With Windows 11 rolling out across devices, many users are wondering: “Can my laptop upgrade to Windows 11?” Microsoft has set strict system requirements, meaning not all older laptops will be compatible. If you’re still using Windows 10, it’s important to check if your device meets the upgrade criteria—or if it’s time to start considering an alternative.
Here’s everything you need to know about Windows 11 compatibility, how to check your system, and what to do if your laptop isn’t eligible.
Minimum System Requirements for Windows 11
Microsoft enforces specific hardware requirements to ensure optimal performance and security with Windows 11. If your laptop does not meet these requirements, you won’t be able to upgrade officially.
✅ Windows 11 Compatibility Checklist:
• Processor: Intel 8th Gen or newer, or AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer
• RAM: Minimum 4GB (but 8GB+ is recommended)
• Storage: At least 64GB free space
• Security: TPM 2.0 chip enabled (Trusted Platform Module)
• Boot Type: UEFI firmware with Secure Boot enabled
• Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible GPU
• Display: Minimum 9-inch screen, 720p resolution
💡 Not sure if your laptop meets these requirements? The easiest way to check is to use Microsoft’s official PC Health Check tool.
How to Check If Your Laptop is Compatible with Windows 11
Instead of manually verifying each component, Microsoft provides a tool that quickly scans your system and determines whether it meets Windows 11 requirements.
🔍 Follow these steps to check your compatibility:
Step 1: Download the Microsoft PC Health Check Tool
• Click here to Download the Microsoft PC Health Check App
• Install and open the application
Step 2: Run the Compatibility Check
• Click “Check now” to scan your laptop
• If your device is compatible, you’ll see a green checkmark ✅
• If it’s not compatible, you’ll get a message explaining which requirement isn’t met ❌
Step 3: Review Your Results
If your laptop fails the test, it could be due to:
1️⃣ An old processor (Intel 7th Gen or older / AMD Ryzen 1st Gen)
2️⃣ TPM 2.0 is not enabled (some laptops have TPM but need it manually turned on in BIOS)
3️⃣ Not enough storage or RAM
🔹 TIP: If TPM 2.0 is the only issue, you can check your BIOS settings and enable it manually before re-running the test.
What to Do If Your Laptop Isn’t Compatible
If your laptop fails the compatibility check, you have a few options:
Option 1: Stick with Windows 10
🟢 Windows 10 is supported until October 14, 2025, so you don’t need to rush into an upgrade. Microsoft will continue to release security updates and patches.
Option 2: Upgrade Your Hardware
If your laptop just misses the requirements, consider upgrading:
• Increase RAM (if under 8GB)
• Switch to an SSD (if using a hard drive)
• Enable TPM 2.0 in BIOS (if available but disabled)
Option 3: Upgrade to a Windows 11-Compatible Laptop
If your laptop is too old to meet the requirements, upgrading to a Windows 11-ready laptop might be the best long-term solution.
💻 Looking for a new laptop? At Kolm Solutions, we offer business-class laptops with Intel 10th Gen+ processors, pre-installed with genuine Windows 11 Pro for maximum performance and security.
Final Thoughts: Should You Upgrade to Windows 11?
If your laptop meets the requirements, upgrading to Windows 11 will give you:
✅ Better security with TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot
✅ Smoother performance and battery optimizations
✅ Modern interface & new features
But if your laptop isn’t compatible, don’t panic—Windows 10 is still supported for a few more years, giving you time to plan your next upgrade.
📌 Still unsure? Run the PC Health Check and drop your results in the comments!
🚀 Need a Windows 11-ready laptop? Contact us
💬 Have you checked your laptop’s Windows 11 compatibility yet? Did it pass or fail? Let’s discuss!