Find Windows 11 specs, features, and computer requirements

Here's an overview of how to find device specification requirements, versions, and languages available for Windows 11. Read here for more information on system requirements and information on how some PCs might be able to update or change settings to meet the requirements.

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List of all minimum system requirements for Windows 11
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System requirements

These are the minimum system requirements for installing Windows 11 on a PC. If your device does not meet these requirements, you may not be able to install Windows 11 on your device and might want to consider purchasing a new PC. If you are unsure whether your PC meets these requirements, you can check with your PC Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or, if your device is already running Windows 10, you can use the PC Health Check app to assess compatibility. Note that this app does not check for graphics card or display, as most compatible devices will meet those requirements listed below.

Your device must be running Windows 10, version 2004 or later, to upgrade. Free updates are available through Windows Update in Settings > Update and Security.
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)
Storage 64 GB or larger storage device. See More information on storage space to keep Windows 11 up-to-date for more details.
System firmware UEFI, Secure Boot capable. Check here for information on how your PC might be able to meet this requirement.
TPM Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Check here for instructions on how your PC might be enabled to meet this requirement.
Graphics card Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver.
Display High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel.
Minimum system requirements for Copilot+ PCs Copilot+ PCs are a class of Windows 11 AI PCs that are powered by a turbocharged neural processing unit (NPU)—a specialized computer chip for AI-intensive processes like real-time translations and image generation— that can perform more than 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS).

In addition to the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, Copilot+ PCs must include the following:

Specific features, plus apps and hardware that you add to your Copilot+ PC may have additional hardware, software, or other requirements, and these requirements may change over time.
Internet connection and Microsoft account Windows 11 Pro for personal use and Windows 11 Home require internet connectivity and a Microsoft account during initial device setup.

Switching a device out of Windows 11 Home in S mode also requires internet connectivity. Learn more about S mode here.

For all Windows 11 editions, internet access is required to perform updates and to download and take advantage of some features. On Copilot+ PCs, many unique features, once downloaded, will run without internet access. A Microsoft account is required for some features, including on Copilot+ PCs.

Certain features require specific hardware. System requirements to run some apps will exceed the Windows 11 minimum device specifications. Check device compatibility information specific to the apps you want to install. Available storage on your device will vary based on installed apps and updates. Performance will scale with higher end, more capable PCs. Learn more at Windows 11 feature availability and timing. Additional requirements may apply over time and for updates.

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List of all Copilot+ PC features
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Select a feature to learn more

Unique Copilot+ PC features

Copilot+ PC features are designed to enhance everyday tasks with advanced AI capabilities. These features require a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of 40+ trillion operations per second (TOPS) to function as intended.

Storage requirements depend on your device’s configuration and the apps or updates installed. Some Copilot+ PC features may require additional hardware and availability may vary by region and device.
Agent in Settings Available now on Copilot+ PCs. Supported languages are Chinese (Simplified), English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Automatic super resolution This feature works with a curated set of games and is available on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon® X Series processors.
Click to Do Available image and text actions vary by device, region, language, and character set. Subscription required for some actions.
Improved Windows search This feature works with specific text, image, and document formats only; optimized for select languages (English, Chinese (Simplified), French, German, Japanese, and Spanish).
Live Captions Translation for video and audio subtitles into English from 40+ languages and from 27 languages into Chinese (Simplified).
Narrator: Rich image descriptions This feature is available only on Copilot+ PCs.
Paint: Cocreator This feature is optimized for English text prompts and requires a Microsoft account or Entra ID and internet connection to access cloud services that help ensure the responsible use of AI.
Paint: Generative fill This feature is available on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon® X Series processors. Optimized for English text prompts and requires a Microsoft account or Entra ID and internet connection to access cloud services that help ensure the responsible use of AI.
Paint: Object select This feature is available only on Copilot+ PCs.
Paint: Sticker generator This feature is optimized for English text prompts and requires a Microsoft account or Entra ID and internet connection to access cloud services that help ensure the responsible use of AI.
Photos: Image creator This feature is optimized for English text prompts and requires a Microsoft account or Entra ID and internet connection to access cloud services that help ensure the responsible use of AI.
Photos: Relight This feature is available on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon® X Series processors.
Photos: Restyle image This feature is optimized for English text prompts and requires a Microsoft account or Entra ID and internet connection to access cloud services that help ensure the responsible use of AI.
Photos: Super resolution This feature is available only on Copilot+ PCs.
Recall (preview) This feature requires Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security. Optimized for select languages (English, Chinese (Simplified), French, German, Japanese, and Spanish). Content-based and storage limitations apply. Enterprise license required for some policy-enabled management controls.
Snipping Tool: Perfect screenshot This feature is available only on Copilot+ PCs.
Voice Access: Flexible commands This feature supports multiple languages; some features only available in English.
Windows Studio Effects This feature requires a compatible camera; available effects vary by device.

