Windows 11 Processor Requirements

Windows 11, the new operating system from Microsoft, brings new features like Android Apps and Snap Groups. Those new features also mean new system requirements for the operating system. One of the most significant issues when it comes to the new requirements involves the processor. While your computer might be running Windows 10 just fine, that does not guarantee that Windows 11 will be able to run on your computer.

Windows 11 requires a 64-bit processor, and only specific processors from specific vendors will work. What this means, for example, is that only specific Atom, Xeon, Pentium, or Celeron chips will work, and most of the new 8th Gen or newer chips will work fine. When it comes to AMD and Qualcomm, it's the same issue; not all chips will be able to handle Windows 11.

If you don't know what processor your computer has, you can find out easily by using System Settings in Windows 10. To see if your computer will support Windows 11, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the System Settings dialog box by pressing Win+I.
2. Click System to open the display section of the System Settings dialog box.
3. On the right side of the dialog box, choose About Settings. Clicking on About opens the About section of the Settings.
4. Under Device Specifications, you will see Processor; this is the Processor you need to check in just a moment.
5. Slightly below Processor you will see System type. Next to Processor, your computer must show "64-bit operating system, x64-based processor."

With your Processor known, you need to check it to see if it will work. Microsoft provides lists that you can check look through. If you have an Intel machine, check this list. If you have an AMD processor, check this list. And, finally, if you have a Qualcomm processor, look here.

If your processor is not on the list and you want to upgrade to Windows 11, you will need to get a new machine.

 This tip (13880) applies to Windows 10 and 11.