What Are the Requirements for Windows 11? Full 2026 Checklist

What are the requirements for Windows 11? Your PC needs a supported 64-bit processor running at 1 GHz or faster with at least two cores, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, UEFI firmware that is Secure Boot capable, TPM 2.0, a DirectX 12 graphics card and a 720p display larger than 9 inches. Home and Pro (for personal use) also need internet access and a Microsoft account during setup.

What Are the Requirements for Windows 11? The Full Checklist

This list matches Microsoft's official Windows 11 system requirements. The requirements are the same for Home and Pro, so choosing an edition doesn't change whether your PC qualifies. If you're weighing editions, our Windows 11 Home vs Pro comparison explains what Pro adds.

Why Does Windows 11 Need TPM 2.0?

Windows 11 needs TPM 2.0 because several of its security features store encryption keys in that chip. A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a small security processor, either a separate chip or built into the CPU's firmware, that holds keys in a way software can't easily read or copy.

The cause and effect is straightforward. BitLocker, device encryption and Windows Hello sign-in rely on the TPM to protect their keys. Without a TPM, those keys would have to sit on the disk, where malware or someone with the drive could reach them. Microsoft made TPM 2.0 a baseline so every Windows 11 PC has that protection available.

Many modern processors include a firmware TPM 2.0, so a separate chip isn't needed. On Intel systems it's often labelled Intel PTT, and on AMD systems AMD fTPM. On self-built desktops in particular, it's often switched off in the firmware settings.

Why Is UEFI and Secure Boot Required?

UEFI and Secure Boot are required because they stop untrusted code from loading before Windows starts. UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is the modern replacement for the older BIOS firmware. Secure Boot is a UEFI feature that only lets digitally signed, trusted software run during start-up.

This matters because some of the most persistent malware, known as rootkits or bootkits, loads before the operating system and hides from antivirus. Secure Boot blocks that route. Microsoft's rule is that the PC must be Secure Boot capable, which means it must use UEFI mode rather than Legacy or CSM mode. Turning Secure Boot fully on is recommended but not required to install.

How Do You Check If Your PC Meets the Windows 11 Requirements?

The quickest way is Microsoft's free PC Health Check app, which tests every requirement and tells you which one fails. To check the two that fail most often by hand:

1. Press Windows + R, type tpm.msc and press Enter. Under TPM Manufacturer Information, the Specification Version should show 2.0. A message saying no compatible TPM was found usually means it's disabled in firmware.
2. Press Windows + R, type msinfo32 and press Enter.
3. In System Summary, check that BIOS Mode reads UEFI and look at Secure Boot State.
4. Open Settings → System → About to confirm your processor model and installed RAM, then compare the processor against Microsoft's supported CPU list.

Processor speed and core count can't be upgraded on their own, so if the CPU isn't supported, the realistic options are a new PC or, for Windows 10 users, staying on Extended Security Updates for now. Our guide to Windows 10 end of life covers the ESU dates and cost.

How Do You Turn On TPM and Secure Boot?

You turn on TPM and Secure Boot in your PC's UEFI firmware settings, which you can open from inside Windows.

1. Save your work, then open Settings → System → Recovery (on Windows 10: Settings → Update & Security → Recovery).
2. Next to Advanced startup, select Restart now.
3. Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings, then Restart.
4. Find the security or advanced section and enable TPM, Intel PTT or AMD fTPM.
5. In the boot section, make sure the boot mode is UEFI, then enable Secure Boot.
6. Save changes and exit. Run PC Health Check again to confirm.

Menu names differ by manufacturer, so your PC maker's support site is the best reference if an option is hard to find. Before changing the boot mode from Legacy to UEFI, back up your files: a drive set up for Legacy boot may not start in UEFI mode until it has been converted.

Which Windows 11 Version Should Your PC Be Running?

A new installation should use the latest Windows 11 version, which is 26H2 at the time of writing. Each version is supported for a fixed period, after which Windows Update moves you on. Microsoft's Windows 11 Home and Pro lifecycle page lists these dates:

Version 26H1 also exists, but Microsoft released it for specific new devices rather than as an upgrade for existing PCs. Windows 11 24H2 reaches end of servicing for Home and Pro on 13 October 2026, so if your PC is still on it, install the next feature update from Settings → Windows Update so it keeps receiving security fixes.

A Common Mistake We See

A common mistake is assuming a PC fails the Windows 11 check because it's old, when the real cause is a disabled firmware setting. Self-built desktops in particular often ship with TPM off and the boot mode set to Legacy, and a few minutes in the firmware menu fixes both.

The other mistake is buying a product key before confirming the hardware qualifies. Run PC Health Check first, then buy. If your PC passes, a genuine Windows 11 Home key or Windows 11 Pro key (each $49.99 at the time of writing) activates online, and every key we sell comes with instant email delivery, a 30-day money-back guarantee and a lifetime replacement warranty. Our explainer on OEM vs retail Windows licences helps you pick the right type.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum requirements for Windows 11?

Windows 11 needs a supported 1 GHz dual-core 64-bit processor, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, TPM 2.0, a DirectX 12 graphics card with a WDDM 2.0 driver, and a 720p display over 9 inches. Home and personal Pro installs also need internet and a Microsoft account.

Can Windows 11 run on 4 GB of RAM?

Yes, 4 GB is the official minimum and Windows 11 will install and run. For comfortable everyday use with a web browser and Office open together, 8 GB or more makes a noticeable difference. RAM is one of the few requirements most desktops and some laptops can upgrade.

Does Windows 11 Home need a Microsoft account?

Yes. Microsoft states that Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro for personal use require an internet connection and a Microsoft account during initial setup. Signing in also lets you link your digital licence to that account, which makes reactivation easier after hardware changes.

Is my processor supported for Windows 11?

Check the exact model under Settings → System → About, then compare it with Microsoft's approved processor lists for Intel, AMD and Qualcomm. Speed and core count alone aren't enough; the CPU must appear on the list. PC Health Check performs this comparison automatically.

Do I need TPM 2.0 for a clean install of Windows 11?

Yes. TPM 2.0 is part of the official minimum requirements whether you upgrade or clean install. Many PCs have it built into the processor but disabled. Enable Intel PTT or AMD fTPM in the UEFI firmware settings, then confirm with tpm.msc before installing.

Are Windows 11 Home and Pro requirements different?

No. Home and Pro share the same hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot capability. Pro adds features such as BitLocker, Remote Desktop hosting and Hyper-V, which make use of the same hardware but don't raise the minimum specification needed to install.

Conclusion

Once you know what the requirements for Windows 11 are, you can avoid buying the wrong hardware or the wrong key. Check the processor, then enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in firmware, and confirm with PC Health Check. Once your PC qualifies, choose your edition from our Windows 11 licence keys.

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