How-To

Microsoft Announces Windows 11, Can Your PC Run It?

By Brian Burgess

Updated September 21, 2021

Microsoft today is announcing Windows 11 which is the next version of the operating system. Here’s how to check if your PC can run it when it’s ready.

Microsoft today held an event where it announced a new version of Windows called “Windows 11.” The new version will have updated operating system icons (with rounded corners) and graphics, a new Microsoft Store for apps, a new Taskbar, a new Windows Snap feature and more.

The upgrade will be free for current Windows 10 users. It is set to come out this fall. But, of course, it has its own system requirements. Here is what they are:

Minimum Windows 11 System Requirements:

Here is the list of Windows 11 system requirements include the following:

• A modern 1Ghz 64-bit dual-core processor
• 4GB RAM
• 64GB drive
• 9-inch display
• 1366×768 resolution UEFI Secure Boot & TPM 2.0 compatible
• DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WWDM 2.x

The main thing to note here is that the new OS will require a 64-bit processor. Microsoft is not releasing a 32-bit version of the OS. However, 32-bit apps will continue to work on the new OS without any issues.

It’s also worth noting that Android apps will be available in the Microsoft Store app through Amazon. Also, Microsoft Teams will be directly integrated as part of Windows 11 and replace Skype.

Will My PC Run Windows 11?

So, will your system run the new version of Windows? Luckily, there is an app you can run that will check everything for you. As spotted by WalkingCat on Twitter, there is a health check app and once installed will go through a startup process.

With these minimum system requirements in mind, the PC Health Check app was intended to help people check if their current Windows 10 PC could upgrade to Windows 11. Based on the feedback so far, we acknowledge that it was not fully prepared to share the level of detail or accuracy you expected from us on why a Windows 10 PC doesn’t meet upgrade requirements. We are temporarily removing the app so that our teams can address the feedback. We will get it back online in preparation for general availability this fall. In the meantime, you can visit our minimum system requirements page here to learn more.

Download Windows PC Health Check to see if your PC meets the requirement of Windows 11 https://t.co/hJ7fYBlb51

— WalkingCat (@_h0x0d_) June 24, 2021

Update 9/21/21: Microsoft’s PC Health Check App has been updated and re-released by Microsoft. You can find it on this PC Health Check Download link.

It will bring you a screen with a big blue banner that reads:

“Let’s check if this PC meets the system requirements. If it does, you can get the free upgrade when it’s available.” Click on the Check Now button at the top.

For this example, this PC is good to go and will run Windows 11 without any issues. Microsoft will let me know when it’s ready via Windows Update when it’s ready to install.

That’s all there is to it. So, if you are wondering if you’ll be able to make the jump from Windows 10, 8, or even 7 to Windows 11 – this tool will let you know.