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Windows 11 features and system requirements
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Windows 11 features and system requirements

Some Windows 11 features have increased requirements beyond those listed above in the minimum requirements section. Below are some additional details regarding requirements for key features.
5G support This feature requires 5G capable modem where available.
Auto HDR This feature requires an HDR monitor.
BitLocker to Go This feature requires a USB flash drive (available in Windows Pro and above editions).
Client Hyper-V This feature requires a processor with second level address translation (SLAT) capabilities (available in Windows Pro and above editions).
DirectStorage This feature requires an NVMe SSD to store and run games that use the Standard NVM Express Controller driver and a DirectX12 GPU with Shader Model 6.0 support.
DirectX 12 Ultimate This feature is available with supported games and graphics chips.
Microsoft Teams This feature requires a video camera, microphone, and speaker (audio output).
Multiple Voice Assistant (MVA) This feature requires a microphone and speaker.
Mute/Unmute from Taskbar This feature requires a video camera, microphone, and speaker (audio output). App must be compatible with this Windows 11 feature to enable global mute/unmute.
Presence This feature requires an on-device sensor that can detect human distance from device or intent to interact with device.
Projection This feature requires a display adapter which supports Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 2.0 and a Wi-Fi adapter that supports Wi-Fi Direct.
Snap Three-column layouts require a screen that is 1920 effective pixels or greater in width.
Spatial Sound This feature requires supporting hardware and software.
Touch This feature requires a screen or monitor that supports multi-touch.
Two-factor Authentication This feature requires the use of a PIN, biometric (fingerprint reader or illuminated infrared camera), or a phone with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities.
Voice Typing This feature requires a PC with a microphone.
Wake on Voice This feature requires a Modern Standby power model and microphone.
Wi-Fi 6E This feature requires new WLAN IHV hardware and driver and a Wi-Fi 6E capable AP/router.
Wi-Fi 7 Windows 11 version 24H2 or later is required with a Wi-Fi 7 capable network adapter and compatible drivers. Full functionality (Multi-Link Operation, 320 MHz channels, and WPA3 security) requires a Wi-Fi 7 router or access point.
Windows Hello This feature is device dependent and may require compatible accessory.
Windows Studio Effects The automatic framing, background blur (standard and portrait), eye contact: standard, and voice focus features in Windows Studio Effects will run on a Windows 11 device that includes a processor or SoC that incorporates Neural Processing Units (NPUs) with 10+ trillion operations per second (TOPS). Additional Windows Studio Effects are only available on Snapdragon® X Series-powered Copilot+ PCs. Windows Studio Effects require a device with a built-in camera. Learn more about Windows Studio Effects.
Xbox PC app This app requires a Microsoft account, which is not available in all regions. See Xbox Live Countries and Regions for the most up-to-date information on availability. Some features in the Xbox app will require an active Xbox Game Pass subscription (sold separately). Learn more about the pass.

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List of all key feature deprecations when upgrading to Windows 11
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Feature deprecations

When upgrading to Windows 11 from Windows 10 or when installing an update to Windows 11, some features may be deprecated or removed.

For a full list of deprecated features for Windows, see Deprecated features in the Windows client.

