How to check if my PC can run Windows 11
Microsoft has re-launched its PC Health Check app, however now no longer absolutely each person can use it. Here’s a way to use the device and third-birthday birthday celebration options to evaluate a PC’s cap potential to improve to Windows 11.
In past due June, Microsoft introduced Windows 11, cited that the imminent OS could have extra stringent hardware necessities than Windows 10, and launched a software named PC Health Check to allow customers to evaluate the improved readiness in their PCs. Just 4 days later, however, Microsoft withdrew the device from circulation, mentioning troubles with its “degree of element or accuracy.” In different words, it changed into telling many customers that their hardware couldn’t run Windows 11, however it wasn’t telling them why.
To partly make up for the lack of the PC Health Check app, Microsoft posted extra particular minimal gadget necessities for Windows 11, however it additionally cited that the ones necessities would possibly alternate after the business enterprise factored in comments from testers in its Windows Insider program.
The PC Health Check device is back, and there’s no scarcity of third-birthday birthday celebration alternatives to be had to the ones who’d like a file on a PCs’ compliance with — or violation of — the minimal gadget necessities for Windows 11, with the intention to start rolling out on October 5. I’ll stroll you thru the gadget necessities as they stand now, in addition to a way to use the PC Health Check app and opportunity gear to test a PC’s Windows 11 improve readiness.
Windows 11 System Requirements
According to Microsoft’s Windows 11 assessment page, the subsequent objects delineate the simple necessities a PC should meet for Windows 11 to put in well on that machine. At present, Microsoft has comfortable with the regulations, in order that out-of-compliance PCs can run Windows 11 withinside the Insider Program. But whilst the reputable launch is going out later this year, the one's machines will not be capable of improving to more modern Windows 11 versions.
- Processor: 64-bit structure at 1 GHz or faster; Intel: eight-era or more moderen (info); AMD Ryzen three or better (info); Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c or higher (info)
- RAM: four GB or higher
- Storage: 64 GB or large garage tool System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) model 2.0
- Graphics card: Direct X12 or later capable; WDDM 2.0 motive force or more modern
- Display: High-def (720p) display, large than 9” diagonal in size, 8 bits in line with color channel (or better)
- Internet connection/MSA: Windows 11 Home version calls for net connectivity and a Microsoft Account (MSA) to finish tool setup on first use. Switching out of Windows 11 Home in S mode likewise calls for net connectivity. For all Windows 11 editions, net get admission to is wanted for updates, and to download and use sure capabilities. An MSA is needed for a few capabilities as well.
Just lately the organization is additionally comfortable with its CPU regulations to encompass sure high-give up seventh-era Intel processors observed in a number of its Microsoft Surface Studio 2 PCs, in addition to sure Xeon processors. (See the info hyperlink for Intel withinside the first listing object above.) Otherwise, the restrictions said above are unchanged.
Using Microsoft’s PC Health Check
As I write this story, PC Health Check has been re-released, however, it’s presently handiest to be had to individuals of Microsoft’s Windows Insider program. To download PC Health Check, you have to be a registered Windows Insider and logged into the related Microsoft account. Otherwise, you’ll get a reaction from Microsoft Software Download that reads “To get right of entry to this page, you want to be a member of the Windows Insider program.”
That hurdle overcomes, the download is without problems reachable as a Microsoft Installer report named WindowsPCHealthCheckSetup.msi. Run this report and this system installs itself.
To run this system, kind PC Heal into the quest box, then run the app from the Start menu. To run its integrated Windows 11 compatibility check, click on the Check now button interior the “Introducing Windows 11” pane on the pinnacle of the app window, as proven in Figure 1:
The software returns one in all 3 viable home windows after the compatibility test runs. Those that skip the test get a “meets requirements” message (Figure 2, left); people who fail get a “doesn’t presently meet” message (center); and people from PCs jogging Windows Education or Enterprise or every other Windows model controlled with the aid of using an IT branch get a message that reads “Your agency manages updates in this PC” (right) however no compatibility test. I’m jogging Enterprise on my manufacturing PC and feature flagged this as a mistake or hassle with Microsoft through its Feedback Hub.
Click the See all effects button to peer extra info for each passing and failing PC. The failing PC is a 2014 antique Surface Pro three that fails due to the fact its fourth-era Intel CPU isn't supported. The passing grade is going to a 2018 Lenovo ThinkPad X380 Yoga, which has an eighth-era Intel CPU and different vital components. Some of the info for each machine seems in Figure three.
Microsoft’s PC Health Check will paintings for maximum Windows PCs. Those strolling Windows 10 Education or Enterprise can be out of luck. Ditto for Windows PCs centrally controlled through Group Policy in an organization’s IT environment. YMMV, as they say. And, of course, you won't want to enroll in the Windows Insider program. That’s why I additionally advocate the 2 third-celebration compatibilities take a look at equipment withinside the subsequent section.
