Windows 11 is launching during the second half of 2021, but not all devices already running Windows 10 or older versions will be compatible to upgrade since the processor requirements are changing.
Microsoft has confirmed that it’s increasing the minimum hardware requirements, including the processors. According to the documentation, Windows 11 will only support Intel Core 8th Gen and higher processors, in addition to some Pentium, Atom, Celeron, and Xeon CPUs.
Windows 11 will also support AMD Ryzen second-generation (including Threadripper) and newer processors, alongside some EPYC and Athlon CPUs. As for ARM support, the new version of Windows will support Qualcomm Snapdragon 850, 7c, 8c, 8cx first and second-generations, and the Microsoft SQ1 and SQ2.
Windows 11 Intel supported processors
- 8th Gen (Coffee Lake).
- 9th Gen (Coffee Lake Refresh).
- 10th Gen (Comet Lake and Ice Lake).
- 11th Gen (Rocket Lake and Tiger Lake).
- 12th Gen (Alder Lake).
- 13th Gen (Raptor Lake).
- Pentium – Gold and Silver.
- Xeon – Skylake-SP, Cascade Lake-SP, Cooper Lake-SP, Ice Lake-SP
- Supported Intel processors.
Windows 11 AMD supported processors
- Ryzen – 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000.
- Ryzen – Threadripper 2000, 3000, Pro 3000.
- EPYC – 2nd Gen and 3rd Gen.
- Athlon – Gold, Silver, 3xxx, 300x.
- Supported AMD processors.
Windows 11 Qualcomm supported processors
- Snapdragon 850.
- Snapdragon 7c.
- Snapdragon 8c.
- Snapdragon 8cx.
- Snapdragon 8cx (Gen2).
- Microsoft SQ1.
- Microsoft SQ2.
- Supported Qualcomm processors.
Although Microsoft is changing the processor requirements, it does not mean that you won’t be able to upgrade to Windows 11. In some older hardware configurations that are not officially supported, you will receive a warning that installing Windows 11 isn’t recommended, but the operating system should continue to install.
If you are not sure whether your computer will be compatible with Windows 11, the easiest way to find out is by using the PC Health Check app.
Alternatively, you can also confirm the processor on your device and check it against the official list to find out if it’s compatible. You can quickly check the processor make and model on Settings > System > About, under the “Device specifications” section.
In addition to the processor, Windows 11 now also requires a TPM 2.0 chip to improve security. As a result, if this hardware isn’t available, the operating system won’t install, even if the rest of the hardware is compatible.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.