how to fix error this pc can’t run windows 11

HannaMarch 30, 2024

0 10 6 minutes read

How to Fix the “This PC Can’t Run Windows 11” Error

Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft, offering a range of new features and improvements over its predecessor. However, when attempting to upgrade to Windows 11, some users may encounter the frustrating error message “This PC can’t run Windows 11.” This error typically occurs when the system requirements for Windows 11 are not met. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of this error and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it.

Understanding the System Requirements for Windows 11

Before diving into the solutions, it is essential to understand the system requirements for Windows 11. Microsoft has introduced stricter hardware requirements for Windows 11 compared to previous versions. These requirements are designed to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with the new features and security enhancements of Windows 11.

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 for the best experience, it is recommended to have a more powerful system. If your PC does not meet these requirements, you may encounter the “This PC can’t run Windows 11” error.

Possible Causes of the “This PC Can’t Run Windows 11” Error

There are several reasons why you may encounter the “This PC can’t run Windows 11” error. Understanding these causes can help you identify the specific issue and apply the appropriate solution. Here are some possible causes:

Incompatible Processor: Windows 11 requires a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC) with at least 2 cores and a clock speed of 1 GHz or faster. If your processor does not meet these requirements, you will receive the error message.
Insufficient RAM: Windows 11 requires a minimum of 4 GB of RAM. If your PC has less than 4 GB of RAM, you will not be able to install Windows 11.
Low Storage Space: Windows 11 requires at least 64 GB of storage space. If your PC has less than this amount, you will encounter the error message.
Incompatible System Firmware: Windows 11 requires a UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability. If your PC has an older BIOS firmware or does not support Secure Boot, you will not be able to install Windows 11.
Missing or Incompatible TPM: Windows 11 requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. If your PC does not have a TPM or has an older version, you will encounter the error.
Incompatible Graphics Card: Windows 11 requires a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card with a WDDM 2.0 driver. If your graphics card does not meet these requirements, you will receive the error message.
Incompatible Display: Windows 11 requires a high-definition display with a resolution of at least 720p and a diagonal size of 9 inches or greater. If your display does not meet these requirements, you may encounter the error.
Internet Connection Issues: If your PC does not have a stable internet connection, you may encounter issues during the installation or upgrade process, resulting in the error message.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix the “This PC Can’t Run Windows 11” Error

Now that we have identified the possible causes of the “This PC can’t run Windows 11” error, let’s explore the step-by-step solutions to fix it:

1. Check Processor Compatibility

The first step is to ensure that your processor is compatible with Windows 11. To do this, follow these steps:

Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type “msinfo32” and press Enter to open the System Information window.
In the System Information window, look for the “Processor” field under the “System Summary” section.
Check if the processor meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11 (1 GHz or faster, 64-bit, 2 or more cores).

If your processor does not meet the requirements, you will need to upgrade your hardware to proceed with installing Windows 11.

2. Upgrade RAM

If your PC has less than 4 GB of RAM, you will need to upgrade the RAM to meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11. Follow these steps to upgrade your RAM:

Check the type and maximum capacity of RAM supported by your motherboard. You can find this information in the motherboard’s manual or by visiting the manufacturer’s website.
Purchase compatible RAM modules that meet the minimum requirement of 4 GB or more.
Power off your PC and unplug it from the power source.
Open the PC case and locate the RAM slots on the motherboard.
Remove the existing RAM modules by pushing the clips on the sides of the slots outward.
Insert the new RAM modules into the slots, ensuring they are properly aligned with the notches on the modules and the slots.
Push the modules down firmly until the clips on the sides snap into place.
Close the PC case and reconnect all cables.
Power on your PC and check if the RAM upgrade is recognized by the system.

Once you have upgraded your RAM, you should be able to proceed with installing Windows 11.

3. Free Up Storage Space

If your PC has less than 64 GB of storage space, you will need to free up some space or upgrade your storage device. Follow these steps to free up storage space:

Open the Settings app by pressing Windows Key + I.
Click on “System” and then select “Storage” from the left-hand menu.
Under the “Storage” section, you will see a breakdown of the storage usage on your PC.
Click on “Temporary files” and check the boxes next to the types of files you want to delete (e.g., Temporary files, Downloads, Recycle Bin).
Click on “Remove files” to delete the selected files and free up storage space.

If freeing up storage space is not sufficient, you may need to consider upgrading your storage device to meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11.

4. Check System Firmware and TPM

Windows 11 requires a UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability and a TPM version 2.0. To check if your PC meets these requirements, follow these steps:

Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type “tpm.msc” and press Enter to open the TPM Management console.
In the TPM Management console, check the status of the TPM. If it is not listed or the status is “Not compatible,” your PC does not meet the requirements.
To check the firmware type, press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box again.
Type “msinfo32” and press Enter to open the System Information window.
In the System Information window, look for the “BIOS Mode” field under the “System Summary” section. If it says “Legacy”, your PC does not have UEFI firmware.

5. Update Graphics Card Driver

If your graphics card does not meet the requirements for Windows 11, you will need to update the driver. Follow these steps to update your graphics card driver:

Press Windows Key + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
In the Device Manager window, expand the “Display adapters” category.
Right-click on your graphics card and select “Update driver”.
Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software.
Windows will search for the latest driver and install it if available.
Restart your PC to apply the driver update.

After updating the graphics card driver, you should be able to proceed with installing Windows 11.

6. Check Display Compatibility

If your display does not meet the requirements for Windows 11, you may encounter the error message. To check the compatibility of your display, follow these steps:

Open the Settings app by pressing Windows Key + I.
Click on “System” and then select “Display” from the left-hand menu.
Under the “Display” section, check the resolution and size of your display.
If the resolution is less than 720p or the size is smaller than 9 inches, your display may not meet the requirements for Windows 11.

If your display is not compatible, you may need to connect a different display that meets the requirements to proceed with installing Windows 11.

7. Ensure Stable Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is necessary to perform updates and download Windows 11. If you are experiencing issues with your internet connection, follow these steps to troubleshoot:

Check if other devices on your network can connect to