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Trying to upgrade to Windows 11 but seeing the message "This PC can't run Windows 11" can be frustrating. Many users assume they need a new computer, but that's not always true.
In many cases, the problem is caused by a disabled BIOS setting, outdated firmware, or an unsupported configuration that can be corrected in just a few minutes. However, some computers genuinely do not meet Microsoft's minimum hardware requirements.
This guide explains what the error means, how to identify the exact cause, and the safest ways to fix it. Whether you're using Windows 10 or preparing a new PC for Windows 11, you'll find practical, beginner-friendly instructions to help you move forward.
What Does "This PC Can't Run Windows 11" Mean?
This message appears when the Windows 11 installer detects that your computer does not meet one or more of Microsoft's minimum system requirements.
The issue may be caused by:
TPM 2.0 is disabled or unavailable
Secure Boot is disabled
Legacy BIOS is enabled instead of UEFI
The processor is unsupported
Not enough RAM
Insufficient storage
The graphics hardware doesn't meet requirements
The installation media is outdated
BIOS or firmware settings are incorrect
Some problems can be fixed through settings. Others require hardware upgrades or mean the PC is not officially supported for Windows 11.
Windows 11 Minimum System Requirements
Before troubleshooting, verify that your computer meets the basic requirements.
| Requirement | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Processor | Compatible 64-bit CPU with 2 or more cores |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB or more |
| Firmware | UEFI |
| Secure Boot | Required |
| TPM | Version 2.0 |
| Graphics | DirectX 12 compatible |
| Display | 720p or higher |
| Internet | Required for many editions during setup |
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee compatibility if the processor is not on Microsoft's supported CPU list.
Step 1: Find Out Why Your PC Is Not Compatible
Before changing any settings, identify the exact reason.
Method 1: Use the PC Health Check App
Microsoft provides a free tool called PC Health Check.
It checks your system and reports exactly why Windows 11 cannot be installed.
Common results include:
TPM not detected
Secure Boot disabled
Unsupported processor
Legacy BIOS detected
Knowing the exact issue saves time and prevents unnecessary changes.
Method 2: Check System Information
Press Windows + R.
Type:
msinfo32
Press Enter.
Look for:
BIOS Mode
Secure Boot State
Installed RAM
If BIOS Mode says Legacy, you'll need to switch to UEFI before Windows 11 can be installed.
Step 2: Check TPM 2.0
TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is a security feature required by Windows 11.
How to Check TPM
Press Windows + R.
Type:
tpm.msc
Press Enter.
If TPM is available, you'll see:
TPM Manufacturer
TPM Version
For Windows 11, the specification version should be 2.0.
If Windows reports that TPM cannot be found, it may simply be disabled in the BIOS.
Step 3: Enable TPM 2.0 in BIOS
Many computers include TPM but leave it disabled by default.
General Steps
Restart your PC.
Press the BIOS key during startup.
Common keys include:
Delete
F2
Esc
F10
F12
Open the Security or Advanced tab.
Locate TPM.
Depending on your motherboard, it may appear as:
TPM
Intel PTT
AMD fTPM
Security Device
Enable it.
Save changes.
Restart the computer.
Step 4: Enable Secure Boot
Secure Boot helps prevent unauthorized software from loading during startup.
Steps
Enter BIOS.
Open the Boot menu.
Locate Secure Boot.
Enable it.
Save settings.
Restart the PC.
If Secure Boot is unavailable, your system may still be using Legacy BIOS.
Step 5: Convert Legacy BIOS to UEFI
Windows 11 requires UEFI firmware.
Check BIOS Mode
Open System Information.
If it shows:
Legacy
You'll need to convert your system disk.
Convert MBR to GPT
Before converting, back up important files.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Run:
mbr2gpt /validate
If validation succeeds, run:
mbr2gpt /convert
Restart the PC.
Enter BIOS.
Switch Boot Mode from:
Legacy
to
UEFI.
Save and restart.
Step 6: Update BIOS
Older BIOS versions may not properly support TPM or Secure Boot.
Visit your motherboard or computer manufacturer's support page.
Download the latest BIOS version.
Carefully follow the manufacturer's update instructions.
Important: Do not interrupt power during a BIOS update.
Step 7: Check Your Processor
Some older CPUs are not officially supported.
