How to check if your PC will get Windows 11 update

Windows 11
(Image credit: Microsoft)

Wanting to check if your PC will get Windows 11 update? You've come to the right place. Windows 11 was Microsofts first major OS update in six years, so when it was released in 2021, there were a fair amount of concerns being raised around compatibility as we all tried to figure out whether our PC would meet the required grade to qualify. 

The good news is, whether you have the best Windows laptop or the best computer, performing a health check to see if your computer is compatible with Windows 11 is fairly straightforward. Microsoft has a handy PC Health Check app that you can use to see if your device is compatible, and, if it's not, you'll be told why as well as being given links for further support. You'll also find plenty of advice in this guide.

If you're wondering whether updating to Windows 11 is worth all the hassle, the simple answer is - yes. Windows 10 will be phased out in 2025, so although you don't have to get the job done immediately, you'll need to make the transition sooner or later. And trust us, there's plenty of perks on offer to entice you towards the former! So while figuring out how to check if your PC will get Windows 11 update may seem like a hassle, it's well worth it. 

Updating to Windows 11 not only offers a new, modern look, but a ton of features, particularly for multi-tasking. In fact, Windows 11 is getting Android apps which you could run almost natively on it if you wanted to. And, while a fresh install may cost you, you can grab Windows 11 without spending a dime if you’re already running Windows on your device.

That being said, it does have some caveats like requiring TPM 2.0 for some of its security features, so if you're not sure how to check if your PC will get Windows 11 update, take a look at our handy tips below which will help guide you through the process. 

What you need to run Windows 11

When it comes time to check if your PC will get Windows 11 update, it's worth noting that while Windows 11 is available as a free download, Microsoft has set a baseline of hardware specifications that allows users to take advantage of all its features.

All the PCs and laptops powered by Intel’s sixth and seventh-generation processors are not eligible to get the new update. Also, an important thing, Windows 11 will not support 32-bit systems, so if you had been thinking of updating your device, well, the time has come.

Similarly, if your device runs on AMD’s A-series and FX-series, along with Ryzen 1000 and most Ryzen 2000 processors, it will not be able to run Windows 11. To download Windows 11 on your PC, it must meet the below requirements-

  • Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device
  • System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
  • TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
  • Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
  • Display: 9-inch or larger display with HD (720P) resolution or more
  • Internet connection and Microsoft accounts: Internet connection to download and set up the device. A Microsoft account is required for some features

Microsoft health checker, Windows 11

(Image credit: Future)

Windows 11 compatibility check 

In case your system meets the above-mentioned criteria, you need to run a health check to check if your PC will get Windows 11 update and ensure you're system ready.In case your device fails the health check, you will still have some time to update the computer to make it Windows 11 compatible since the OS will start rolling out sometime later this year. 

  • To run the health check you need to first download and install Microsoft's PC Health Check app
  • Once installed, run the program
  • Click on the blue coloured “Check Now” button on the Windows 11 banner
  • If your system is compatible, you’ll get a pop-up stating “This PC will run Windows 11"

In case Microsoft's Windows 11 upgrade checker tells you that your PC isn't supported but it meets all the other requirements then you need to check your BIOS to enable TPM. Almost every modern CPU comes with TPM support. In case you have an Intel CPU then you need to switch to TPM and for AMD you need to check PSP fTPM in the BIOS.  Once done, you can run Microsoft's health checker app to confirm the status. 

Want to know about the latest happenings in tech? Follow TechRadar India on TwitterFacebook and Instagram!

Jitendra Soni

Jitendra has been working in the Internet Industry for the last 7 years now and has written about a wide range of topics including gadgets, smartphones, reviews, games, software, apps, deep tech, AI, and consumer electronics.  

Read more
A finger touching a screen showing the Windows 11 logo
5 reasons why I’m finally upgrading to Windows 11 in January
Windows 11 forced onto old hardware
Windows 11 is still my favorite OS, ads and all
A woman sitting at a desk and using a laptop while sitting in a daylit room
Essential apps and features to start getting the most out of your brand-new Windows 11 PC
A man sitting at his desk in the evening and using a desktop computer
It looks like Microsoft is forcing its controversial Windows 11 24H2 update on people and (plot twist!) it might be for the best
Using Zipped files and folders in Windows 11
Windows 11 might soon be more helpful in letting you know how powerful your PC actually is – I just hope this planned feature is better than Microsoft’s past efforts
female PC gamer playing on a desktop
Microsoft lays out reasons Windows 10 gamers should upgrade to Windows 11, but I can pick a few holes in these arguments
Latest in Windows
A woman sitting in a chair looking at a Windows 11 laptop
Microsoft is supercharging Windows 11’s voice commands on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon CPUs, and fine-tuning a few Recall features
A man getting angry with his laptop.
Windows 11 bug deletes Copilot from the OS – is this the first glitch ever some users will be happy to encounter?
Printer
No, your printer isn't possessed: a Windows 11 23H2 bug could be making it print random characters when connected via USB
Man having Windows 11 problems with his laptop
Fed up of adverts creeping into Windows 11? You won’t like Microsoft’s latest update, then, although it does provide some important bug fixes
Acer Aspire 14 AI laptop display showing the Windows 11 login screen
Shock, horror – I’m not going to argue with Microsoft’s latest bit of nagging in Windows 11, as this pop-up is justified
A laptop on a desk with the Windows 11 background on its screen.
Microsoft is adding image editing and compression to its Windows Share feature - and I couldn't be happier
Latest in How Tos
Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson
How to watch Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson online and from anywhere, start time
Trinity Rodman #2 of the Washington Spirit crosses the ball during a game between Bay FC and Washington Spirit at Audi Field on November 10, 2024 in Washington, DC.
National Women's Soccer League 2025: How to watch NWSL games live from anywhere
AMD Radeon RX 6000 Series Graphics Card on top wooden desk beside a keyboard
How to update AMD GPU drivers
tiktok
How to edit TikTok videos
Using an Amazon Fire Stick on a Smart TV
How to use a VPN with Fire Stick
Irish boxer TJ Doheny receives an undercard bout, ahead of the WBO super welterweight world title fight in March, 2023
Ball vs Doheny live stream: how to watch the boxing from anywhere now, full undercard, start time, weigh-in results