Windows 11 minimum requirements
| Part | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Processor | Supported 64-bit CPU – roughly Intel 8th gen+, AMD Ryzen 2000 desktop / 3000 mobile+ |
| RAM | 4 GB (8 GB recommended) |
| Storage | 64 GB or more |
| Firmware | UEFI with Secure Boot capability |
| TPM | Trusted Platform Module 2.0 |
| Display | 720p+, 9″ or larger |
How to check TPM and Secure Boot
- TPM: press Win + R, type
tpm.msc. Look for “Specification Version: 2.0”. If it says not found, enable Intel PTT or AMD fTPM in BIOS. - Secure Boot: Win + R →
msinfo32→ “Secure Boot State” and “BIOS Mode: UEFI”.
My laptop isn’t supported – what now?
Windows 10 reached end of support in October 2025, so unsupported laptops no longer get regular free security updates (Microsoft offers extended options for some users). Your options: keep using Windows 10 carefully, try a lightweight Linux, or upgrade to an 8th gen+ laptop. Refurbished 8th–11th gen business laptops with Windows 11 are a budget-friendly upgrade.
For the final official answer, run Microsoft’s PC Health Check app.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install Windows 11 on an unsupported laptop?
Workarounds exist, but Microsoft doesn’t support it and updates aren’t guaranteed. We don’t recommend it for important work.
Is Intel 7th gen supported?
Only a few specific 7th-gen chips are on Microsoft’s list; most are not.