Before we go ahead and resolve the error “This PC cannot run Windows 11”, let’s first learn about the relevant system requirements set by Microsoft.
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At a Windows event last week, Microsoft officially unveiled the Windows 11 operating system. With the Windows 11 operating system, Microsoft has minimum system requirements and supports a handful of CPUs based on performance and security.
The company also launched the PC Health Check app (now removed) to check your computer’s compatibility with Windows 11. If you get “This PC can’t run Windows 11 error” on your computer, it’s time to fix the error using a couple of methods.
HOW TO FIX “THIS PC CANNOT RUN WINDOWS 11” ERROR
There could be two reasons why your PC cannot run Windows 11. The TPM 2.0 chip is either installed but disabled by default or not fully installed on the motherboard.
We have written a separate guide on how to find and install the correct TPM 2.0 module on your Windows computer. In this guide, we will show you how to enable the module.
- Processor: 1Ghz or faster with minimum 2 cores
- System architecture: 64-bit Display- 720p (1280 × 720 px) with a screen size of at least 9 inches
- Graphics card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics with WDDM 2.x
- RAM: 4 GB
- Memory: 64GB
- Firmware: UEFI enabled Secure Boot
- Reliable platform module: version 2.0
The processor part is complicated here. You need to visit Microsoft’s official site to check compatibility with Intel and AMD processors that can run Windows 11 without any issues.
Don’t worry even if your laptop/desktop CPU is not listed here. We will bypass the limitation later in the article.
CHECK WINDOWS 11 COMPATIBILITY WITH THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE
Microsoft’s official PC Health Checker app simply showed the error “This PC cannot run Windows 11” with no explanation of what the error was about. As of now, the company has withdrawn the app and promised to relaunch it with more useful information.
Until then, you can use an unofficial third-party app called WhyNotWin11 from GitHub. Follow the steps below.
- Visit the GitHub page below and install the app on your computer. Download WhyNotWin11
- Open WhyNotWin11 on your computer and let it scan your PC.
- Within a minute or two, you will see a detailed analysis of the missing or disabled hardware / software to run the Windows 11 operating system.
Among them, check the TPM and Secure Boot version. If TPM is disabled, you can easily enable it from the Windows UEFI settings menu.
Most modern PCs ship with TPM support out of the box. Chances are your OEM has decided to disable it by default. You can enable it and set your computer ready for the Windows 11 update later this year. Here’s how to do it.
WHAT IS THE TPM?
Before we show you how to enable the TPM from the Windows BIOS, let’s first learn what exactly TPM is and why Microsoft is pushing it as a prerequisite for Windows 11.
A TPM, also known as a Trusted Platform Module, is a microchip installed to provide hardware-level security. In theory, it is similar to the Apple T2 chip pre-installed on modern MacBooks.
A TPM chip ensures the encryption of data transmitted to and from the computer. It stores all critical data like passwords, login information, payment details and blocks any unauthorized access to it.
HOW TO ENABLE TPM AND SECURE BOOT IN UEFI
To enable TPM or Secure Boot in the UEFI menu of the PC, you need to shut down the PC. Depending on the manufacturer of your PC / laptop, you will need to keep pressing a special key to access the UEFI menu.
For our HP Specter laptop, it was an Esc key. Now follow the steps below.
- Switch to the Security tab. Your device interface may be slightly different from ours.
- Look for the TPM status in the Secure Boot Mode menu.
- Enable it.
- Scroll to the start menu.
- Enable Secure Boot from the boot menu.
Make sure you save your changes using the F10 key and exit the mode. Your computer will automatically restart.
Upon startup, open the WhyNotWin11 app and you will find that your system is compatible with Windows 11.
But let’s say you are using an older 7th or 6th generation Intel CPU on your computer. In these cases, Microsoft doesn’t officially support them. However, there is a way around the limitation.
The company released Windows 11 to the Dev channel on the Insider program. Using it, you can install Windows 11 on your PC even if it doesn’t meet all the requirements. Here’s how to do it.
SIGN UP FOR THE WINDOWS INSIDER PROGRAM
First, you need to sign up for the Windows Insider Program using the Windows Settings app.
- Open the Settings app on your Windows computer (use Windows + I keys).
- Go to Update & Security> Windows Insider Program menu.
- Click Get started on the right side and select your Microsoft account.
- Click Continue and Windows will ask you to select Insider settings.
- Select Development channels and confirm your decision.
- Accept the terms and conditions and restart your PC.
Upon startup, you can go to Windows Settings> Update & Security> Windows Update and you will see the Windows Insider build ready for download.
SUMMARY- RESOLVING “THIS PC CANNOT RUN WINDOWS ERROR 11” ERROR
There is a lot to like about the Windows 11 update. Microsoft’s new operating system offers beautiful aesthetics, animations, new icons, a brand new Microsoft Store with support for Android apps, and many useful productivity features.
It is understandable that the company has set the requirements for Windows 11 a little higher than previous versions of the operating system. If you get the error “This PC cannot run Windows 11”, you can check the UEFI of the system and make the relevant changes.
Enthusiasts and developers can go ahead and install the Windows 11 Insider preview right away using the method mentioned above.
