Remember the thrill of unboxing a brand-new computer, turning it on for the first time, and navigating through the crisp, clean interface of a fresh operating system? With the recent announcement from Microsoft ceasing the sale of Windows 10, the chance to experience that feeling anew with Windows 11 is upon us. Sure, Windows 10 will continue to receive updates for a while and third-party sellers will still offer copies. However, the days of Windows 10 are numbered.

Given this, many of us might be considering a leap to Windows 11. After all, it’s not just the thrill of the new that’s enticing. There are practical reasons too: Windows 11 boasts stability and features designed to reflect how we use computers today. But before you dive in, it’s crucial to verify if your system is compatible with Windows 11. Let’s explore how you can do just that!

Table of Contents

5 Easy Ways to Tell If Your System Is Windows 11 Compatible:

1. Manually Check Your System’s Specifications

As a first step, you need to compare your machine’s specifications to the minimum system requirements of Windows 11. Your system should, at the very least, meet these specifications:

A compatible 64-bit processor with at least 1 GHz clock speed and 2 or more cores
4 GB of RAM or more
64 GB or more of storage space
A DirectX 12 compatible graphics card or integrated GPU with a WDDM 2.0 driver
A display with at least a 720p resolution and 9″ or larger diagonal screen size
UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability
TPM version 2.0
Internet connection and a Microsoft account for device activation

However, remember these are just the bare minimum. Some Windows 11 features may require higher specifications.

2. Use the PC Health Check App

Most Windows 10 systems come pre-installed with the PC Health Check app, which gives an instant overview of your system’s readiness for Windows 11. If your system fails the compatibility test, it also provides the reason. Simply search for ‘PC Health Check‘ on Windows, run the test, and observe the results.

3. Check the Computer BIOS

Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are common failure points for Windows 11 compatibility. If the PC Health Check flags either of these, don’t fret. They may simply be disabled in the BIOS settings. Accessing modern BIOSs isn’t always easy, but it’s manageable. Similarly, you can also reach your BIOS from within Windows 10. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Time needed: 15 minutes

Accessing the Start Menu
Move your cursor to the bottom left corner of your computer screen and click on the Windows icon to open the Start menu.
Navigating to Settings
Within the Start menu, locate and select the Settings option. This typically resembles a gear icon.
Navigating to Update & Security
Within the Settings interface, look for the option labeled Update & Security, and click on it.
Selecting the Recovery Option
Inside the Update & Security menu, you will see a list of options on the left side of the screen. From this list, find and click on the Recovery option.
Initiating Advanced Startup
On the Recovery page, under the Advanced Startup section, there will be a button labeled Restart Now. Click on this button. Your computer will then initiate a restart and bring you to a blue screen with various options.
Choosing the Troubleshoot Option
Once your computer restarts, you will see a blue screen labeled Choose an option. On this screen, look for and select the Troubleshoot option.
Navigating to Advanced Options
After selecting Troubleshoot, you will be led to a new menu. From this menu, look for and click on Advanced options.
Accessing UEFI Firmware Settings
Inside the Advanced options menu, find and select the UEFI Firmware Settings option, then click on the Restart button.
Entering the BIOS Settings
Your computer will restart again, but this time, it will take you directly to the BIOS settings screen, bypassing the usual startup process.

After gaining access to your BIOS, verify whether the Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 features are enabled.

4. Check Your Graphics Card Compatibility

The PC Health Check app should also inform you about your graphics card’s compatibility. If it’s not up to par, a visit to the manufacturer’s website might reveal a driver or firmware update to resolve the issue.

5. Check for System Firmware Updates

If you’re having compatibility issues, checking your system’s manufacturer’s website for firmware updates might offer a solution. They may have patches that make your system compatible with Windows 11.

What If I Need to Buy Windows 11?

Windows 11 is free if you’re already on Windows 10 with a compatible system. But if you’re upgrading from a barebones system or to Windows 11 Professional, you’ll need to purchase a license. Thankfully, it’s a quick process that requires only a Microsoft account and internet access. Just remember to shop around, as resellers often sell genuine Microsoft product keys at discounted rates.

Explore our other articles:

Conclusion

While many of us harbor a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for Windows 10, we must acknowledge that every technology has its lifespan, and for Windows 10, that period is drawing to a close. However, the silver lining is that Windows 11 appears to be an exceedingly suitable successor. Packed with advanced features and optimized for modern computing needs, it stands ready to usher in a new era of personal and professional computing.

Even if your current system doesn’t qualify for the free Windows 11 update, there are options available. Investing in a newer computer with Windows 11 pre-installed, or buying the Windows 11 license for a “barebones” setup, are viable routes to experience the benefits of the new operating system.

In conclusion, the transition to Windows 11 presents exciting possibilities, brimming with fresh features and improvements. Whether your current system is compatible or you’re considering a future upgrade, it’s a journey worth embarking on. By carefully evaluating your system’s compatibility and understanding potential upgrade paths, you can ensure a smooth and rewarding transition to the future of Windows.

Decoding Windows 11 Compatibility: Is Your System Up to the Task?