How to Check Windows 11 Upgrade

Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, has generated a lot of excitement among users. With its sleek design, improved performance, and new features, many people are eager to upgrade their current Windows version to Windows 11. In this article, we will guide you on how to check if your device is eligible for the Windows 11 upgrade. We will provide step-by-step instructions and valuable insights to ensure a smooth transition to the new operating system.

1. Check System Requirements

The first step in determining if your device is eligible for the Windows 11 upgrade is to check the system requirements. Microsoft has introduced new hardware requirements for Windows 11, which means not all devices will be able to run the new operating system. Here are the minimum system requirements for Windows 11:

• Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
• RAM: 4 gigabytes (GB) or more
• Storage: 64 GB or more
• System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module version 2.0
• Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver
• Display: High definition (720p) display, 9″ or greater diagonal, 8 bits per color channel
• Internet Connection: Internet connectivity is necessary to perform updates and to download and take advantage of some features

It is important to note that these are the minimum requirements, and some features may require additional hardware or software. To check if your device meets these requirements, follow the steps below.

1.1. Check Processor Compatibility

The processor is one of the key components that determine if your device is eligible for the Windows 11 upgrade. To check if your processor is compatible, you can use the PC Health Check tool provided by Microsoft. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the Microsoft website and search for “PC Health Check.”
2. Download and install the PC Health Check tool.
3. Open the tool and click on “Check now.”
4. The tool will analyze your device and provide a report on whether your processor is compatible with Windows 11.

If your processor is compatible, you can proceed to the next step. If not, you may need to consider upgrading your device to meet the requirements.

1.2. Check RAM and Storage Capacity

Windows 11 requires a minimum of 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage. To check if your device meets these requirements, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start menu and open “Settings.”
2. Go to “System” and click on “About.”
3. Under the “Device specifications” section, you will find information about your device’s RAM and storage capacity.
4. Ensure that your device has at least 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage.

If your device meets these requirements, you can proceed to the next step. Otherwise, you may need to upgrade your device’s RAM or storage capacity.

1.3. Check System Firmware and TPM

Windows 11 requires UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. To check if your device meets these requirements, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start menu and open “Settings.”
2. Go to “System” and click on “About.”
3. Under the “Device specifications” section, you will find information about your device’s firmware and TPM version.
4. Ensure that your device has UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability and TPM version 2.0.

If your device meets these requirements, you can proceed to the next step. Otherwise, you may need to update your system firmware or enable TPM in your device’s BIOS settings.

1.4. Check Graphics Card and Display

Windows 11 requires a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card and a high-definition display with a resolution of at least 720p. To check if your device meets these requirements, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start menu and open “Settings.”
2. Go to “System” and click on “Display.”
3. Under the “Display resolution” section, you will find information about your device’s display resolution.
4. Ensure that your device has a high-definition display with a resolution of at least 720p.
5. To check your graphics card compatibility, you can use the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type “dxdiag,” and press Enter. In the DirectX Diagnostic Tool window, go to the “Display” tab and check the information under the “Device” section.

If your device meets these requirements, you can proceed to the next step. Otherwise, you may need to upgrade your graphics card or display.

2. Check Windows Update

Once you have confirmed that your device meets the system requirements for Windows 11, the next step is to check for Windows updates. Microsoft has started rolling out the Windows 11 upgrade through Windows Update, so it is important to ensure that your device is up to date. Follow these steps to check for updates:

1. Click on the Start menu and open “Settings.”
2. Go to “Windows Update” and click on “Check for updates.”
3. If there are any updates available, click on “Download and install.”
4. Wait for the updates to be downloaded and installed on your device.

It is recommended to keep checking for updates regularly, as Microsoft is gradually rolling out the Windows 11 upgrade to eligible devices. If the Windows 11 upgrade is available for your device, it will be listed as an optional update.

3. Use the Windows 11 Upgrade Assistant

If you have checked for updates and the Windows 11 upgrade is not available through Windows Update, you can use the Windows 11 Upgrade Assistant to manually upgrade your device. The Windows 11 Upgrade Assistant is a tool provided by Microsoft to help users upgrade their devices to Windows 11. Follow these steps to use the Windows 11 Upgrade Assistant:

1. Go to the Microsoft website and search for “Windows 11 Upgrade Assistant.”
2. Download and install the Windows 11 Upgrade Assistant.
3. Open the tool and click on “Upgrade this PC now.”
4. The tool will check if your device meets the system requirements for Windows 11.
5. If your device is eligible, click on “Next” to start the upgrade process.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade.

Using the Windows 11 Upgrade Assistant is a reliable way to upgrade your device to Windows 11 if the upgrade is not available through Windows Update. However, it is important to note that the tool may not be available in all regions or for all devices.

4. Check with Device Manufacturer

If you have followed the above steps and still cannot find the Windows 11 upgrade for your device, it is recommended to check with your device manufacturer. Some devices may have specific requirements or compatibility issues that prevent them from receiving the Windows 11 upgrade. Contacting your device manufacturer’s support team can provide you with more information and guidance on upgrading to Windows 11.

FAQ

Q1: Can I upgrade to Windows 11 for free?

A1: Yes, the upgrade to Windows 11 is free for eligible Windows 10 devices. However, it is important to note that not all devices will be eligible for the upgrade due to the new hardware requirements introduced by Microsoft.

Q2: What if my device is not eligible for the Windows 11 upgrade?

A2: If your device does not meet the system requirements for Windows 11, you will not be able to upgrade to the new operating system. However, Microsoft will continue to support Windows 10 until October 14, 2025, with security updates and bug fixes, so you can still use your device with Windows 10.

Q3: Will I lose my files and applications during the Windows 11 upgrade?

A3: The Windows 11 upgrade should preserve your files and applications. However, it is always recommended to back up your important files before performing any major system upgrade to avoid any potential data loss.

Q4: Can I revert back to Windows 10 if I don’t like Windows 11?

A4: Yes, you can revert back to Windows 10 within 10 days of upgrading to Windows 11. Windows 11 has a built-in rollback feature that allows you to go back to your previous version of Windows. However, it is important to note that this feature is time-limited, and after 10 days, you will not be able to revert back without performing a clean installation of Windows 10.

Summary

Upgrading to Windows 11 can bring a host of new features and improvements to your device. However, it is important to ensure that your device meets the system requirements for Windows 11 before attempting the upgrade. By checking the processor compatibility, RAM and storage capacity, system firmware and TPM, graphics card and display, and by keeping your device up to date with Windows updates, you can determine if your device is eligible for the Windows 11 upgrade. If the upgrade is not available through Windows Update, you can use the Windows 11 Upgrade Assistant or contact your device manufacturer for further assistance. Remember to back up your important files before performing any major system upgrade and take advantage of the rollback feature if you decide to revert back to Windows 10. With these steps and precautions in mind, you can smoothly transition to Windows 11 and enjoy its new features and enhancements.