Windows 11 Update System Requirements

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Microsoft last launched a new version of its operating system in 2015 — six years ago. Thanks to continuous updates to Windows 10, there was no need for a new version until the arrival of Windows 11. The upgrade to Windows 11 is free for Windows 10 users; it offers a brand-new look alongside all the features of Windows 10. If you are signed in to your Microsoft account while upgrading, all your files and preferences will be transferred to Windows 11. This new version also includes new applications, tools, and sounds.

However, there are certain steps you must take before installing Windows 11, which will be discussed in this article.

Windows 11: Pros and Cons

Upgrading to Windows 11 offers numerous benefits, but it also comes with a few downsides. After upgrading to Windows 11, users have a 10-day window to revert to Windows 10 using the ‘rollback’ function; during this period, all data and files transferred to Windows 11 remain safe and intact. To revert after this time limit has expired, you will need to back up all your data and perform a ‘clean install.’

Some compelling reasons to switch to Windows 11 include: improved touchscreen interaction; the ability to use multiple desktops on a single monitor; enhanced multi-monitor support; and the launch of the Microsoft Store (which replaces the Windows Store). The UI has also undergone improvements, such as a newly designed Settings app, a new Windows setup screen, and new icons.

Despite these advantages, many people remain hesitant to make the switch to Windows 11 so soon. One reason to wait before upgrading is to ensure that all bugs are resolved before installing Windows 11, and to verify that all your essential programs function correctly on the new operating system.

Although the disk space requirements for Windows 11 and Windows 10 are nearly identical, some additional space will be required during the upgrade process itselfer, approximately 10 days after the upgrade is complete, Windows automatically clears up this extra space.

If you are currently using Windows 7 and wish to upgrade to Windows 11, you must first ensure that your device meets the new hardware requirements. The next step involves performing a clean install or re-imaging your system to transition directly to Windows 11.

Windows 11 Clean Installation vs. Upgrading

When upgrading to Windows 11 on compatible hardware, performing a clean installation is recommended, as it minimizes the likelihood of encountering installation-related issues. It also helps in resolving any existing system problems. In this installation method, the hard drive is first erased, and then a fresh copy of the operating system is installed without retaining any existing configurations or files.

Alternatively, you may choose to perform a free upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Before doing so, however, you should verify that your hardware meets all the installation requirements; otherwise, installing Windows 11 will not be possible.

What You Should Do Before Upgrading to Windows 11

Before upgrading to Windows 11, there are several steps that are recommended to take.

To upgrade to Windows 11, your computer must meet the minimum hardware requirements and be running the latest version of Windows 10. If it does not, it would be advisable to consider switching to a different device that is compatible with Windows 11.

CPU: 64-bit processor with a speed of 1 GHz or faster and two or more cores

Memory: 4 GB

Display: 9-inch diagonal size with High Definition (720p) resolution

Storage: 64 GB

Graphics Card: DirectX 12 and WDDM 2.0 driver compatibility

Security: TPM 2.0, UEFI, Secure Boot

RAM: 4 GB

If your device does not meet these minimum system requirements, installing Windows 11 may lead to compatibility issues and malfunctions; furthermore, your manufacturer’s warranty will not cover any damage incurred by a device that is not compatible. Additionally, Microsoft does not provide support for Windows 11 on devices that do not meet these minimum requirements. This could put you at risk, as you may not receive essential security updates. Therefore, installing the operating system in such cases is not recommended.

Windows 10 users can use the PC Health Check App to verify whether their devices are compatible and if they meet the minimum requirements. Despite the name, it is important to note that this app merely indicates whether or not your device is compatible with Windows 11; it does not actually check the overall health of the PC.

Download the app and open it.

Accept the terms of the Microsoft License Agreement and click “Install.”

Once the application has finished installing, select the “Open Windows PC Health Check” checkbox, then click “Finish.”

When the tool opens, you will see your computer’s configuration on the left side and an “Introducing Windows 11” banner at the top. Click the blue “Check Now” button to verify your PC’s compatibility with Windows 11.

5 If it is compatible, a “This PC meets Windows 11 requirements” pop-up will appear.

You can check every system requirement by clicking “See all results.”

If your computer fails the compatibility test, do not attempt to upgrade to Windows 11. In cases where your hardware specifications meet the system requirements, yet the “This PC can’t run Windows 11” pop-up still appears, you will need to enable TPM (explained below).

To determine whether your device is compatible with Windows 11, be sure to visit the website of your computer’s manufacturer — such as Dell, ASUS, or Lenovo.

Enable TPM 2.0 in the BIOS

For enhanced security in Windows 11, a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 chip is required. However, some machines — particularly older ones — do not support TPM 2.0. Instructions for enabling TPM 2.0 are available on the Microsoft website.

Enable Secure Boot in the BIOS

To install Windows 11, your PC must also support UEFI Secure Boot. This security feature verifies the authenticity of the copy of Windows installed on your device. When your device boots up, Secure Boot prevents any malicious software from loading. For complete information on how to enable Secure Boot, please visit the Microsoft website.

Create a Full-Image Backup of Windows 11

Creating a full-image backup is highly recommended so that, should anything go wrong, you can easily revert all changes without having to reinstall all your applications. You can accomplish this using Windows 10’s built-in system image backup tool (Windows 11 Backup and Restore or File History), or by using third-party backup software such as Acronis Cyber ​​Protect Home Office. What is the difference? With Acronis Cyber ​​Protect Home Office, you get full-image backup capabilities, but it also allows you to back up your iPhone and Android devices and supports migration to or from iOS and Android platforms. You can also create a direct cloud-to-cloud backup of your Microsoft 365 account, which includes emails and attachments from your Outlook.com mailbox, as well as all files stored in your OneDrive.

By default, your files and data will be transferred during the upgrade process; however, it is still advisable to establish a personal backup solution beforehand to ensure your configurations remain secure and that nothing is lost during the process. When using the official Windows 11 Installation Assistant, your files, applications, and programs should remain unaffected.

In addition to the minimum hardware storage requirement of 64 GB, the Windows 11 installation process requires 20 GB of free space.

You can free up space on your device by removing temporary, unnecessary, or redundant files and features that consume a significant amount of disk space. You may also wish to uninstall Windows features that you do not use, such as Windows Media Player, Internet Explorer, Internet Printing Client, and others. It is also recommended that you remove all installed languages ​​that you are not using; doing so can free up additional space.