What are the Windows 11 Hardware Requirements?

We’ve been getting a lot of questions about Windows 11 hardware requirements. Microsoft has provided a definition of the minimum system requirements, but many are finding the requirements confusing. We hope to clear up some of that confusion by addressing the questions we hear most often about Windows 11 compatibility.

Windows 11 minimum hardware requirements

• Processor – 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC) (see below for more information)
• Memory – 4 gigabyte (GB) or greater
• Storage – 64 GB or more of available storage space
• System Firmware – UEFI, Secure Boot Capable (see below for more information)
• TPM – Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 (see below for more information)
• Graphics Card – Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
• Display – High definition (720p) display that is 9” or greater diagonally, 8 bits per color channel
• Internet connection: Internet connectivity is necessary to perform updates, and to download and use some features

Windows 11 processor requirements

Starting at the top, Microsoft provides a list of supported processors by Intel, AMD and Qualcomm. 

Checking to see if the device you already own is on the list? Some key information about your system can be found in Settings > System > About. But, it can still be difficult to determine if your PC meets all the hardware requirements. For one thing, Microsoft says the computer must run a particular CPU and:

“New Windows 11 devices must use modern device drivers which have passed the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program for Windows 11 or the latest available modern device drivers based on Declarative, Componentized, Hardware Support Apps (DCH) design principles.”

The bottom line is that even if your PC meets all the requirements laid out by Microsoft, it may still not be compatible with Windows 11. It’s important that the PC or motherboard manufacturer, like OnLogic, tests, qualifies and confirms compatibility with Windows 11. Confirm compatibility before you buy. 

System firmware – UEFI, Secure Boot Capable

UEFI stands for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface. It’s the firmware that starts up when you first turn on your PC – before your operating system. BIOS is another type of this firmware and sometimes people use the terms BIOS and UEFI interchangeably. However, UEFI and BIOS are different.

For one thing, Secure Boot, a security feature required for Windows 11, is only available with UEFI. Secure Boot prevents malicious software from loading when your PC boots. 

If you want to dive a little deeper into this topic, we have a blog and Tech Edge video all about UEFI.

Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Windows 11 requirement

TPM is designed to provide hardware-based, security-related functions. Basically it makes the computer more resistant to malicious tampering. This one element of the Windows 11 hardware requirements has caused the most confusion during the Win11 rollout, but ultimately it’s a good thing for cybersecurity. 

It’s important to note that the requirement for TPM can be addressed with firmware TPM, sometimes shortened to fTPM. For example, Intel’s Platform Trust Technology, or PTT can be found in some of their chipsets. It provides the same TPM security protocols without the need for an additional physical chip. AMD also offers a built-in firmware version that doesn’t require a dedicated crypto-processor or memory. 

If you want to learn more, our video all about TPM, PTT and fTPM has been one of our most popular Tech Edge clips to date. Check it out! 

Should I upgrade to Windows 11? 

Many people ask if upgrading to Windows 11 is worth it. The answer to that question depends on a couple of factors. Windows 11 is the latest version of Windows, and according to Microsoft, it’s the greatest. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the right choice for every computing application.

Windows 11 for embedded and IoT solutions

If you create embedded and IoT solutions, Windows 11 may not be the best option just yet. We’ve created a whole blog on the topic of Windows 11 for embedded and IoT devices. Check it out for our advice and all the details. 

Windows 11 for general purpose use

If you mostly use your PC for things like creating and sharing documents or images, managing email and using the Internet, Windows 11 might be a good choice. While the design changes from Windows 10 might take some time to get used to, Windows 11 does offer security enhancements and some improvements for multitasking. Microsoft also claims that Windows 11 is better in terms of memory management. And, it is said to be 25-percent faster when waking up from sleep. 

Windows 11 for computer gaming

If you use your computer for games, you might appreciate some new features designed to make your games look better and help your graphics card and solid-state drive communicate faster. 

For example, Windows 11 now offers Auto-HDR which was previously only offered on the Xbox game console. It makes the images pop a little more by adding HDR (high dynamic range) to older games that only support SDR (standard dynamic range). Basically this allows users to see more detail and color giving you an enhanced gaming experience. 

Another example of a gaming related feature is Direct Storage. Microsoft introduced this technology with Xbox gaming consoles and now they have made it available on Windows. This technology allows the GPU to load game data directly from the SSD and skip the CPU processing. This can significantly speed up the processing of data and it leaves the CPU free to deal with other tasks. 

Windows 11 for Android users

If you’re an Android user, you might really love the Android app support. Windows 11 allows you to run your favorite mobile apps and games right on your PC. 

Which OnLogic PCs are compatible with Windows 11 hardware requirements? 

We have many industrial PC options that are compatible with Windows 11.  Let’s take a look at some of our most popular computers. 

Industrial fanless and fanless hybrid computers compatible with Windows 11 hardware requirements

Our new Helix 511 delivers high performance hybrid processing with Intel® 12th Gen. The system is ideal for real-time decision making in automation applications, with support for 4 simultaneous serial connections.

The Helix 400 Series is also powered by Intel 12th Generation CPUs which are specifically enhanced for the edge. This system offers support for 4 displays and a small form factor.

The Helix 500 packs Intel Comet Lake Core™ processing into a fanless, solid state platform engineered for the challenges of edge computing environments.

The Helix 600 and Helix 610 build on the capabilities of Helix 500 with enhanced cooling surface area and added expansion for additional storage, I/O or graphics cards.

Rugged Computers Compatible with Windows 11 

If you need a computer for an embedded or industrial application in an extreme environment, our rugged line of hardened industrial PCs provides a high level of computing in a compact, ultra-durable, easy to integrate footprint. These systems are protected against dust and debris and can withstand shock, vibration and extreme temperatures all the way from -40°C to 70°C.

Our Karbon 800 Series delivers our highest performance options for rugged computing including the fanless hybrid K804 with room for expansion, including high power GPUs for graphics intensive or vision processing applications.

Edge Server Options for Windows 11

The Axial AC101 rackmount edge server is a 1U shallow depth rackmount server built around the power and performance of Intel® 13th generation processors.

We have many more computers that offer Windows 11 compatibility, and we are adding more to the compatibility list every day. Our best advice for understanding your full list of options is to contact our technical sales team. They can work with you to make sure the solution you select is going to meet your requirements.

We originally posted this blog on April 27, 2022. We updated this blog on June 1, 2023.