Windows 11

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System requirements

Microsoft said Windows 11 will have a simplified user experience and design. There will also be several new features, including a new Start button and the ability to download and run Android applications on Windows machines.

What are Windows 11 system requirements?

Users who want to install Windows 11 will need relatively new devices — i.e., those designed and sold starting in 2019. If devices are older, users won’t be able to install the OS. Eligible devices should be running Windows 10, version 20H1 or later. Windows 11 will also be available on compatible new devices.

To install or upgrade to Windows 11, devices must meet the following minimum system requirements:

  • Processor. Need 1 GHz or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip.
  • RAM. Need 4 GB or more.
  • Hard disk space. Requires 64 GB or more available storage. Users might need extra storage space to download updates and enable certain features.
  • Graphics card. Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with a Windows Display Driver Model 2.0 driver.
  • System firmware. Requires Unified Extensible Firmware Interface and is Secure Boot capable.
  • Trusted Platform Module. Need to have TPM version 2.0.
  • Display. Has high-definition (720p) display, 9-inch monitor or larger, 8 bits per color channel.
  • Internet connection. Users need to be connected to the internet to perform updates, download and use certain features. They also need Microsoft accounts and internet connectivity to set up their devices the first time they use Windows 11 Home edition.

Specific requirements for certain features

Some Windows 11 features have certain requirements in addition to the system requirements, including:

  • 5G support. This feature requires a 5G-capable modem.
  • Auto HDR. This feature requires a high-dynamic range (HDR) monitor.
  • BitLocker to Go. This feature, which is available in Windows Pro editions and higher, requires a USB flash drive.
  • Client Hyper-V. This feature — available in Windows Pro editions and higher — requires a processor with second-level address translation capabilities.
  • Cortana. This feature requires a microphone and speaker. Cortana is currently available on Windows 11 in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.
  • DirectX 12 Ultimate. This feature is available with supported games and graphics chips.
  • Intelligent video conferencing. This feature requires a video camera, microphone and speaker (audio output).
  • Multiple Voice Assistant. This feature requires a microphone and speaker.
  • Snap. Three-column layouts require a screen that is 1,920 pixels or greater in width.
  • Mute and unmute. To use this feature from the taskbar, a video camera, microphone and speaker (audio output) are required.
  • Spatial sound. This feature requires supporting hardware and software.
  • Microsoft Teams. This feature requires a video camera, microphone and speaker (audio output).
  • Touch. This feature requires a screen or monitor that supports multi-touch.
  • Two-factor authentication. This feature requires use the of a PIN, biometric (fingerprint reader or illuminated infrared camera) or a Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled phone.
  • Voice typing. This feature requires a PC with a microphone.
  • Windows Hello. This feature requires a fingerprint reader for biometric authentication or a camera configured for near-infrared imaging. Devices without biometric sensors can use Windows Hello with a portable Microsoft-compatible security key or PIN.