Windows 11 is the latest version of Microsoft Windows with enhanced functions and security features. Upgrading to Windows 11 is seamless, but many users encounter unexpected problems. Why can't I upgrade to Windows 11? The answer often lies in hardware compatibility, TPM requirements, or software limitations.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons preventing the upgrade and provide solutions to help you move forward. If you're facing issues with the upgrade, this article will help you explore the reasons and solutions to the following questions;
Why can't I upgrade to Windows 11?
Why isn't my PC eligible for Windows 11?
Part 1: Requirements for Windows 11?
If you are running Windows 10, you can easily upgrade to Windows 11. However, there are some minimum system requirements for upgrading to Windows 11, which may be hardware or software-specific. Here are the Windows 11 minimum requirements.
Minimum Software Requirements for Upgrading to Windows 11
Windows 10, version 2004 or later, with the latest updates installed.
Your system must support and have Secure Boot enabled.
A Microsoft account and an internet connection are necessary for initial setup and some features.
Minimum Hardware Requirements for Upgrading to Windows 11
1 GHz or faster 64-bit processor with at least two cores
Minimum 4 GB of RAM.
At least 64 GB of available storage space.
TPM (Trusted Platform Module) version 2.0 is required for security features.
Graphics Card with a DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver support.
A 9-inch or larger screen with at least 720p resolution.
Part 2: How to Check PCs, Whether Compatible with Windows 11?
If you plan to upgrade to Windows 11 and want to check whether your PC meets the minimum system requirements for upgrading, here are the methods to check compatibility.
1. Using the PC Health Check Tool
The easiest method of checking your system's compatibility is to use the PC Health Check App. Follow these steps to check whether your system meets the minimum upgrade requirements for Windows 11.
Visit Microsoft's official download page for the PC Health Check App.
The PC Health Check app installer will be downloaded on your system. Click the Download button and open the installer file.
Accept the license agreement and click the Install button to start the installation process.
After installation, open the PC Health Check App and click the Check Now button to check whether your system meets the Windows 11 system requirements.
The PC Health Check App will check your system for Windows 11 hardware requirements and display the result.
This is the easiest method of checking system compatibility. The PC Health Check App lets you easily check whether your system meets the minimum requirements.
2. Check System Requirements Manually
You can also manually check whether your PC meets Windows 11 requirements. However, this method is cumbersome and time-consuming. Follow these steps to check your system manually.
The first prerequisite for upgrading to Windows 11 is installing the latest version of Windows 10 on your system.
Check the processor of your PC, whether it's on the Microsoft-supported processors list.
Press Windows + R, type tpm.msc, and hit Enter to check your system's TPM status and version. In the following example, the TPM version is 1.2, which is incompatible with installing Windows 11.
Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and hit Enter to check if Secure Boot is enabled in System Summary.
Go to your PC’s Settings -> System -> About to check if your system has 4 GB of RAM or not.
Open File Explorer to check if your hard drive has at least 64 GB of free storage space.
If your system meets all the above-mentioned requirements, you can upgrade to Windows 11. This method may take more time and effort to check your system for the above-listed requirements.
3. Use Third-Party Tools
You can also check your system for compatibility using third-party software, such as WhyNotWin11, Rufus, etc. These tools will check your system and display whether your PC is compatible or not.
The PC Health Check App is the simplest method to check your system for Windows 11 compatibility. It is provided by Microsoft and has a user-friendly interface. You can check your system’s compatibility with just a click.
Part 3: How to Upgrade to Windows 11?
If your system meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11, upgrading to Windows 11 is simple. You can use the following different methods to upgrade. Be sure to back up your files and data before upgrading.
1. Upgrade via Windows 11 Update
The easiest way to upgrade is to use the Windows Update option from your system’s Settings. Follow the steps below to upgrade.
Go to your system’s Settings –> Update & Security –> Windows Update.
Click the Check for Updates button. Your system will check for updates.
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Upgrade via Windows Update
After checking for updates, the system will give a dialogue box with the option to download and install Windows 11. Click the Download and Install button.
Follow the wizard's instructions to complete the installation.
2. Upgrade Using Installation Assistant
Visit the official website of Microsoft to download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
Click the Download button.
Run the downloaded file from Downloads and click the Yes button on the dialogue box.
Windows Installation Assistant will run after installation. In the following window, click the Accept and Install button to accept the license terms.
The Installation Assistant will start downloading Windows.
Click the Restart Now button after the download and installation process is complete.
Your PC will restart and complete the necessary setup after Windows installation.
3. Clean Install via ISO
You can also install a fresh copy of Windows 11 using an ISO image. Follow these steps.
Visit the official website of Microsoft and click the Download Now button to download the ISO image of Windows 11.
After downloading the ISO image, create a bootable USB using Rufus or any other software.
Boot your PC from the bootable USB and follow the installation steps to complete the Windows 11 installation.
The easiest way to upgrade to Windows 11 is to use the Windows Update option from your system’s Settings. This method allows you to easily upgrade your Windows 10 system to Windows 11 in simple steps.
WPS Office - The Best Office Solution for Windows 11
After upgrading to Windows 11, you might wish to use an office productivity suite that is compatible with Windows 11 and is also equipped with modern functions and security features. WPS Office is the best option for you. WPS Office is an AI-powered, modern, and free office suite. It is compatible with all file formats of Microsoft Office. It has many AI features, e.g., AI Spell Check, AI Refinements, AI Summarizer, Docs Smart Create, and many more features. You can create, edit, proofread, convert, and summarize your documents using WPS Office.
Frequently Asked Questions - Why can't I Upgrade to Windows 11?
Q1: Can I keep using Windows 10 after 2025?
Microsoft has announced that the free software and security updates for Windows 10 will be discontinued in October 2025. However, you can keep using Windows 10 after 2025. However, you will not receive any technical support, software, or security updates from Microsoft after October 2025.
Q2: Is Windows 10 free forever?
If you already use a licensed version of Windows 10, it is free to use forever. You can also upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10. However, if you wish to get a new license, you must pay the license fee before using Windows 10.
Wrap-up - Why can't I Upgrade to Windows 11?
In this article, we have explored the answer to the question “Why can't I upgrade to Windows 11?” in detail, including the minimum system requirements, how to upgrade, and why you can’t. This article also provides a step-by-step guide to upgrading to Windows 11.
After upgrading to Windows 11, you can use WPS Office, a free, AI-powered, and modern office suite. WPS Office is compatible with Windows 11 and is also compatible with all file formats of Microsoft Office. You can easily open, edit, and format all your MS Office documents using WPS Office. The best feature of WPS Office is its availability as a free office productivity solution. You don't need to pay any license fee to use WPS Office, as in the case of Microsoft Office. You can get the free version of WPS Office from its official website.
