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How to Check If Your PC Is Eligible for the Windows 11 25H2 Free Upgrade

Windows 11 upgrade is free for only windows 10 PCs that running most recent version and meet minimum hardware specifications. Here is windows 11 system requirements

Steve Ballmer

January 19, 2026

Windows 11 version 25H2 is rolling out with new features, performance improvements, and stronger security. Microsoft confirmed Windows 11 is a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs but only if your device meets the minimum system requirements. Before wasting time downloading large update files or tools, you should first check whether your PC can actually run Windows 11 25H2. In this article, we’ll quickly show you how to:

What is the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 25H2
Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to test compatibility
Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot if they are disabled in UEFI/BIOS
Finally get the free Windows 11 25H2 upgrade using Windows Update or official Microsoft tools

Follow the steps below and, in a few minutes, you’ll know for sure whether your PC is eligible for the Windows 11 25H2 free upgrade.

Contents

1 Windows 11 Minimum System Requirements
2 How to Get the Windows 11 25H2 Free Upgrade

Windows 11 Minimum System Requirements

According to Microsoft, your PC must meet the following minimum requirements to install Windows 11 version 25H2:

Processor: 64-bit architecture at 1 GHz or faster. Intel: eight-generation or newer (details); AMD Ryzen 3 or better (details); Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c or higher (details)
RAM: 4 GB or higher
Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device (SSD or HDD)
Graphics card: DirectX12 or later capable; WDDM 2.0 driver or newer
Display: High-def (720p) display, larger than 9” diagonal in size, 8 bits per color channel (or better)

In addition, Windows 11 requires a hardware security component called a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), along with UEFI firmware (no legacy BIOS allowed) and Secure Boot.

If your PC fails on CPU, RAM or TPM/Secure Boot, the upgrade may not be offered via Windows Update.

Microsoft officials explained that they want to set a standard for PC security with Windows 11 and that older devices are not supported because they lack these security features.

How to Check If Your PC Can Run Windows 11 (PC Health Check)

The easiest way to see if your Windows 10 PC is eligible for Windows 11 25H2 is to use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool.

First, download the PC Health Check app from its official site here (clicking this link will start the download).
Locate the tool on the download folder, right-click on it select Run as administrator,
Accept the terms and click on the installation button to begin the installation process.
Once done, you will see a screen with two checkboxes. Run the Open Windows PC Health Check, then click Finish.

PC Health Check tool

You will now see the “PC health at a glance” screen. Under the Introducing Windows 11 section, click the Check now button.

This will finish the process, and you will either get the “This PC meets Windows 11 requirements” or “This PC can’t run Windows 11” message.

Note: If your processor is supported but you don’t meet the TPM or Secure Boot requirements, you can enable TPM and Secure Boot following the steps below.

How to Enable TPM 2.0 for Windows 11

A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a hardware component that comes built into modern motherboards and, of course, can be used as an accessory. It’s a crypto-processor designed to add an extra layer of security to your computer by generating, storing, and limiting the usage of cryptographic keys.

Windows 11 requires TPM version 2.0 for enhanced security. Many modern PCs already include a TPM chip or firmware TPM, but it may be disabled by default.

Check if TPM 2.0 is available

Press the Windows key + R, type tpm.msc and click ok to open the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Management tool.
Expand Status and locate TPM Manufacturer Information to confirm TPM is present and its version.

If the device includes a TPM chip, then you’ll see the hardware information and its status. Otherwise, if it reads “Compatible TPM cannot be found,” then the chip is disabled on the UEFI, or your computer doesn’t have a compatible Trusted Platform Module.

To enable TPM 2.0 on your computer,

Press Windows key + I to open Settings, go to Update & Security, then click Recovery.
Under the “Advanced startup” section, click the Restart now button.
Next, click on Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options,
Click the UEFI Firmware settings option, then the restart button to enter the UEFI/BIOS setup.

TPM options are usually under Security, Advanced, or Boot tabs.
On AMD‑based systems, look for fTPM or AMD fTPM switch.
On Intel‑based systems, look for PTT (Platform Trust Technology) or Intel PTT.

Change the TPM/fTPM/PTT option from Disabled to Enabled. Save changes and exit (usually F10 or a Save & Exit option).

