Windows 11 and Hardware Upgrades
Windows 11 requirements, how we sort PCs into upgrade, repair or replace, and the five-step path to a safe migration.
Moving to Windows 11 is part software and part hardware. Here’s how we take you from “is this PC compatible?” to a working, up-to-date setup.
What Windows 11 needs
- A compatible 64-bit processor, 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores, from the supported processor list
- 4 GB of RAM or more
- 64 GB of storage or more
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability
- TPM (Trusted Platform Module) version 2.0
- DirectX 12 compatible graphics and a display of at least 720p
Many PCs fail only because TPM or Secure Boot is switched off in the firmware settings. Others have processors that aren’t on the supported list. Our Windows 11 compatibility answer explains how to check.
The upgrade path
Step 1: Audit
We record each PC’s processor, memory, storage, TPM status and age.
Step 2: Sort
Each machine goes into one of three groups: upgrade as is, repair or improve then upgrade, or replace. Our guide to repairing versus replacing a PC covers how that decision gets made.
Step 3: Back up
Nothing changes until there’s a verified copy of the data.
Step 4: Upgrade or migrate
Eligible PCs are upgraded in place. Replacements are set up and loaded with your files, email and settings.
Step 5: Verify and retire
We confirm everything works, then securely wipe retired drives before they leave your hands.
Who this fits
Households, home offices and small businesses with one to a few dozen Windows PCs. If some of yours are still on Windows 10, read what end of support means for you.