Please see below for information regarding some of the key features impacted:
Desktop wallpaper This feature cannot be roamed to or from device when signed in with a Microsoft account.
Mail, Calendar, and People Support for Windows Mail, Calendar, and People ended on December 31, 2024. Any local emails, calendar events, and contacts stored in Mail, Calendar, and People will remain exportable following the steps in Export emails and contacts from Windows Mail or People and import to new Outlook.
Management capabilities This feature for organizations to deliver customized Start and Taskbar experiences are limited:
  • Start supports the ability for organizations to override the Start layout, but does not support locking down the layout from user modification.
  • Taskbar pins and ordering can be controlled by organizations.
Math Input Panel This feature is removed. Math Recognizer will install on demand and includes the math input control and recognizer. Math inking in apps like OneNote are not impacted by this change.
News & Interests This feature has evolved. New functionality has been added which can be found by clicking the Widgets icon on the Taskbar.
OneNote for Windows 10 This is the legacy version of OneNote. Download the latest OneNote app for Windows.
Quick Status This feature, from the Lockscreen and associated settings, is removed.
S Mode This feature is only available for Windows 11 Home edition.
Search Results from the Internet Windows 11 does not support disabling the return of internet Search results via Registry Key. The related Group Policy setting is not impacted by this change.
Snipping Tool and Snip and Sketch These features have been merged into a single experience keeping the familiar Snipping Tool name.
Start This feature is significantly changed in Windows 11 including the following key deprecations and removals:
  • The layout is not currently resizable.
  • Live Tiles are no longer available. For glanceable, dynamic content, see the new Widgets feature.
Tablet Mode This feature is removed and new functionality and capability is included for keyboard attach and detach postures.
Taskbar This feature is changed including:
  • People is no longer present on the Taskbar.
  • Some icons may no longer appear in the System Tray (systray) for upgraded devices including previous customizations.
  • Alignment to the bottom of the screen is the only location allowed.
  • Apps can no longer customize areas of the Taskbar.
Timeline This feature is removed. Some similar functionality is available in Microsoft Edge.
Touch Keyboard This feature will no longer dock and undock keyboard layouts on screen sizes 18 inches and larger.
Universal Windows Platform (UWP) Applications for 32-bit Arm This change is applicable only to devices with an Arm processor, for example Snapdragon processors from Qualcomm. If you have a PC built with a processor from Intel or AMD, this content is not applicable. If you are not sure which type of processor you have, check Settings > System > About.
Wallet This feature is removed.
Windows Deployment Services This feature is being partially deprecated. Please see this article for detailed information.
Windows Mixed Reality This feature was removed in Windows 11, version 24H2. This includes the Mixed Reality Portal app, Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR, and Steam VR Beta. Existing Windows Mixed Reality devices will continue to work with Steam through November 2026, if users remain on their current released version of Windows 11, version 23H2. After November 2026, Windows Mixed Reality will no longer receive security updates, nonsecurity updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates. This deprecation doesn't affect HoloLens.
Windows Store for Business and Windows Store for Education These Stores no longer include the Private Store tab. Please see this blog post for information on app deployment options.

The following apps will not be removed on upgrade but will no longer be installed on new devices or when clean-installing Windows 11. They are available for download from the Store:

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Keeping Windows 11 up-to-date
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Keeping Windows 11 up-to-date

As part of the effort to continually improve the Windows experience, Microsoft releases improvements and fixes on a monthly basis. These updates are delivered to your device during its supported lifecycle.

Keeping your device up to date is important for maintaining security and performance. With an internet connection, Windows 11 will automatically check for updates on a regular basis (ISP fees might apply). You can also manually check for recommended or optional updates by going to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.

It is important to ensure you have enough free storage space to install updates, and you may need to check to see if your hardware is still supported by your Original Equipment Manufacturer.

Visit the Lifecycle FAQ for Windows products.

More information on storage space requirements to keep Windows 11 up-to-date

The size of the Windows operating system that comes with your device and the amount of free storage space needed to download and install Windows updates are highly variable as they depend on a variety of factors. Visit here to learn why. The factors that affect the amount of free space needed to take an update include: the versions of Windows previously installed on the machine; the amount of free storage space available from Windows files to reuse, such as the virtual memory page file or hibernation file; which applications are installed on your device; and how those applications store data. When updating, Windows will attempt to free up enough space automatically and to guide you through freeing up even more if the automatic cleanup is not sufficient. You can also take steps on your own to free up space.

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List of all language versions for Windows 11
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Language versions

Windows 11 full localization languages include:
  • Arabic (Saudi Arabia)
  • Bulgarian (Bulgaria)
  • Chinese (PRC)
  • Chinese (Taiwan)
  • Croatian (Croatia)
  • Czech (Czech Republic)
  • Danish (Denmark)
  • Dutch (Netherlands)
  • English (United Kingdom)
  • English (United States)
  • Estonian (Estonia)
  • Finnish (Finland)
  • French (France)
  • French (Canada)
  • German (Germany)
  • Greek (Greece)
  • Hebrew (Israel)
  • Hungarian (Hungary)
  • Italian (Italy)
  • Japanese (Japan)
  • Korean (Korea)
  • Latvian (Latvia)
  • Lithuanian (Lithuania)
  • Norwegian, Bokmål (Norway)
  • Polish (Poland)
  • Portuguese (Brazil)
  • Portuguese (Portugal)
  • Romanian (Romania)
  • Russian (Russia)
  • Serbian (Latin, Serbia)
  • Slovak (Slovakia)
  • Slovenian (Slovenia)
  • Spanish (Spain)
  • Spanish (Mexico)
  • Swedish (Sweden)
  • Thai (Thailand)
  • Turkish (Turkey)
  • Ukrainian (Ukraine)

Additional languages available as Language Interface Packs.