After Windows starts, press Windows key + R, type tpm.msc and press Enter again.
Confirm that the TPM is now present and the Specification Version shows 2.0.

If TPM 2.0 still isn’t available, your motherboard may not support it or you may need a separate TPM module. In that case, your PC may not be officially eligible for Windows 11.

How to Enable Secure Boot for Windows 11

Secure Boot is another security feature required by Windows 11. It helps make sure your PC only boots with trusted software from the manufacturer, protecting against certain types of malware.

Check if Secure Boot is present on your device:

To check if Secure Boot is present or enabled on the Windows 10 computer, follow the steps below

Press Windows key + R, type msinfo32 and click ok to open the system information window.
Click on system summary on the left, then look for “Secure Boot State” information.

You may see one of the following:

On – Secure Boot is already enabled (good for Windows 11).
Off – Secure Boot is available but disabled.
Unsupported – Your hardware/firmware does not support Secure Boot (older systems or legacy BIOS).

If Secure Boot is Off but not Unsupported, you can enable it from UEFI.

Again, access the advanced options, then select UEFI Firmware settings, then select the restart button.
Next, click the advanced, security, or boot settings page, depending on the motherboard. Select the “Secure Boot” option and choose the Enabled option.

Once back in Windows, open System Information (msinfo32) again. Confirm that Secure Boot State now shows On.

With TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot enabled, most modern Windows 10 PCs that meet CPU, RAM and storage requirements should pass the Windows 11 compatibility check.

How to Get the Windows 11 25H2 Free Upgrade

After confirming that your PC meets the requirements and passes PC Health Check, you can upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 using one of the official methods below.

Windows Update (Recommended)

At some point, you’ll be asked to download Windows 11, via an option that looks something like the screen below.

Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
Click Check for updates.
If your device is eligible, you’ll see an option like “Upgrade to Windows 11” or “Windows 11, version 25H2 is ready – and it’s free!”
Click Download and install.
Follow the on‑screen instructions and restart your PC when prompted.

This is the easiest and safest way, as Windows Update checks compatibility automatically.

Windows 11 Installation Assistant

If Windows Update doesn’t offer Windows 11 but PC Health Check says your PC is compatible, you can use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.

Go to Microsoft’s official Windows 11 download page.
Under Windows 11 Installation Assistant, click Download now.
Run the tool as administrator and accept the license terms.
The assistant will check compatibility again and then start downloading Windows 11 25H2.
Follow the prompts to complete the upgrade.

For a detailed, step‑by‑step guide, follow our article: Windows 11 Free Upgrade: Using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I check if my PC can run Windows 11?

Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool. It will scan your device and tell you whether it meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11 25H2, including CPU, RAM, storage, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot.

What are the minimum system requirements for Windows 11?

You need a compatible 64‑bit processor (8th Gen Intel / Ryzen 3 or newer in most cases), 4 GB or more RAM, 64 GB or more storage, DirectX 12 compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, TPM version 2.0, and an internet connection for updates and activation.

What if my PC doesn’t meet the requirements for Windows 11?

If your PC fails on CPU, TPM, Secure Boot, or other key requirements, you may not be able to upgrade officially to Windows 11. You can continue using Windows 10, which is supported until October 14, 2025, or consider upgrading your hardware.

Do I need to enable Secure Boot to run Windows 11?

Yes. Secure Boot is one of the official requirements for Windows 11. Most modern PCs support it, but you may need to enable it in your UEFI firmware settings.

Can I upgrade to Windows 11 if my PC has a compatible TPM 1.2 module?

No. Windows 11 requires TPM version 2.0. If your device only supports TPM 1.2 and has no firmware TPM 2.0 option, it will not be considered fully compatible.

Can I install Windows 11 if my CPU is not on Microsoft’s supported list?

Officially, no. Some users use workarounds to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, but Microsoft does not recommend this and such systems may not receive updates or support.

Can I run Windows 11 on a Mac using Boot Camp?

Windows 11 is not officially supported on all Mac models. For Intel‑based Macs, some users use workarounds, but you should check Apple’s documentation. On Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3), Windows 11 usually runs in a virtual machine (e.g., Parallels) rather than Boot Camp.