Since the introduction of Windows 11, we have received valuable feedback from the Windows Insider community, our fans, customers, and partners. Thank you for being a part of the release of Windows 11. This comes at a time when the PC is playing a more central role in how we connect, work, learn, create, and play.

Update on Windows 11 Minimum System Requirements

In June, we heard your questions about the Windows 11 minimum system requirements. We shared more information on the established principles that guided us. As a team, we committed to exploring through Windows Insider testing and with OEMs. We wanted to see if devices running on Intel 7th Generation and AMD Zen 1 processors met our principles.

Following the results of our testing, we are making a few additions to the compatible processor list. However, we will maintain the minimum system requirements as originally set. We have concluded that the compatible 64-bit processors selected, 4GB of memory, 64GB of storage, UEFI secure boot, graphics requirements, and TPM 2.0 are the right minimum system requirements. These will best support you based on our established principles.

Newly Compatible Processors

We identified a set of PC models that meet the principles while running on Intel 7th Gen processors. These were not originally included in our minimum system requirements. Based on those findings, we have expanded the list of compatible 64-bit processors to include the following:

• Intel® Core™ X-series, Xeon® W-series
• Intel® Core™ 7820HQ (only select devices with modern drivers based on DCH design principles, including Surface Studio 2)

After analyzing the first generation of AMD Zen processors with AMD, we concluded that there are no additions to the supported CPU list. We will update the PC Health Check app to identify the correct systems with the newly added Intel CPUs. This will happen in the coming weeks before the tool is released for general availability. Additionally, we will share more on the tools and reports IT Pros can use to understand their organization’s hardware eligibility at scale as we get closer to Windows 11 general availability later this year.

Principles Guiding Windows 11 System Requirements

Here are some insights from the data we gathered over the last couple of months. These insights affirmed our decision.

Reliability

Devices that do not meet the minimum system requirements had 52% more kernel mode crashes. Devices that do meet the minimum system requirements had a 99.8% crash-free experience. Maintaining reliability over time is highly correlated with OEM and IHV driver support. Supported processors within OEM and IHV support use modern (DCH) drivers. This enables coordinated installation and servicing through Windows Update.

Security

Windows 11 raises the baseline of Windows security to combat increasing cyber-attacks. These requirements were informed based on trillions of signals from Microsoft’s threat intelligence. We also received input from leading security experts like the NSA, UK National Cyber Security Center, and Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) requirement enables Windows 11 to be a true passwordless operating system. It addresses phishing and other password-based attacks.

Compatibility

To ensure all Windows 11 devices can run a core set of applications for video conferencing, productivity, and gaming, we set the minimum system requirements to align with some of the most commonly used apps. Raising these requirements helps ensure that all devices upgrading to Windows 11 will have modern drivers. This offers a reliable and compatible experience.

Updated PC Health Check App

Following our announcement in June, we acknowledged that we missed an opportunity to provide clarity and accuracy through the PC Health Check app. Today, we are releasing an updated preview version of the PC Health Check app to Windows Insiders. This updated version expands the eligibility check functionality with more complete and improved messaging on eligibility. It also links to relevant support articles that include potential remediation steps.

After a feedback period with Windows Insiders and additional updates for the newly added processors, we plan to re-release the PC Health Check app for general availability in the coming weeks.

New Support and Feedback

Today, we are also simultaneously releasing versions that support 64-bit Windows, 32-bit Windows, Windows on Arm, and Windows 10 in S mode PCs to Windows Insiders. Windows Insiders can provide feedback on the PC Health Check app by going to Feedback Hub > Apps > PC Health Check.

Continued Support for Windows 10

As our unprecedented number of Windows Insiders have shown, most people with eligible devices will choose to move to Windows 11. They want to experience all the new innovations across connection, productivity, creativity, and play that it has to offer. For those using a PC that won’t upgrade, and who aren’t ready to transition to a new device, Windows 10 is the right choice. We will support Windows 10 through October 14, 2025, and we recently announced that the next feature update to Windows 10 is coming later this year. If you don’t know how to install Windows 11 Home OEM, read our blog.

Conclusion

We are committed to supporting you and offering choice in your computing journey. If you want to see the full Windows 11 minimum system requirements, you can visit this page. Whatever you decide, we are here to ensure a seamless experience with Windows.

For more detailed instructions on installation, read our blog. Additionally, for any assistance with Windows 11 Home OEM, read our blog.