Windows 11

how to check windows 11 upgrade

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. Visit 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. Open the “Settings” app on your Windows device.
  2. Click on “System” and then select “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.

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. Open the “Settings” app on your Windows device.
  2. Click on “System” and then select “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 the 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. Open the “Settings” app on your Windows device.
  2. Click on “System” and then select “About.”
  3. Under the “Device specifications” section, you will find information about your device’s graphics card and display resolution.
  4. Ensure that your device has a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card and a display with a resolution of at least 720p.

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. Open the “Settings” app on your Windows device.
  2. Click on “Windows Update” and then select “Check for updates.”
  3. Windows will check for available updates and download them if any are found.
  4. If a Windows 11 update is available, it will be listed as an optional update.
  5. Select the Windows 11 update and click on “Install” to begin the upgrade process.

If a Windows 11 update is not listed, it means that your device is not yet eligible for the upgrade. Microsoft is rolling out the upgrade in phases, so it may take some time before it becomes available for all devices.

3. Use the Windows 11 Upgrade Assistant

If you have checked for updates and Windows 11 is not yet available for your device, you can use the Windows 11 Upgrade Assistant to manually upgrade your device. The Windows 11 Upgrade Assistant is a tool provided by Microsoft that allows you to upgrade your device to Windows 11. Follow these steps to use the Windows 11 Upgrade Assistant:

  1. Visit 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, the tool will download and install Windows 11.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade process.

Using the Windows 11 Upgrade Assistant is a great option if you want to upgrade your device as soon as possible, even if Windows 11 is not yet available through Windows Update.

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 to Windows 11?

A: No, Windows 11 is only available as a free upgrade for devices running Windows 10. If you are using Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you will need to upgrade to Windows 10 first before you can upgrade to Windows 11.

Q: Will all my apps and files be preserved during the upgrade to Windows 11?

A: In most cases, your apps and files will be preserved during the upgrade to Windows 11. However, it is always recommended to back up your important files before performing any major operating system upgrade.

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

A: If your device does not meet the system requirements for Windows 11, you will not be able to upgrade to Windows 11. However, you can continue using your current version of Windows and receive security updates and support from Microsoft.

Q: Can I revert back to my previous version of Windows if I don’t like Windows 11?

A: Yes, if you upgrade to Windows 11 and decide that you prefer your previous version of Windows, you can revert back within 10 days of the upgrade. Windows 11 includes a rollback feature that allows you to easily revert back to your previous version of Windows.

5. Conclusion

Upgrading to Windows 11 can bring a range of benefits, including improved performance, new features, and a modern user interface. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can check if your device is eligible for the Windows 11 upgrade and ensure a smooth transition to the new operating system. Remember to check the system requirements, update your device, and use the Windows 11 Upgrade Assistant if necessary. With Windows 11, you can enjoy a more secure and efficient computing experience.

Hanna

I am a technology writer specialize in mobile tech and gadgets. I have been covering the mobile industry for over 5 years and have watched the rapid evolution of smartphones and apps. My specialty is smartphone reviews and comparisons. I thoroughly tests each device's hardware, software, camera, battery life, and other key features. I provide in-depth, unbiased reviews to help readers determine which mobile gadgets best fit their needs and budgets.

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