Windows 11 isn’t here just yet, but if you’re already unsure whether your old laptop can handle Windows 11 when it comes out, fret not. Microsoft has released both the minimum requirements for Windows 11 and a tool that scans your computer to see if it surpasses it.
The minimum system requirements this time round is a little higher than that for Windows 10, which is perhaps expected given that it’s been six years since then. Here’s the minimum requirements in full:
Processor: 1GHz or faster, 2 or more cores on compatible 64-bit processor or system-on-chip
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB or larger storage device
System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
TPM: Trusted Platform Module 2.0
Graphics card: GPU with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
Display: 720p, bigger than 9-inch display, 8-bits per colour channel
Internet connection: Internet connectivity and a Microsoft account required to setup Windows 11
You can also head to the Windows 11 page on Microsoft’s website to download a tool that checks for Windows 11 compatibility. Do note though that it may require you to fiddle with your motherboard’s BIOS settings for Secure Boot and TPM to meet the tool’s requirements.
Of course, these are just the minimum requirements. Microsoft has listed down numerous other requirements for specific features that Windows 11 will bring. For instance, if you want to use Auto HDR for your video games, you will need an HDR-ready monitor. DirectStorage meanwhile requires an NVMe SSD, some drivers and a DirectX 12 GPU with Shader Model 6.0. Even the new Snap Layout feature will need your display to be at least 1920 pixels in width.
With Windows 11 however, a number of features familiar to Windows 10 users have also been removed. Live Tiles in your Start Menu for instance will no longer be available, while Cortana will also no longer be included in the first boot experience. Skype, Paint 3D and OneNote for Windows 10 have also been removed, while Internet Explorer will be replaced with Microsoft Edge.
For more information on Windows 11 and its requirements, you can visit its product and specifications page.
