Is my PC compatible with Windows 11? Simple and quick guide

Is my PC compatible with Windows 11? Simple and quick guide

With the arrival of Windows 11, many users ask the same question: Is my computer compatible with Windows 11? Unlike previous versions, Microsoft has imposed new hardware requirements that make some PCs incompatible — even if they run Windows 10 perfectly.

In this simple guide, we’ll see how to check your PC’s compatibility in just a few minutes, without being a tech expert.

Windows 11 minimum requirements

To install Windows 11, your computer must meet the following criteria:

⚠️ The last two points — TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot — are the ones that most often block installation on older PCs.

What is TPM 2.0?

The TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is a security chip built into the motherboard. It protects data, passwords, and disk encryption. Without TPM 2.0, Windows 11 will refuse installation by default.

Good news: Most PCs sold after 2018 already have TPM 2.0, but it’s sometimes disabled in the BIOS. Often, just enabling it unlocks compatibility.

Method 1 — Check with PC Health Check (recommended)

Microsoft offers a free tool called PC Health Check that automatically analyzes your setup and tells you if your PC is compatible.

How to use it:

1. Download PC Health Check from Microsoft’s official website
2. Install and launch the application
3. Click "Check now"
4. In just a few seconds, you’ll know if your PC is compatible or not
5. If there’s incompatibility, the tool will tell you exactly which component is causing the problem

Method 2 — Check TPM manually

To check if your PC has TPM 2.0:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type tpm.msc and press Enter
3. If a window opens with "TPM Version: 2.0" → your TPM is active ✅
4. If you see an error message → TPM is missing or disabled

My PC has TPM but it’s disabled — what should I do?

This is the most common case! TPM is often present but simply disabled in the BIOS. Here’s how to enable it:

1. Restart your PC
2. Press the F2, DEL, or F10 key at startup to enter the BIOS (varies by manufacturer)
3. Look for the "Security" or "Advanced" options
4. Enable "TPM", "PTT" (Intel), or "fTPM" (AMD)
5. Also enable "Secure Boot" if it’s not already done
6. Save and restart

Once these settings are enabled, restart PC Health Check — your PC will likely be recognized as compatible.

My PC is really not compatible — what are the options?

If your PC is too old to meet Windows 11 requirements, you have several options:

Option 1 — Stay on Windows 10 temporarily

Windows 10 was supported until October 2025. After this date, no security updates will be available. This is a short-term solution, not a permanent one.

👉 Learn more about the end of support for Windows 10

Option 2 — Upgrade your hardware

If your processor is compatible but TPM is missing, adding an external TPM chip (for motherboards that support it) may be enough to unlock Windows 11.

Option 3 — Upgrade your PC

If your computer is over 6-7 years old, upgrading your hardware remains the most sustainable solution to fully benefit from Windows 11 and future software generations.

My PC is compatible — which Windows 11 license should I choose?

If your PC is compatible, you can upgrade to Windows 11 right now. At Licence24.ch, you’ll find digital Windows 11 licenses — Home or Professional — at competitive prices, with instant delivery by email and direct activation via Microsoft servers.

Unsure between the two versions? Check out our comparison:

👉 Difference between Windows 11 Home and Pro: which version to choose?

👉 See our available Windows 11 licenses

Why upgrade to Windows 11 now?

• 🔒 Enhanced security thanks to native TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot
• ⚡ Better performance on recent PCs
• 🖥️ Modernized interface with centered Start menu and widgets
• 🔄 Guaranteed support from Microsoft for several more years
• 🎮 Optimized gaming with DirectStorage and Auto HDR

For a compatible PC, upgrading is clearly recommended, especially for professional use. A clean installation helps avoid slowdowns and errors inherited from Windows 10.

In summary

Checking your PC’s compatibility with Windows 11 is simple and quick. In most cases, the issue is just the TPM being disabled in the BIOS. Before changing your computer, take 5 minutes to test with PC Health Check — you could save several hundred francs.

Windows 11 is today the best foundation for a secure, stable system ready for the years ahead.

⚠️ Disclaimer — Licence24.ch is an independent reseller of perpetual digital software licenses. We are not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation, nor are we official partners or authorized by them. The product names, brands, and logos mentioned (Windows 11, Windows 10, Microsoft, PC Health Check, TPM, Secure Boot, DirectStorage, Auto HDR) are the exclusive property of Microsoft Corporation. All licenses offered can be activated directly through Microsoft servers, in accordance with the applicable European and Swiss legal framework for software license resale.