Can Your Computer Run Windows 11? Here’s What to Know Before You Upgrade
Annette Slavik
Helping Businesses Feel Confident About Their Tech | MSP Leader | Redefining the Future of Managed IT—One Relationship at a Time
Windows 10 has served businesses well for nearly a decade—but it’s on its way out. On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. That means no more security updates, bug fixes, or support for newly discovered vulnerabilities. For businesses, that’s more than just an inconvenience—it’s a real risk, especially if you handle sensitive information like payroll, client records, or financial data.
But there’s no need to panic. You don’t need to rush out and replace every computer in your office tomorrow. The first step is to check whether your current devices can handle the upgrade to Windows 11. And the good news? You can do that without having to download anything.
Once support ends for Windows 10, any system still using it becomes a much easier target for hackers. Without security updates, even a small flaw in the system can leave your entire network exposed. Think of it like leaving your office unlocked every night—everything might be fine for a while, but eventually, someone will take advantage of that open door. Running outdated software also risks putting you out of compliance with data protection regulations like HIPAA or PCI-DSS, even if your team isn’t doing anything wrong. Simply using unsupported tools could be enough to get flagged in an audit or cause reputational damage. Upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t about having the newest gadgets—it’s about protecting your business, your clients, and your peace of mind.
Windows 11 is designed for newer, more secure hardware. It comes with higher system requirements than Windows 10, and some older devices—especially those made before 2017—may not make the cut. The system needs a newer, 64-bit processor with at least two cores, capable of running modern apps and updates. It also requires a minimum of 4 GB of RAM, though that should be seen as a starting point rather than a goal. You’ll need at least 64 GB of available storage space, but realistically, more is better to allow room for updates and files. A TPM 2.0 security chip is also required, which protects passwords and sensitive data, along with startup settings called UEFI and Secure Boot, which block malware from loading when your computer powers on.
If your computer checks all these boxes, that’s a great sign. But just barely meeting the minimum requirements can still lead to frustration down the road. A computer with only 4 GB of RAM might freeze up when you open multiple tabs or run a video call. If your processor is just barely compatible, it could struggle with future updates or newer software. And if your hard drive is nearly full, even simple updates can fail, leaving your system vulnerable or incomplete. Think of it like a car that just passed inspection. It may technically run, but if the tires are bald and the engine’s rattling, it’s not something you’d want to rely on for a road trip—or for running a business. If you’re already planning upgrades, it’s worth choosing systems that go beyond the minimums. Look for modern processors, at least 8 GB of RAM, and enough storage to grow into—not just survive on.
You can get a pretty good idea of whether your system is Windows 11-ready by checking a few built-in settings.
Step 1: View Your System Info Click the Start button, go to Settings > System > About. There, you’ll see your processor type, installed RAM, and how much storage you have.
Step 2: Check for TPM 2.0 Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run window. Type in tpm.msc and press Enter. If you have TPM 2.0, you’ll see it listed.
Step 3: Look for Secure Boot and UEFI Open the Start menu again and search for System Information. In the results, check that:
If everything looks good and your specs match, your computer is likely compatible with Windows 11.
Some systems may show confusing processor names like “Intel i5-8250U” or “AMD Ryzen 3 2300U.” If you’re not sure whether yours is supported, you can cross-check it against Microsoft’s official lists:
If you find your processor on the list, that’s another good sign.
If your device isn’t ready for Windows 11, don’t worry. You still have time—Windows 10 will continue to work until October 2025. But the key is to start planning now. Waiting until the last minute could lead to rushed (and costly) decisions. You might want to upgrade a few systems now to spread out the cost, replace aging computers gradually over the next year, or work with your IT provider to build a phased, budget-friendly upgrade plan. Some people try to bypass the system checks and install Windows 11 on unsupported machines. While this may seem like a quick fix, it can leave your system without updates or support, which defeats the purpose of upgrading in the first place.
The move to Windows 11 isn’t just about staying current—it’s about staying secure, stable, and prepared for the future. By checking your systems now, you give yourself time to upgrade smartly, avoid surprises, and keep your business running without disruption. Whether you’re managing a few laptops or an entire office, starting early gives you options. And if you're not sure where to start? That’s what we’re here for. We’re happy to walk through it with you—no pressure, no tech talk, just real help.