and anyone considering an OS upgrade, helping avoid installation errors and post-upgrade surprises.

windows 11 hardware check diagram

How to Use This Calculator

Using the Windows 11 Compatibility Checker is straightforward. Start by launching the tool on the PC you wish to assess. The calculator securely reads your hardware specifications and compares them to Windows 11’s requirements.

To get the most accurate results:

Run the checker on the target system (not remotely).

Ensure your BIOS/UEFI settings are up to date.

Close any virtualization software that might mask hardware features.

The tool will automatically detect: Once scanning is complete, your results will display instantly with clear pass/fail indicators and, where relevant, recommendations for resolving compatibility issues.

Detail 1
If TPM 2.0 is present and enabled
Detail 2
If Secure Boot is active
Detail 3
Installed RAM (in GB)
Detail 4
Free storage capacity (in GB)
Detail 5
CPU model and generation

How Are the Results Calculated?

The compatibility logic strictly follows Microsoft’s published Windows 11 minimum requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the evaluation process:

TPM 2.0 Check

Detail 1
The tool queries the TPM management interface.
Detail 2
Pass if TPM version >= 2.0 and is enabled in BIOS/UEFI.

Secure Boot Check

Detail 1
Reads UEFI firmware to verify Secure Boot is enabled.
Detail 2
Pass if Secure Boot is active and not in legacy mode.

RAM Check

Detail 1
Reads total system memory.
Detail 2
Pass if RAM >= 4GB.

Storage Check

Detail 1
Detects available storage on the system drive.
Detail 2
Pass if free space >= 64GB.

CPU Support Check

Logical formula (plain text): If (TPM >= 2.0 and TPM enabled) AND (Secure Boot enabled) AND (RAM >= 4GB) AND (Storage >= 64GB) AND (CPU in supported list) THEN "Compatible" Else "Not Compatible" The tool also provides explanations for each check, identifying exactly which requirement(s) failed, and why.

Detail 1
CPU model is matched against Microsoft’s supported processor list (Intel 8th Gen Core/AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer, select exceptions).
Detail 2
Pass if CPU is on the supported list.
windows 11 requirement check flowchart

Understanding Your Results

After analysis, the checker categorizes your PC as either "Compatible" or "Not Compatible" with Windows 11, displaying detailed results for each criterion:

  • TPM 2.0: Shows detected version and enabled status.
  • Secure Boot: Indicates if active or disabled.
  • RAM: Displays installed capacity and pass/fail status.
  • Storage: Reports available space and requirement.
  • CPU: Lists exact model and if it’s supported.

If any check fails, the tool offers actionable advice, such as enabling TPM in BIOS, upgrading RAM, or clearing storage space. For unsupported CPUs, it links to Microsoft’s official processor lists.

If all checks pass, you’re ready for Windows 11 installation with full feature support. If not, you’ll know precisely what needs upgrading or configuring.

windows 11 compatibility results table

Examples

Here are several realistic PC configurations and their compatibility outcomes:

Example: High-End Gaming PC

CPU
Intel Core i7-13700K
RAM
32GB DDR5
Storage
1TB NVMe SSD (600GB free)
TPM 2.0
Enabled
Secure Boot
Enabled
Result
Fully Compatible

Example: Mid-Range Office PC

CPU
AMD Ryzen 5 2600
RAM
8GB DDR4
Storage
256GB SATA SSD (100GB free)
TPM 2.0
Enabled
Secure Boot
Disabled
Result
Not Compatible (Secure Boot must be enabled in UEFI)

Example: Older Budget System

CPU
Intel Core i5-6500
RAM
8GB DDR4
Storage
500GB HDD (200GB free)
TPM 1.2
Present
Secure Boot
Enabled
Result
Not Compatible (TPM 2.0 required; CPU not in supported list)

Example: Gaming Laptop

CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
RAM
16GB DDR4
Storage
512GB SSD (300GB free)
TPM 2.0
Enabled
Secure Boot
Enabled
Result
Fully Compatible

Example: Custom Desktop with Storage Issue

CPU
Intel Core i9-9900K
RAM
16GB DDR4
Storage
60GB SSD (10GB free)
TPM 2.0
Enabled
Secure Boot
Enabled
Result
Not Compatible (Insufficient storage; upgrade or expand drive required)

Example: Workstation

CPU
Intel Xeon E5-1650 v3
RAM
64GB DDR4
Storage
2TB SSD (1TB free)
TPM 2.0
Not Present
Secure Boot
Enabled
Result
Not Compatible (TPM 2.0 module required)

Common Use Cases

This calculator is valuable for a wide range of scenarios:

  • Home users verifying upgrade readiness before attempting a Windows 11 install.
  • IT professionals assessing fleet compatibility during mass OS transitions.
  • PC builders and upgraders checking whether specific motherboards meet Windows 11’s security requirements.
  • Gamers confirming their high-end rigs (e.g., with RTX 4070 and Ryzen 7 7800X3D) are future-proofed for Windows 11 and beyond.
  • Small business owners planning hardware refresh cycles around Windows 11 support deadlines.

By pinpointing exact bottlenecks, the tool helps decide whether a simple configuration tweak, BIOS update, or full hardware upgrade is necessary.

