Windows 11 hardware requirements, 32-bit Windows is no longer a thing

On June 24, 2021, Microsoft unveiled Windows 11 - "the next generation" of Windows. Although we do not have an exact launch date nor the first official build to test, here are Windows 11 minimum hardware requirements. These will let you check whether your computer can run Windows 11 when it comes out somewhere later this year.

Windows 11 minimum PC specs

Your computer should meet the following hardware requirements to install Windows 11 and run it properly:

• A 64-bit dual-core 1Ghz CPU or better.
• 4GB of RAM or better.
• 64GB of storage or better.
• A 9-inch display with a minimum 1366x768 resolution.
• A motherboard with UEFI, Secure Boot, and Trusted Platform Module 2.0.
• A discrete or integrated GPU with DirectX 12 support and WWDM 2.X.

While most of those specs look similar to Windows 10, there is one major change in Windows 11 hardware requirements. Starting with Windows 11, Microsoft will no longer offer 32-bit Windows installations. Windows 11 will now come only in 64-bit flavor, although the system will maintain compatibility with 32-bit apps. Another noticeable change is that Windows 11 now requires a 9-inch display or larger and a 64GB of storage.

You cannot install Windows 11 just yet. Microsoft expects to ship the first public preview somewhere next week, and you can now check whether your PC is compatible with "the next generation of Windows." Microsoft has made a dedicated app to check compatibility and hardware requirements before installing. You can download that app using this link.

Update on September 2, 2021: 

Hardware requirements for Windows Insiders

In order to receive the coming newest builds from the Dev channel, your PC must meet certain requirements. Those include CPUs with an embedded TPM, support for secure boot, and support VBS and specific VBS capabilities. The generic hardware requirements include >1GHz, 2-core processors, 4GB memory, and 64GB of storage.

Microsoft noted that if TPM 2.0 and CPU family/model criteria are missing, such devices will continue to receive new builds, but some of the new features may stop working or behave incorrectly.

Finally, if the device fails to meet the requirements beyond TPM 2.0 and CPU family, it will have a limited exception to preview Windows 11 builds until general availability on October 5, 2021. They will continue to receive cumulative updates (for the existing installed Windows 11 version). But newer Windows 11 builds won't install, and Windows Update will include the following warning message.

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