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Looking for Windows 10 specifications and requirements?

Support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025.

Learn about Windows 10 end of support

Check for compatibility

Use the PC Health Check app to see if your PC can run Windows 11.

Download PC Health Check app

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the minimum system requirements for installing Windows 11 on a PC:

  • A 1 GHz or faster processor with 2 cores or more
  • 4 GB of RAM
  • 64 GB of storage or more
  • UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability
  • TPM version 2.0
  • DirectX 12 compatible graphics card
  • Display larger than 9 inches diagonally with HD resolution (720p)
  • Windows 11 Pro for personal use and Windows 11 Home require internet connectivity and a Microsoft account during initial device setup
  • Internet access is required to perform for updates and take advantage of some features

The central processing unit (CPU), often called the processor, is the brain of your computer. It interprets instructions and tells every component what to do, from running apps to managing data. A faster CPU means your PC can handle more tasks at once, making everything feel quicker and more responsive. Watch now to learn more about your computer’s CPU.

RAM is like your computer's quick-access memory, keeping the data you need right now at your fingertips. With more RAM, your PC can run faster and handle multiple tasks more smoothly, making everything feel more responsive, allowing you to do more at the same time. Watch now to learn more about your computer’s RAM.

An NPU, or Neural Processing Unit, accelerates AI features like image generation and live captions on Windows devices to help you work faster and be more creative. Watch now to learn more about NPUs.

An NPU is important because it improves how AI works on your device by:

  • Allowing certain AI features to keep working even when you’re offline, since the NPU can run AI directly on your PC.
  • Using less power than the CPU or GPU for AI tasks, which helps features run smoothly without noticeably affecting battery life or heat.
  • Processing more data on your device instead of in the cloud, which can help reduce how often personal information needs to leave your PC.
  • Supporting real-time AI features that can run in the background without slowing down everyday use.
  • Enabling your PC to add new AI capabilities over time through software updates, thanks to dedicated on-device AI hardware.

When the device starts, the firmware interface controls the booting process of the PC and then passes control to Windows or another operating system. UEFI is a replacement for the older BIOS firmware interface and the Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) 1.10 specifications. More than 140 leading technology companies participate in the Unified EFI Forum, including AMD, AMI, Apple, Dell, HP, IBM, Insyde, Intel, Lenovo, Microsoft, and Phoenix Technologies.

The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) technology is designed to provide hardware-based, security-related functions. A TPM chip is a secure crypto-processor that is designed to carry out cryptographic operations. The chip includes multiple physical security mechanisms to make it tamper-resistant, and malicious software is unable to tamper with the security functions of the TPM. Some of the advantages of using TPM technology are to:

  • Generate, store, and limit the use of cryptographic keys.
  • Use it for device authentication by using the TPM's unique RSA key, which is burned into the chip.
  • Help ensure platform integrity by taking and storing security measurements of the boot process.

Secure Boot is a security feature that ensures your PC only starts with trusted software. It helps protect your system from malware and unauthorized changes during the startup process and keeps your device more secure from the moment you power it on.

You can install the PC Health Check app for free to determine if your PC supports Windows 11. Learn more about how to use the PC Health Check app to check for Windows 11 compatibility.

Copilot+ PCs are a class of Windows 11 AI PCs that are powered by a turbocharged neural processing unit (NPU)—a specialized computer chip for AI-intensive processes like real-time translations and image generation— that can perform more than 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS).

In addition to the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, Copilot+ PCs must include the following:

Specific features, plus apps and hardware that you add to your Copilot+ PC may have additional hardware, software, or other requirements, and these requirements may change over time.

If your PC runs Windows 11 it’s already compatible with Copilot. You can access Copilot’s built-in AI features like assistance for writing, summarizing content, and more.

To unlock Copilot+ PC experiences on your device, like improved Windows search and agent in Settings, you’ll need a Copilot+ PC.

Windows 11 supports cloud-based AI experiences through apps like Microsoft Copilot and Copilot Mode in Microsoft Edge. For the best on-device AI experiences, choose a PC with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) delivering 40+ TOPS, designed especially for AI workloads on Copilot+ PCs.