Windows 11 requirements: TPM 2.0, Secure Boot and how to check your PC
Most PCs from the last few years can run Windows 11, but TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are often switched off. Here's how to check your PC and fix the usual blockers.
Updated 7 October 202601The minimum requirements
| Part | Windows 11 needs |
|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz or faster, 2 or more cores, 64-bit, on Microsoft's supported list (roughly Intel 8th gen and AMD Ryzen 2000 and newer) |
| Memory | 4 GB RAM |
| Storage | 64 GB or more |
| Firmware | UEFI with Secure Boot capability |
| Security chip | TPM version 2.0 |
| Graphics | DirectX 12 compatible with a WDDM 2.0 driver |
| Display | 720p, larger than 9" diagonal |
Windows 11 Home also needs an internet connection during setup.
02Check your PC in two minutes
- Download and open Microsoft's free PC Health Check app.
- Click Check now. It tells you if the PC can run Windows 11 and, if not, what is missing.
03Check TPM yourself
Press Windows + R, type tpm.msc and press Enter. Under TPM Manufacturer Information, look for Specification Version: 2.0. If it says Compatible TPM cannot be found, the TPM is probably switched off in the BIOS.
04Check Secure Boot
Press Windows + R, type msinfo32 and press Enter. In System Summary, check BIOS Mode (should be UEFI) and Secure Boot State (should be On).
05Turn on TPM and Secure Boot in the BIOS
- Restart the PC and open the BIOS/UEFI setup (usually Del, F2 or F10 right after power-on).
- Find the TPM setting. It's often called Intel PTT on Intel boards and AMD fTPM on AMD boards. Set it to Enabled.
- Find Secure Boot (often under Boot or Security) and set it to Enabled. If it's greyed out, the PC may still be in legacy/CSM mode: switch to UEFI first.
- Save and exit, then run PC Health Check again.
Switching an existing Windows install from legacy BIOS to UEFI can stop it from booting. If msinfo32 shows "BIOS Mode: Legacy", back up your files first, or do a clean install.
06Ready to install
Once the PC passes, upgrade from Windows Update or do a clean install from a USB drive, then activate Windows. Need a key? Windows 11 Pro or Windows 11 Home.
