Microsoft released Windows 11 in October 2021 with a clearly defined baseline for hardware eligibility. Unlike past editions, this version requires specific security and performance capabilities at the firmware level.
Every requirement, from Trusted Platform Module 2.0 to Secure Boot, reflects a shift in how the operating system interacts with hardware. This shift enforces not just performance minimums, but hardware trust validation.
It is important to note that the system requirements reduce support for older architectures and devices with legacy BIOS. Microsoft now prioritises systems capable of secure authentication, fast start-up protocols, and reliable update integration.
This means compatibility isn’t simply about power. It's about verifiable readiness for hardware-level security and resource allocation, especially for business-critical deployments.
If you’re evaluating your system or advising others on upgrade readiness, it helps to understand how these rules map onto your actual hardware stack. After all, your processor may pass, but the motherboard’s firmware settings could quietly block the install.
Official Minimum System Requirements for Windows 11
Below is Microsoft’s formal hardware baseline for installing Windows 11. Each component must meet or exceed these values to allow installation.
Minimum Requirement
Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2+ cores on a 64-bit compatible CPU
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device
System Firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot capability
TPM: Trusted Platform Module version 2.0
Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.0 driver
Display: 9-inch screen, 720p resolution, 8 bits per colour channel
Internet Connection: Required for Windows 11 Home setup and updates
Each requirement exists for a specific reason. The CPU and RAM limits ensure basic performance for multitasking, resource allocation, and update execution.
Moreover, UEFI replaces legacy BIOS, allowing fast boot cycles and Secure Boot validation. This guards against boot-time malware injection and low-level firmware attacks.
TPM 2.0 enforces cryptographic checks at the hardware level. It is mandatory for device encryption and BitLocker integrity. Without it, Windows 11 will not install.
Graphics support for DirectX 12 with WDDM 2.0 ensures visual stability, especially under hardware acceleration.
For Windows 11 Home, internet access is not optional during initial setup. If you’re configuring a new machine or re-installing, ensure connectivity is available from the start.
The system checks for these values during installation, and failure to meet any one will halt the upgrade process.
Detailed Explanation of Each Requirement
Processor
Windows 11 requires a 64-bit processor with at least two cores running at 1 GHz or faster. This ensures the CPU can handle system scheduling, update tasks, and background process management without failure.
Microsoft has published an official list of supported processors by manufacturer. If you're unsure about your CPU model, cross-reference it directly on the Windows 11 compatibility page.
RAM
The 4 GB minimum allows Windows 11 to manage its core functions, graphical shell, background services, and startup processes. Lower memory often causes paging, which degrades responsiveness and increases SSD wear.
If you plan to run multiple applications simultaneously, 8 GB is more realistic, but 4 GB remains the enforced installation threshold.
Storage
The installer checks for 64 GB of available storage during setup. This space accounts for the system files, future updates, and temporary installation data. It also reserves room for the recovery partition.
In addition to the installation space, Windows Update aggressively uses disk space. You’ll need margin for logs, patches, and rollback versions if an update fails.
System Firmware
Your machine must support UEFI firmware and have Secure Boot enabled. Secure Boot checks each component at startup to confirm its authenticity.
This validation process blocks rootkits and unauthorised bootloaders. UEFI also enables faster start-up times by reducing POST delay and simplifying device discovery.
TPM (Trusted Platform Module)
TPM 2.0 is a cryptographic module embedded in the motherboard. It securely stores encryption keys, biometric data, and authentication tokens at the hardware level.
In addition, Windows 11 uses TPM to support Windows Hello, BitLocker, and system integrity checks. Without version 2.0 enabled, installation fails immediately.
You can usually activate TPM 2.0 in the BIOS under “Security” or “Trusted Computing.” Don’t be surprised if it’s disabled by default on older machines.
Graphics Card
Windows 11 needs a DirectX 12-compatible GPU with a WDDM 2.0 driver. This supports hardware-accelerated rendering, GPU scheduling, and visual effects like Snap Layouts.
Even integrated graphics on recent processors meet this requirement. But legacy graphics cards may need a driver update or a complete replacement.
Display
A 9-inch display with 720p resolution and 8 bits per colour channel is the absolute minimum. This ensures correct scaling, rendering, and accessibility of all UI elements.
Touch support isn’t required, but the display must meet graphical density standards for system legibility. Check your device’s native resolution, especially if using external monitors.
Common Compatibility Issues and What to Do
TPM is Not Detected
The most frequent failure involves systems where TPM 2.0 is present but disabled in the BIOS. Some users assume absence when it’s simply not enabled.
Open the BIOS and check under Security or Trusted Computing. Look for a setting labeled TPM Device, Intel PTT, or AMD fTPM. Enable it, save changes, and reboot.
In addition, systems shipped before 2019 may use TPM 1.2, which does not satisfy Windows 11 installation checks.
Secure Boot Is Disabled
Secure Boot enforces early-stage integrity checks. Windows 11 will not install unless this setting is active in the UEFI firmware.
Navigate to the BIOS setup. Under Boot Options, locate Secure Boot and toggle it to Enabled. If the system boots with errors afterward, double-check whether the boot mode is set to UEFI, not Legacy.
Moreover, enabling Secure Boot may require removing unsigned boot entries especially on dual-boot systems.
CPU Appears Modern but Is Not Supported
Even high-frequency, multi-core processors may be incompatible if they are not on Microsoft’s sanctioned CPU list.
Check the model name and generation. Windows 11 requires at least an Intel 8th Gen Core or AMD Ryzen 2000 series processor. Anything below that is blocked.
If your system uses an unsupported but powerful CPU, you may explore registry workarounds but these fall outside compliance and are not futureproof.
Legacy BIOS Without UEFI Support
Some older systems, especially business laptops from before 2016, ship with BIOS firmware and no UEFI interface.
Without UEFI, the system fails both the firmware and Secure Boot checks. UEFI cannot be “installed” the motherboard must natively support it.
There’s no fix for this. You would need to replace the motherboard or use a different system entirely.
Graphics Driver Not WDDM 2.0 Compliant
Even if your GPU supports DirectX 12, the driver must follow the Windows Display Driver Model 2.0 specification. Older drivers report as WDDM 1.3 or below.
To verify, open dxdiag, go to the Display tab, and check Driver Model. If it reads below 2.0, install the latest driver from the GPU vendor's site.
Moreover, Microsoft Update often installs generic drivers lacking full compatibility. Download directly from Intel, AMD, or NVIDIA for the best results.
Read also: How to Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 25H2