Two good alternative Windows 11 compatibility checkers
Though extra alternatives are available, I even have observed third-celebration equipment to be eminently beneficial to test a PC for Windows 11 compatibility in sufficient element to cause them to worthwhile:
- WhyNotWin11: a GitHub-primarily based totally undertaking that runs as a standalone Windows utility and reviews on a sequence of tests it plays whilst run.
- Windows 11 Compatibility Check: a Windows batch report that runs interior an administrative PowerShell consultation or Commands Prompt window to document its findings on PC attributes and capabilities.
Either of those pieces of equipment can offer you enough intelligence to decide in case your PC is prepared for Windows 11, with one caveat. Older PCs whose CPUs qualify beneath neath the processor requirement might also additionally encompass hardware-primarily based totally TPM chips of model 1. three or older (decrease in number). These CPUs can emulate TPM 2.0, so it looks as if a failure to fulfill Windows 11 necessities on the hardware stage may be offset in software. I will give an explanation for similarly withinside the phase at the Windows 11 Compatibility Check script below.
WhyNotWin11
WhyNotWin11 is a GitHub challenge whose supply code is publicly available. The present day launch as I write this tale is model 2.4.0 (however you may usually click on the “Latest” button on the house web page to leap to the maximum present day vesion). Click the hyperlink categorised Download the present day solid launch and you’ll become with a record named WhyNotWin11.exe. By default, it is living withinside the Downloads folder (C:UsersDownloads), in which you may execute this system directly.
It takes a touch whilst to down load the WMIC (Windows Management Instrumentation command-line utility) on which it’s based. When it completes its numerous checks, it presentations its consequences as proven in Figures 4 (from an incompatible system) and 5 (from a like minded one).
Understanding WhyNot11’s output is simple: inexperienced meets it meets a requirement, crimson method it doesn’t, and amber method it is able to or won't meet the very last necessities however doesn’t meet contemporary necessities. There’s been a variety of flap approximately wherein Microsoft have to draw the road on CPU generations, so amber is a sop to people with excessive hopes for inclusion of older generations. As of the quit of August, some pick seventh-era Intel Core and Xeon processors had been allowed into the “meets necessities” group, however no in addition additions are at the table, in keeping with Microsoft.
Windows 11 Compatibility Check script
This device, named Windows 11 Compatibility Check, comes from the network internet site Windows 11 Forum. Its author, JB Carreon, gives his paintings as freeware. It comes withinside the shape of a batch record named W11CompChk.bat. Downloads for this device live on its History page. As I write this story, the maximum modern-day model is numbered 1.four.1, for which dates and down load hyperlinks are without problems visible.
Once it’s loaded onto your PC, you could genuinely right-click on its access in File Explorer whilst preserving down the left-hand Shift key at the keyboard. From the ensuing pop-up menu, choose Copy as course. This copies the entire record course into your paste buffer. Next, open an administrative Command Prompt window, paste withinside the string, and get rid of the main and trailing citation marks ("").
The batch record will then execute. It will display progress, after which a record while it finishes its numerous checks. Figure 6 suggests consequences from an incompatible PC (the equal one as in Figure four preceding); Figure 7 suggests consequences from a like minded PC (the equal one as in Figure 5).
Note in Figure 7 how the Windows 11 Compatibility Check script has been tripped up. While the device does display that TPM is enabled, it erroneously reviews an old 1.three model primarily based totally at the bodily TPM chip present. That chip is emulating TPM 2.zero and consequently does meet the Windows 11 requirements
Any of these tools will do, but...
Microsoft’s PC Health Check receives the task done, besides for the ones going for walks Enterprise or Education versions, the ones whose PCs are beneathneath significant IT management, or folks that aren't Windows Insiders. Both it and WhyNotWin11 are clever sufficient to test which model of TPM is lively withinside the Windows runtime environment. Thus, they successfully perceive the TPM as assembly the “model 2.zero or higher” requirement.
If you run the TPM.msc snap-in for the Microsoft Management Console on that PC (you ought to be logged in with administrative privileges), in fact, it suggests you that its “Specification model” is certainly 2. zero (see Figure 8, decrease right). That meets the said requirement and approach that the Lenovo X12 ThinkPad in question (constructed in 2021) will fortunately and effectively run Windows 11.
Any device included right here will assist you discern out if (and why) a PC meets or fails the Windows 11 device requirements. I like several three, however I deliver WhyNotWin11 a mild area as it receives TPM proper and runs on Enterprise, Education, and centrally controlled Windows PCs.
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