What are the System Requirements for Windows 11?

With Windows 10 approaching End of Support (EOS), it’s essential to upgrade to Windows 11. However, it’s important to ensure your system meets the necessary requirements for Windows 11 to fully benefit from the upgrade. 

In this article, we'll explore the system requirements for Windows 11 and provide you with necessary information to prepare for the upgrade.

Minimum System Requirements

To install Windows 11 on your PC, your device must meet the following minimum system requirements:

• Processor: Your device needs a 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor with at least two cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC). This ensures that your system can handle the demands of the new operating system.
• RAM: A minimum of 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM is required. This is crucial for the smooth operation of Windows 11 and to ensure that your system can handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Storage: Your device must have at least 64 GB of storage. This is necessary to accommodate the installation files and to ensure that there is enough space for future updates.
• System Firmware: Your PC must support UEFI and be Secure Boot capable. This is important for the security and integrity of your system.
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 is required. TPM is a hardware-based security feature that helps protect your data and enhance the security of your device.
• Graphics Card: Your graphics card must be compatible with DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver. This ensures that your system can handle the graphical demands of Windows 11.
• Display: A high-definition (720p) display that is greater than 9 inches diagonally and has 8 bits per color channel is required. This ensures that you can enjoy the visual enhancements of Windows 11.
• Internet Connection: An internet connection is necessary to perform updates and to download and take advantage of some features.

Feature-Specific Requirements

In addition to the minimum system requirements, some features in Windows 11 have specific requirements. Here are a few examples:

• Cortana: Cortana requires a microphone and speaker for voice interaction. It is currently available in select markets
• DirectStorage: DirectStorage requires an NVMe SSD to store and run games that use the Standard NVM Express Controller driver and a DirectX 12 GPU with Shader Model 6.0 support
• Auto HDR: Auto HDR requires an HDR monitor
• Windows Hello: Windows Hello requires a camera configured for near-infrared (IR) imaging or a fingerprint reader for biometric authentication
• BitLocker: BitLocker requires a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) version 1.2 or later and a USB flash drive (available in Windows Pro and above editions)
• Client Hyper-V: Client Hyper-V requires a processor with second-level address translation (SLAT) capabilities (available in Windows Pro and above editions)
• Snap: Snap requires a display with a resolution of 1920 effective pixels or greater
• 5G Support: 5G support requires a 5G capable modem

Additional Considerations

While the minimum system requirements provide a baseline, it's important to consider the overall performance and user experience.

Here are a few additional considerations:

• Performance: Meeting the minimum requirements ensures that Windows 11 can run on your device, but for optimal performance, it's recommended to exceed these requirements. More RAM, a faster processor, and additional storage can significantly enhance your experience.
• Compatibility: Ensure that your existing software and peripherals are compatible with Windows 11. Some older applications and devices may not work seamlessly with the new operating system. Check with the software and hardware manufacturers for compatibility updates.
• Updates: Regular updates are essential to keep your system secure and running smoothly. Windows 11 will receive ongoing updates, so ensure that your device has enough storage and that you have a reliable internet connection to download and install these updates.
• Backup: Before upgrading to Windows 11, it's crucial to back up your data. This ensures that you don't lose any important files during the installation process. Use an external hard drive or cloud storage to create a backup of your essential data.

Leverage Sourcepass to Help with Your Windows 11 Upgrade

Prepare your device for a smooth transition to Windows 11.  

Contact Sourcepass to speak with an IT expert about your organization's next steps to upgrade.