Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest PC operating system, requires more computing horsepower to run than its predecessor. Although that’s nothing new, many of the Windows 11 minimum requirements outstrip those of Win 10 several times over. Although that won’t be a problem for those with modern personal computers, anyone still running old hardware may find themselves unable to upgrade.
All Windows 11 minimum requirements list
Here are all of the hardware specs that users require to meet the Windows 11 minimum requirements:
- A 64-bit processor at 1 GHz with two cores
- 4 GB of RAM
- 64 GB of available storage
- DirectX 12 compatible GPU with a WDDM 2.0 driver
- UEFI and Secure Boot capable
- TPM version 2.0
- 720p HD display on 9″ monitor with 8 bits per color channel
- Internet connection
Meeting the Win 11 min specs shouldn’t be a problem for anyone using a modern desktop or laptop computer. Since that’s the exact audience most likely looking to upgrade, there’s nothing too controversial about the specifications bump. Still, it’s worthy of note that running Windows 11 vs. Windows 10 requires a massive four times the minimum storage and RAM.
There are less dramatic increases in other areas, though many argue that stepping things up across the board is a good thing. Innovation and evolution ultimately do require drawing on extra computing power, and there’s a definite segment of the Windows userbase thrilled to see Win 11 scaling up exponentially. Since there are more than 1 billion Windows OS users across the world, however, the minimum specs need to remain accessible to almost everybody.
For more on Microsoft’s new Windows 11 operating system, get the latest on some of its improved entertainment features. Win 11 is the “best ever” version for gaming, transitioning benefits like Direct Storage and Auto HDR from Xbox Series X|S hardware. The rebuilt Microsoft Store also features an all-new TikTok Windows app.
When upgrading a PC to Win 11, it’s possible to receive the “This PC can’t run Windows 11” error message — here’s what to do.
