Windows 11 compatibility checker tools usually mean downloading Microsoft’s PC Health Check app just to find out one yes-or-no answer. Wondering if your PC can actually run Windows 11 without a workaround? Answer the four questions below and this checker tells you exactly where you stand, no install needed. Microsoft’s own official system requirements page lists the same four checks this tool runs through.
Windows 11 Compatibility Checker
Answer these to see if your PC officially meets Microsoft’s requirements.
How to Run This Windows 11 Compatibility Checker Manually
CPU generation: Press Windows key + R, type msinfo32, and check “Processor” in System Summary. Compare the model number against Microsoft’s supported CPU list.
RAM: The same System Information window shows “Installed Physical Memory” near the top.
Storage: Open File Explorer and check the free space shown under “This PC” for your main drive.
TPM 2.0: Press Windows key + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter. If it shows “TPM is ready for use” with version 2.0, you’re set. If nothing loads, your PC either lacks TPM or it’s disabled in BIOS.
If the Compatibility Checker Says Your PC Doesn’t Qualify
You still have options. Our guide on bypassing the TPM requirement covers the two methods that still work in 2026 for installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, along with what you’re trading off by doing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Windows 11 compatibility checker as accurate as Microsoft’s PC Health Check app?
It covers the same four core requirements Microsoft checks, but PC Health Check reads your hardware directly instead of relying on your own answers. Use this checker for a quick read, then confirm with the official app or the manual steps above before making any decisions based on the result.
My CPU is on the list but this said I might not be compatible. Why?
The most common reason is TPM 2.0 being present but disabled in BIOS rather than genuinely missing. Check tpm.msc before assuming your hardware can’t support it.
Do I actually need to upgrade if my PC isn’t compatible?
Not immediately. Windows 10 continues to receive support in some form for specific timeframes after its official end-of-support date, and unsupported hardware can still run Windows 11 through the bypass methods linked above if you’re willing to accept the tradeoffs involved.
Final Thoughts
Most PCs bought since around 2019 pass all four checks without any changes needed. TPM being disabled rather than absent is the most common fixable cause if yours doesn’t pass, worth checking before you assume you need new hardware.
Requirements based on Microsoft’s official Windows 11 minimum specifications – Updated September 2026
