Windows 11 is here. Following plenty of speculation, Microsoft officially revealed its next desktop operating system at a virtual launch event on 24 June.
The changes announced represent the biggest changes to Windows for many years, even if they probably don’t justify a brand-new version. The Start Menu and taskbar have been redesigned, the gaming experience upgraded and the ability to run Android apps now natively supported (although you’re limited to the Amazon Appstore).
The so-called ‘next generation of Windows’ will be available to members of the Windows Insider Program as soon as next week, before a final version rolls out to all compatible devices later in the year.
However, not all Windows 10 devices will still be supported. Here’s everything you need to know.
Will my PC be able to run Windows 11?
Microsoft has updated the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11. All current and future PCs will need the following in order to be compatible:
- A processor of 1Ghz or faster with at least 2 cores on compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC)
- At least 4GB of RAM
- At least 64GB of on-device storage – more may be required for subsequent updates
- Graphics card that’s compatible with DirectX 12 or later and has WDDM 2.0 driver
- UEFI firmware
- Secure Boot support
- TPM (Trusted Platform Module) version 2.0
- Display at least 9in at 720p resolution and with 8 bits per colour channel
- Internet connectivity – required on Windows 11 Home, necessary for many features on Pro and Enterprise versions
If you’re not sure whether your device meets all these specs, Microsoft has a free ‘PC Health Check’ app available via its website. Installing and running it will tell you if your PC will be able to download Windows 11 once it comes out.
However, it’s not quite as simple as that. If you see a message saying ‘This PC can’t run Windows 11’ it may just be that TPM 2.0 isn’t enabled.
This can be turned on in BIOS settings, usually by holding down the Esc, Del or a function key (often F2) while your PC is turning on. It’s typically referred to as ‘PTT’ on Intel CPUs, while it can be known as ‘PSP fTPM’ on AMD-powered devices.
Provided your PC meets all the other requirements, the should now display a ‘This PC can run Windows 11’ message when you click ‘Check now’.
Once Windows 11 is available, upgrading will be completely free. It’ll likely be as simple as heading into Settings > Update & Security and checking for updates.
What to do if my PC won’t be supported
If your PC isn’t eligible for Windows 11, it’s probably because you’re using older or less powerful hardware. Some people will be able to upgrade their desktop PCs to meet the new requirements, but most other people will need to buy a new device.
Judging by the huge range of devices currently running Windows 10, you’ll probably have plenty of choice once Windows 11 arrives later this year. Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung and Microsoft’s own Surface range were all featured in the official , and lots more are expected.
While we don’t know how long it will last, expect Microsoft to continue offering a free upgrade to Windows 11 for a few months. That means any of the Windows 10 devices in our best laptop chart will still be eligible once its successor arrives.
