Windows 11 · Windows
Fix the “This PC can’t run Windows 11” message
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Run PC Health Check and address only the requirement it identifies, such as TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, storage, memory or an unsupported processor.
Check the Windows 11 compatibility result before changing anything
Identify the exact device, app, account, error, and affected feature for the Windows 11 compatibility result. Keep the current result visible or record it first, so the page's later actions can be tested against one clear starting point.
Use the supported controls for the Windows 11 compatibility result
Follow the specific control path in the next steps and change only the setting or component that matches the observed problem. Do not combine resets, driver changes, account changes, or third-party tools before checking the documented route.
Run PC Health Check
Install Microsoft's PC Health Check app and select Check now to see the exact eligibility result.
Compare the requirement
Compare the result with Microsoft's current CPU, TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot, memory and storage requirements.
Use manufacturer firmware guidance
If TPM or Secure Boot is supported but disabled, follow the PC manufacturer's exact UEFI instructions. Back up the BitLocker recovery key first.
Do not bypass unsupported hardware
If the processor or hardware is unsupported, use a supported Windows device rather than registry or installation-media bypasses.
Verify the result for the Windows 11 compatibility result
PC Health Check reports eligibility after a legitimate firmware change and Windows Update offers the supported path without registry bypasses. Repeat the original task once after reopening the relevant app or settings page, so a temporary screen refresh is not mistaken for a completed result.
Narrow down problems with the Windows 11 compatibility result
If TPM or Secure Boot cannot be enabled safely, the processor remains unsupported, firmware is unclear, or encryption recovery may be affected, stop broad resets and return to the last known state. Capture the exact error, versions, hardware or account scope, and failed step before using the linked official support channel.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If the Windows 11 compatibility result is unchanged after the documented check, return to the first observed condition and identify whether it affects one app, account, device, or every task before repeating steps.
- If the labels differ after an update or the device is managed, retain the exact condition and use the linked owner source before removing data, resetting Windows, or installing an unrelated tool.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.