Windows 11 minimum system requirements

This blog entry has two updates. The minimum system requirements for Windows 11 have been changed to incorporate input from the Windows Insider community. Next, we’ll examine the finer details of the brand-new PC Health Check app, which is now accessible to Windows Insiders.

Since the introduction of Windows 11, we have received useful input from Windows Insiders, enthusiasts, consumers, and business partners. Thank you for helping us celebrate the arrival of Windows 11 at a time when computers are increasingly crucial to our social lives, as well as our professional, academic, creative, and even recreational endeavors.

You asked, so in June we shared further information on the underlying ideas that informed the Windows 11 minimal system requirements. Together, we decided to use Windows Insider testing and OEM cooperation to find out whether any devices powered by AMD Zen 1 and Intel 7th Generation CPUs met our requirements.

In response to your request, we provided further information on the underlying concepts that drove the Windows 11 minimum system requirements in June. Together, we decided to employ Windows Insider testing and OEM collaboration to determine whether any devices powered by AMD Zen 1 and Intel 7th Generation CPUs fit our specifications. Based on our testing, we have decided to add a few more processors to the list of those that should function, but we will maintain the same minimum system requirements. Based on our study, we’ve decided that the baseline system requirements we’ve outlined 64-bit compatible processors, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, UEFI secure boot, graphics requirements, and TPM 2.0 are enough.

Below, we expand on the basic ideas that served as the foundation for developing the minimum Windows 11 system requirements. This is what we learnt over a long period of time that led us to this conclusion.

Reliability

There were 52% more kernel mode crashes on devices with minimal requirements. The crash-free percentage for devices that fulfill the basic minimum of criteria was 99.8 percent.

Security

Windows 11 raises the bar for Windows defender by strengthening the default security setting in response to a rise in attacks. In addition to Microsoft’s own threat data extracted from billions of transmissions, the National Security Agency (NSA), the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security were consulted throughout the development of these recommendations. Windows 11’s history and significance are elaborated upon in the sections that follow.

Compatibility

A growing number of individuals using personal computers for video conferencing, doing business, and playing games. To guarantee that all Windows 11 devices are capable of running a core set of programmes to achieve these goals, we adapted the minimum system requirements to correspond with some of the most often used applications.

This revised version enhances the functionality of the eligibility check with more detailed and enhanced eligibility messages and links to relevant support articles that contain suggested remedial actions, as seen in the image below. In the next weeks, we expect to re-release the PC Health Check app to the general public after a feedback session with Windows Insiders and with further updates for the newly included CPUs. Windows Insiders may now download versions of Windows that support 64-bit Windows, 32-bit Windows, Windows on Arm, and Windows 10 in S mode.

The unusually large number of Windows Insiders suggests that the vast majority of users with compatible devices will choose to upgrade to Windows 11 in order to take advantage of the numerous enhancements it brings to the user experience in a variety of areas, such as connectivity, productivity, creativity, and play. Consider upgrading to Windows 10 if you’re clinging to an obsolete computer and aren’t quite ready to upgrade. We previously stated that Windows 10 will get its next feature upgrade later in 2018. Windows 10 will be supported till October 14, 2025.

Here is some additional detail on the principles that guided Windows 11 minimum system requirements:

Reliability

OEM and IHV driver support correlates favorably with long-term dependability. The CPUs supported by Windows 11 employ up-to-date (DCH) drivers and have OEM and IHV support. By updating to contemporary drivers, you may have all your drivers and supporting software installed and updated concurrently through Windows Update, and you’ll have greater access to diagnostic tools for identifying whether any issues have emerged. This relationship ensures that all drivers are correctly installed and running after upgrades, making the move to Windows 11 easy and dependable.

Security

Windows 11 is the most secure version of Windows to date due to the removal of the security barrier. We utilized over 8.2 trillion signals from Microsoft’s threat intelligence, reverse engineering on attacks, and feedback from industry leaders such as the National Security Agency, UK National Cyber Security Centre, and Canadian Centre for Cyber Security to design a security baseline for Windows 11 that addresses growing threats that software alone cannot address. The hardware requirements and default security methods were rigorously crafted based on research into the most effective defenses.

Compatibility

Our commitment to Windows 11 compatibility has not wavered. Therefore, customers may update their devices to Windows 11, and the essential programmes and hardware will continue to function as planned. The expanded Windows 11 system requirements will enable for improved driver, device, and software support for applications and devices. We know that unsupported hardware is disproportionately loaded with drivers that are incompatible with newer OS capabilities like as VBS based on user input. On appropriate hardware, updated drivers are preloaded, ensuring the high level of device compatibility and dependability we described.

Trusted Platform Module

Windows 11 is a password-free operating system due to the necessity of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), making it more difficult for hackers to perform phishing and other password-based attacks. According to the Microsoft digital defence report for FY20, organisations who abandoned conventional authentication in favour of MFA or password less-based solutions like Windows Hello witnessed a 67% reduction in data breaches. When a user enables Hello, the TPM collaborates with a PIN or biometric camera/fingerprint scanner to store a secret that may be substituted for the user’s password during authentication.