What is Minimum System Requirements to Install Windows 11?

In the tech world’s grand tapestry, the advent of a new operating system always makes a ripple, and Windows 11 was no exception. Launched on October 5, 2021, as the heir apparent to Windows 10, Microsoft’s Windows 11 has garnered significant attention. This latest brainchild of Microsoft flaunts a plethora of enhancements, both in its User Interface (UI) and functionality. Right from the center-aligned taskbar icons, the reimagined start button/menu, to the novel file explorer and settings design, Windows 11 is a fresh take on the digital workspace experience. And that’s not all; users can revel in new themes, icons, improved action center, native Android app support, an integrated chat application driven by Microsoft Teams, widgets, updated sound schemes, fresh wallpapers, and an exhaustive list of other innovative features.

However, with great power comes great responsibility—or in this case, greater system requirements. Those contemplating the transition to Windows 11 from its predecessors must be well-acquainted with its minimum system prerequisites. Elevate your computing standards with Windows 11, but ensure your machine is up to the task. Microsoft’s Health Check tool can be an indispensable ally in this endeavor. This diagnostic software, when run on your computer, can instantly determine your system’s compatibility with Windows 11. If faced with the disheartening message, “This PC can’t run Windows 11,” it might be an opportune moment to consider investing in a new computer. Microsoft has been transparent about the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, so if you’re in the market for a system upgrade or a new purchase, it’s wise to keep these specifications front and center.

Recommended minimum hardware requirement for Windows 11

Processor: You need a processor or System on a Chip (SoC) with at least 1 GHz clock speed, 02 cores, and 64-bit architecture.

RAM: At least 4 GB of RAM.

Storage: A minimum of 64 GB HDD or SSD is required to install Windows 11.

System Firmware: Your PC should have Secure Boot and UEFI for Windows 11. UEFI connects a computer’s firmware to its Operating system and is very similar to BIOS. On the other side, Secure Boot is a set of programs that check whether your operating system is secure for running on a machine.

Graphics card: DirectX12 compatible graphics cards with WDDM 2. x for Windows 11 is required. You need to check whether your PC has a compatible one or not. All recently launched graphics cards from Intel, Nvidia, and AMD support DirectX12.

Display: The display should not be a throwback even if you have an old PC because at least a 9-inch screen with HD (720p) resolution is sufficient for Windows 11. Most systems come with 14-inch or 15.6-inch displays these days.

Internet: These days, an Internet connection is a must; even when you are not using it, it requires downloading and activating Windows 11 on your PC.

TPM: Trusted Platform Module version 2.0 is required to run Windows 11. It is the most critical hardware requirement for Windows 11. This requirement has made millions of PCs not upgradable to Windows 11.

In addition, Windows 11 Home Edition users should have a Microsoft account to set up the device for the first time. This requirement is not for users with pro and enterprise versions of Windows 11.

Conclusion

Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest operating system, has brought a wave of excitement with its revamped UI and enhanced features. As with every technological leap, this OS demands a specific set of system requirements to ensure seamless performance. From processors, RAM, storage, to the indispensable TPM 2.0, users need to be mindful of these prerequisites before diving into the Windows 11 experience. Using tools like Microsoft’s Health Check can aid in determining compatibility. While the innovations of Windows 11 promise a sophisticated digital experience, it’s crucial to ensure your machine can comfortably handle this new tech marvel.