2025 Windows 11 System Requirements: What You Need to Know

Comprehensive Overview of Windows 11 System Requirements

Updated: September 8, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows 11 comes with stringent system requirements that differentiate it from earlier versions. To upgrade or perform a clean installation of Windows 11, your device must meet several criteria:

A 64-bit dual-core processor with a minimum clock speed of 1GHz.
At least 4GB of RAM.
A storage space of 64GB or more.
UEFI firmware support and enabled Secure Boot.
TPM version 2.0 is essential for security and encryption purposes.

It’s worth noting that for versions 24H2 and later, the CPU must support specific instructions: SSE4.2 and POPCNT. Incompatibility with these requirements may prevent your system from booting.

If you are transitioning from Windows 10 or an earlier version, it’s recommended to use Microsoft’s PC Health Check to verify your device’s compatibility with Windows 11.

Understanding the Stricter Requirements

As Windows 10 approaches its end of life in October 2025, evaluating your device’s compatibility with Windows 11 is crucial. Historically, Microsoft has maintained consistent hardware requirements across Windows versions. However, Windows 11 introduces a more demanding baseline, reflecting a push towards enhanced security features aimed at protecting users’ data and devices.

Microsoft has emphasized the significance of TPM 2.0, asserting that it is “non-negotiable”for Windows 11. This hardware component is integral to key encryption, digital signatures, and safeguarding the system against threats. Moreover, only CPUs released from 2018 or later are recognized for Windows 11 installations.

Key System Requirements for Windows 11

Below are the primary specifications your device must fulfill to run Windows 11 effectively:

Processor: 1GHz or higher, with dual-core architecture on a compatible 64-bit processor or SoC.
Memory: Minimum of 4GB RAM.
Storage: A minimum of 64GB hard drive.
System Firmware: UEFI capable of Secure Boot.
TPM: Trusted Platform Module version 2.0.
Graphics: Must support DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
Display: At least 720p HD, larger than 9 inches diagonally.
Internet Connectivity: Required for account setup and updates.

While Secure Boot isn’t strictly mandatory, enabling it is advisable. Disabling it might be necessary for specific use cases, such as dual-boot setups with Linux.

Processor Compatibility for Windows 11

The compatibility of processors is an essential aspect of the Windows 11 upgrade path. Here’s a breakdown by manufacturer:

Intel Processors

Windows 11 supports Intel’s processors from the 8th Generation upwards (e.g., Core i3 through i9).Notably, some older processors such as the 7820HQ from the 7th Generation are also compatible. Ensure you have DCH drivers for certain Xeon and Core X series processors.

AMD Processors

For AMD users, only Ryzen 2nd Generation and newer, including Threadripper, and select EPYC and Athlon processors qualify for Windows 11.

ARM Processors

If you’re using ARM-based devices, supported models include the Qualcomm Snapdragon 850, 7c, 8c, 8cx (including Gen 2), as well as Microsoft’s SQ1 and SQ2.

Installing on Unsupported Hardware

Though it’s possible to upgrade on unsupported hardware—at your own risk—you must still meet several key specifications. The processor must support both the “POPCNT” instruction and be configured with a minimum of 64-bit architecture, dual-core capabilities, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage, accompanied by TPM 1.2 and Secure Boot (when applicable).

Verifying Your PC’s Compatibility

To confirm whether your device meets the minimum requirements, utilize the Microsoft PC Health Check app:

Open Start.
Search for PC Health Check and select the top result.
Click the Check now button.
Review the results to confirm compatibility.
(Optional) Click “See all results” for detailed component insights.

If you do not have the app pre-installed, download it directly from Microsoft’s official page.

TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot Configuration

Two pivotal requirements for Windows 11 are TPM version 2.0 and Secure Boot. Both are considered integral to maintaining robust security and mitigating risks against malware and sophisticated cyber threats. Although you could potentially run Windows 11 without Secure Boot, it’s advisable to enable it if available.

Checking for TPM 2.0

To ensure TPM is activated on your device:

Launch Start.
Type tpm.msc and select the Trusted Platform Module tool.
Examine the Status and TPM Manufacturer Information sections for verification.

Activating TPM 2.0

To enable TPM 2.0, perform the following steps:

Open Settings.
Navigate to Update & Security.
Select Recovery and initiate Restart now.
Choose Troubleshoot followed by Advanced options.
Click UEFI Firmware settings and confirm the restart.
Locate TPM 2.0 options in your firmware settings to enable it.

Secure Boot Verification

To check whether Secure Boot is enabled:

Open Start.
Search for System Information and access it.
In the left pane, select System Summary.
Review the “Secure Boot State” to see if it’s set to “On”.

Final Steps for Installations

Before installing or upgrading to Windows 11, ensure that both TPM and Secure Boot features are properly configured. This process will help facilitate a smoother transition to the newest version of the operating system.

Note: This document has been revised recently to reflect current details and requirements. Always refer to the most recent updates to maintain accuracy.