Tips for Better Results

For the most reliable compatibility analysis, follow these tips:

  • Ensure your BIOS/UEFI firmware is updated to the latest version; older firmware may lack TPM or Secure Boot options.
  • Check that TPM is enabled in UEFI settings - many systems ship with it off by default.
  • Enable Secure Boot in UEFI for accurate detection (may require converting the boot drive to GPT format).
  • Free up storage space before running the test; temporary files can reduce available capacity.
  • If your CPU is borderline (e.g., Intel 7th Gen), consult the official Microsoft compatibility list for exceptions.
  • For custom or older systems, consider adding a discrete TPM 2.0 module if supported by your motherboard.
bios uefi tpm secure boot settings

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum system requirements for Windows 11?

Windows 11 requires a 1GHz or faster CPU with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, TPM version 2.0, and a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card with a WDDM 2.0 driver. Meeting all these requirements is necessary for installation and ongoing feature support.

Why does Windows 11 require TPM 2.0?

TPM 2.0 is a security module that provides hardware-based cryptographic functions, essential for features like BitLocker, Windows Hello, and overall OS integrity. Microsoft made this requirement to strengthen baseline security, reduce firmware attacks, and support upcoming security standards in the Windows ecosystem.

How do I enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in BIOS/UEFI?

Enter your system’s BIOS or UEFI settings during boot (often by pressing Delete, F2, or Esc). Look for a 'Security' or 'Advanced' tab to find TPM (sometimes listed as 'PTT' for Intel or 'fTPM' for AMD) and enable it. Secure Boot is usually under 'Boot' or 'Security.' Save and exit after enabling both. Refer to your motherboard manual for model-specific steps.

Can I install Windows 11 without meeting all requirements?

Technically, it is possible to bypass some requirements via registry tweaks or using third-party scripts, but Microsoft discourages this. Unsupported installations may not receive security updates, cumulative updates, or support, and could experience stability or compatibility issues in the future.

What should I do if my CPU is not on the supported list?

If your CPU is not officially supported, upgrading to a compatible processor is the most reliable solution. Check Microsoft’s published lists for Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm CPUs. In some cases, a BIOS update may add support for newer CPUs, but most older CPUs will not be added to the official list.

Will upgrading RAM or storage alone make my PC compatible?

Upgrading RAM or storage can resolve those specific requirements if that’s what your system lacks. However, you must also meet TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and CPU compatibility. The checker will indicate if upgrading memory or adding storage is sufficient for your case.

Do all motherboards support adding a TPM 2.0 module?

No, not all motherboards have a header or firmware support for discrete TPM 2.0 modules. Many modern boards have firmware-based TPM (PTT or fTPM), which is sufficient if enabled. For older boards, check your manufacturer’s documentation to see if a TPM 2.0 add-on is possible.

Is Secure Boot mandatory to run Windows 11?

Yes, Secure Boot is a mandatory requirement for Windows 11 installation and ongoing updates. It ensures only signed, trusted software loads during boot, protecting against rootkits and boot-level malware. Most UEFI-based systems can enable Secure Boot via firmware settings.

What happens if my disk has less than 64GB free?

If your system drive has less than 64GB available, Windows 11 will not install. Free up storage by removing unused files, uninstalling programs, or moving data to another drive. The compatibility checker will flag low storage as a blocking issue and suggest remedies.

How accurate is this compatibility checker compared to Microsoft’s PC Health Check?

This tool uses the same core requirements and logic as Microsoft’s official checker but provides more detailed breakdowns and explanations for each component. It does not send data externally and is designed for transparency and educational value.

Does this checker work with both laptops and desktops?

Yes, the compatibility checker analyzes hardware on both desktop and laptop PCs, as long as the system runs Windows and exposes standard hardware interfaces. Some ultrabooks or custom OEM devices may have proprietary firmware, but most mainstream devices are fully supported.

Are there any limitations to the compatibility calculation?

The checker relies on accurate hardware reporting from Windows and firmware. If components are masked (by virtualization or manufacturer restrictions), results may not reflect true hardware capability. It does not check for driver availability or application compatibility - only core OS requirements.

How do I check my CPU generation and model?

You can view your CPU model in Windows by opening Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), navigating to the 'Performance' tab, and selecting 'CPU.' The model number (e.g., Intel Core i7-8700K, AMD Ryzen 5 3600) helps determine generation and compatibility. The checker automatically identifies and matches your processor.

Does Windows 11 support older GPUs like GTX 1050 Ti?

Windows 11 requires a DirectX 12-compatible GPU with a WDDM 2.0 driver. Cards like the GTX 1050 Ti and newer generally meet this requirement, but some very old cards may not. The compatibility checker primarily focuses on CPU, RAM, storage, TPM, and Secure Boot, but GPU support should also be verified for full feature access.

Can I use this checker offline?

Yes, the compatibility checker runs locally on your device and does not require an internet connection for analysis. No user data is sent externally, ensuring privacy and security.

Are BIOS and UEFI the same thing for compatibility checks?

No, UEFI is the modern replacement for legacy BIOS and is required for Secure Boot. Most systems from 2012 onward use UEFI. The checker identifies whether your system uses UEFI and if Secure Boot is properly configured, as legacy BIOS systems are not compatible with Windows 11.

What if my system just barely fails one requirement?

The checker provides detailed guidance on resolving specific failures. For example, you may just need to enable a setting in firmware, upgrade RAM, or free up disk space. If your CPU is unsupported, however, a hardware upgrade will be necessary for full Windows 11 compatibility.

Will my PC perform better on Windows 11 if it is compatible?

Windows 11 brings several performance enhancements, especially for newer hardware, such as improved scheduling for hybrid CPUs, better memory management, and new security features. While compatible systems often see some improvements, the actual performance gain varies by workload and hardware configuration.

Benchmark data from PassMark and publisher specs. Calculators run locally in your browser — we never upload your hardware info.