Examples include many:
Intel 6th Generation processors
Intel 7th Generation processors (with limited exceptions)
Older AMD processors
If your CPU is unsupported, enabling TPM and Secure Boot alone will not make the PC officially compatible.
Step 8: Check RAM and Storage
Windows 11 requires:
At least 4 GB RAM
At least 64 GB storage
Check RAM
Press:
Ctrl + Shift + Esc
Open the Performance tab.
Check installed memory.
Check Storage
Open:
This PC
Ensure your system drive has enough free space.
Ideally, keep at least 20–30 GB free before upgrading.
Step 9: Update Windows 10
Install all available Windows updates before upgrading.
Go to:
Settings
↓
Windows Update
↓
Check for Updates
Restart the PC after updates are installed.
Step 10: Try the Windows 11 Installation Assistant
If your PC now meets all requirements but Windows Update still doesn't offer Windows 11, use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
It performs another compatibility check and upgrades eligible systems.
Common Reasons the Error Still Appears
If the message remains after making changes, consider these possibilities:
BIOS settings were not saved.
TPM was enabled incorrectly.
Secure Boot is still disabled.
BIOS needs an update.
Windows installation files are outdated.
Processor is unsupported.
Storage space is insufficient.
Real-World Example
A desktop computer built in 2020 showed "This PC Can't Run Windows 11."
After checking System Information, the owner discovered:
BIOS Mode: Legacy
Secure Boot: Off
TPM: Disabled
They converted the system disk to GPT, switched the BIOS to UEFI mode, enabled Secure Boot and TPM 2.0, then restarted the computer. The Windows 11 compatibility check passed, and the upgrade completed successfully without replacing any hardware.
Best Practices Before Upgrading
Follow these recommendations for a smoother upgrade:
Back up important files.
Update Windows 10 first.
Install the latest BIOS update.
Disconnect unnecessary USB devices.
Ensure a stable power source.
Free enough disk space.
Verify hardware compatibility before starting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common errors:
Updating the BIOS without reading the manufacturer's instructions.
Converting MBR to GPT without backing up data.
Disabling security features after enabling them.
Ignoring processor compatibility.
Installing Windows 11 from outdated installation media.
Forcing installation on unsupported hardware without understanding the risks.
Troubleshooting Tips
TPM Option Missing
Update BIOS.
Check whether your CPU supports TPM.
Look for Intel PTT or AMD fTPM instead of "TPM."
Secure Boot Cannot Be Enabled
Usually this happens because:
Legacy BIOS is still active.
The system disk uses MBR instead of GPT.
Convert to GPT and switch to UEFI.
Windows Still Says PC Is Unsupported
Check:
CPU compatibility
BIOS update
TPM version
Secure Boot status
Storage availability
Run the compatibility checker again after every major change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install Windows 11 without TPM 2.0?
Some unofficial methods exist, but they are not supported by Microsoft. Installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware may result in compatibility issues and could affect future updates. If possible, use a system that meets the official requirements.
Is TPM available on older computers?
Many computers manufactured after 2018 include TPM 2.0, but it may be disabled by default in the BIOS.
Will enabling TPM erase my files?
No. Simply enabling TPM in the BIOS does not delete your files.
Is Secure Boot required?
Yes. Secure Boot is one of Microsoft's official Windows 11 requirements.
Do I need to reinstall Windows after enabling TPM?
Usually not. If your computer already meets all other requirements, you can proceed with the Windows 11 upgrade without reinstalling Windows first.
What if my processor isn't supported?
If your CPU is not on Microsoft's supported list, your PC is not officially compatible with Windows 11. While there are unofficial installation methods, they are not recommended for most users because they may reduce stability, compatibility, or future update support.
Final Thoughts
The "This PC Can't Run Windows 11" message does not always mean you need a new computer. In many cases, the solution is as simple as enabling TPM 2.0, turning on Secure Boot, switching from Legacy BIOS to UEFI, or updating your BIOS.
Start by identifying the exact cause using Microsoft's compatibility tools, then work through each step carefully. If your hardware meets the official requirements, these fixes will resolve the issue for most users. If your processor or other key components are unsupported, upgrading the hardware—or continuing to use Windows 10 until its support ends—may be the most practical option.
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