Windows 11 is finally official, and enthusiasts are dying to have their mitts on the system. Not only does the new version of the OS brings a design overhaul, but it is also getting the ability to run Android applications natively. To top it off, Windows has promised to roll out the update, for free, to genuine Windows 10 users. 

With so many new features set to roll out, one would expect — and also dread — the system requirements to shoot up. So, has Windows killed the low-end PC market, or can you still run Windows 11 without breaking a sweat? Today, we’ll check that out. 

Related: Why does Windows 10 need TPM?

What is the system requirement for Windows 11? 

Here is the minimum system requirement for Windows 11. 

  • Processor: 64bit dual-core processor/SoC with 1Ghz clock speed 
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Storage: 64 GB free
  • Security: TPM 1.2
  • Graphics: Compatible with DirectX 12
  • Display: 720P minimum
  • Internet connectivity 

If your system meets the aforementioned specs, it is capable of running Windows 11. You can click on this link to take the test for yourself. 

Microsoft: Windows 11 Supported AMD Processors | Intel Processors

Can a low-end PC run Windows 11?

When Windows 10 was announced, Microsoft refrained from making any changes to the system requirements. Any  Windows 8.1 user could install and run Windows 10. Now, with 11, Microsoft has made quite a few changes, the most notable are jotted below. 

Processor

As per Microsoft’s release notes, not a single Intel 6th and 7th generation processor is eligible for the Windows 11 update, which is a shocker since most of these processors are perfectly capable of running Windows 10. As for AMD, the FX-series, A-series, Ryzen 1000 series will not be able to run the latest OS. 

RAM

Windows 10 required you to have 2 GB of RAM for the 64bit variant. Windows 11 demands 4GB. 

Storage 

While Windows 10 asked for 20 GB of free space on your hard drive, Windows 11 requires a whopping 64GB. So, make sure you have enough room on your system drive. 

Related: Can Windows 11 Run Android Apps?

Display and graphics

To run Windows 11, your system must have a 720P display alongside a DirectX 12-supported GPU. Windows 10, on the other hand, only required DirectX 9 with a display of 800 X 600. 

Security 

You will need a TPM 1.2 chip to install Windows 11. TPM 2.0 is recommended. 

If you just take a quick glance, Windows 11 doesn’t seem to be a very demanding operating system. However, look a little closer, and you’ll realize that no processor released before 2017 is supported. You need an 8th generation Intel CPU or an AMD Ryzen 3000 to have a shot at running Windows 11, which very few low-end PCs have. Even Microsoft’s Surface laptop — released in 2017 — isn’t officially capable of running Windows 11.

It is to be noted that your PC — with an “unsupported” chipset — may still be able to run Windows 11, but Microsoft is not vouching for it.  

RELATED