Windows 10 is on its way out. Microsoft will officially end support on October 14, 2025, meaning no more security updates, patches, or fixes. That leaves businesses with a crucial question: Can my current PCs upgrade to Windows 11, or do I need new devices?
Upgrading isn’t always as simple as clicking ‘Update.’ Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements, and many older machines won’t make the cut. So can your PC handle Windows 11? In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to check if your PCs and laptops are compatible, and what to do if they aren’t.
How to Check If Your PC is Windows 11 Compatible
Microsoft has set specific system requirements for Windows 11. If your hardware doesn’t meet them, you won’t be able to upgrade through the usual update process.
Windows 11 Minimum System Requirements:
- Processor: 1GHz or faster with at least two cores on a 64-bit processor.
- RAM: At least 4GB (but we recommend 8GB or more for business use).
- Storage: A minimum of 64GB of available storage.
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module): This security chip must be enabled.
- Secure Boot: Your system must support and have Secure Boot enabled.
- Graphics Card: Must be compatible with DirectX 12 or later.
You could manually check these requirements, but there’s an easier way:
Use the PC Health Check Tool
Microsoft provides a free PC Health Check tool to quickly determine if your device is eligible for Windows 11.
- Download the tool from Microsoft’s website.
- Install and run it.
- Click “Check now” under the Windows 11 introduction section.
If your PC meets the requirements, great! You’re ready to upgrade. If not, don’t panic—there are still options.
What to Do If Your PC Can’t Run Windows 11
If your machine fails the Windows 11 compatibility check, it usually boils down to one of the following reasons:
1. Your PC is missing TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot is disabled
- Some PCs have TPM 2.0 but it’s not enabled by default. You can check in your BIOS settings and switch it on.
- Similarly, Secure Boot may be turned off but can be enabled in BIOS.
- If your machine is older, it might not have TPM 2.0 at all, meaning it can’t run Windows 11.
2. Your processor isn’t supported
- Even if your PC is fast, it may use an older Intel or AMD processor that Microsoft doesn’t support.
- Unlike TPM or Secure Boot, this isn’t something you can change—if your processor is incompatible, you’ll need a new device.
3. You don’t have enough RAM or storage
- RAM can often be upgraded if you have available slots. Adding more memory can extend your PC’s life.
- Storage upgrades are easy too—swapping an old HDD for an SSD can make a big difference.
If you’ve tried everything and your PC still doesn’t make the cut, you have two choices:
Your Options If You Can’t Upgrade to Windows 11
1. Replace Old Devices Now
If your PCs are already 4-5 years old, upgrading to new hardware is often the best option. Not only will they run Windows 11 smoothly, but newer devices are also:
✅ Faster – Boosting productivity.
✅ More energy-efficient – Saving electricity costs.
✅ More secure – Built with modern security features.
💡 Tip: If you’re replacing multiple devices, consider a hardware-as-a-service (HaaS) plan where you lease new devices instead of buying them outright.
2. Stick with Windows 10 (Temporarily) & Use Extended Security Updates (ESU)
Microsoft is offering paid security updates for Windows 10 after October 2025. However, this is not a long-term solution—it’s costly and meant for businesses that need more time to upgrade.
ESU pricing isn’t confirmed yet, but Microsoft typically doubles the cost each year. So staying on Windows 10 will get expensive fast.
3. Move to Cloud-Based Desktops (Windows 365)
If your hardware is aging but you’re not ready to invest in new PCs, Windows 365 Cloud PCs let you run Windows 11 on older machines by streaming a virtual desktop from the cloud.
This could be a great short-term fix, especially for remote workers who don’t need high-performance local machines.
Next Steps: Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
October 2025 might seem far away, but the best time to plan your upgrade is now. Many businesses are already replacing devices, and waiting too long could lead to:
❌ Supply chain delays – Getting new devices could take longer as demand increases.
❌ Rushed & costly last-minute purchases – You’ll have fewer options and might overpay.
❌ Security risks – Unsupported Windows 10 PCs will become prime targets for cybercriminals.
🔍 Need help assessing your devices? Our team can check your PCs, recommend upgrade options, and ensure a smooth transition to Windows 11.
📅 Book a free IT consultation today!
