Windows 11 Minimum Requirements – Quick Recap & Microsoft’s Warning

October 5, 2021 OSTN Staff

Windows 11 system requirements

Windows 11 is now available as a free upgrade for all eligible Windows 10 devices. However, with this release, Microsoft has updated the minimum system requirements. For example, the new operating system can only run on 64-bit CPUs. While the company has dropped a useful little app to help you confirm eligibility, here is the complete list of Windows 11 minimum requirements:

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
System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel
Internet connection and Microsoft account
Windows 10 version 2004 or later (to get the automatic update offer)

You can go to Settings > System > About, or search “System Information” in Windows and look under “System Type” to confirm your device specs. If you intend on doing a clean installation of Windows 11, you would also need a drive of at least 8GB to create a bootable disc.

If you plan on skipping Microsoft’s set boundaries and install Windows 11 on a device that isn’t officially eligible, the company has issued the following warning that it may result in compatibility issues and damages won’t be covered under the warranty.

WARNING: Installing Windows 11 media on a PC that does not meet the Windows 11 minimum system requirements is not recommended and may result in compatibility issues. If you proceed with installing Windows 11 on a PC that does not meet the requirements, that PC will no longer be supported and won’t be entitled to receive updates. Damages to the PC due to lack of compatibility aren’t covered under the manufacturer warranty.