How can you upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 if you get the error "This PC cannot run Windows 11". Here you will find the solution to your problem.
You may also see the following error:
- This PC must support TMP 1.2 / 2.0.
- This PC must support secure boot.
If you are encountering similar errors and wondering if you need to upgrade to new hardware to install Windows 11, this is the article you need.
What are the system requirements to install Windows 11
Interestingly, Windows 11's official system requirements aren't the most intensive, and most modern systems should support it right away. However, there are some updates from Windows 10.
The following are the system requirements to install and run Windows 11:
- 1GHz 64-bit processor
- 4 GB of RAM
- 64 GB of storage space
- System firmware that supports UEFI, compatible with Secure Boot
- Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2/2.0.
Now, if you meet the hardware spec and keep finding that this PC can't run Windows 11, you can fix it by changing some settings in the BIOS / UEFI setup.
What is UEFI boot mode
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is a boot method designed to replace the Basic Input Output System (BIOS). In legacy boot, the system uses BIOS firmware to boot.
In general, it is recommended to install Windows using the latest UEFI mode as it includes more security features such as Secure Boot than the legacy BIOS mode.
What are the causes of the error "The PC cannot run Windows 11"
This error occurs when running the PC Health Check app to check if your PC supports Windows 11 or trying to install Windows 11 from the bootable flash drive or using the installation file from the mounted ISO.
For Windows 11 to be compatible with your computer, it must support UEFI with Secure Boot and TPM 1.2 or 2.0 must be enabled.
Since Windows 11 requires a UEFI Secure Boot compliant system, the installation will not detect the required features if you installed Windows 10 via legacy boot mode.
This will trigger the error This PC cannot install Windows 11 since the system requirements are not met. Even if your PC supports both Secure Boot and TMP 2.0, you may need to enable them to resolve the error manually.
If you are using the legacy boot mode, you need to set the boot mode to UEFI in the BIOS setup to enable the secure boot feature (and potentially also enable TMP 1.2 / 2.0).
How to resolve the error "This PC cannot run Windows error 11"
To fix this error, you need to set the boot mode to UEFI and enable secure boot, then make sure that TPM 1.2 / 2.0 is enabled on the computer. Note that board names may vary between manufacturers, but instructions should be roughly translated from hardware to hardware.
Enable Secure Boot in Windows 10
Follow these steps to enable Secure Boot Compatibility in Windows 10.
- Close all open windows and save your work. Then shut down your PC.
- Restart the system and start pressing F2 to enter BIOS setup. Different laptop and PC manufacturers can use other function keys such as the F12, F10, F8 or Esc key to enter the BIOS. If you need help, check out our guide on for more tips.
- In the BIOS setup utility, use the arrow keys to open the tab Boot . Highlight Boot Mode and check if it is set to Legacy .
- To change the boot mode, press Enter while the is highlighted boot mode .
- Select UEFI from the options. Use the up and down arrow keys to select UEFI and press Enter to select the option.
- Then, open the tab Safety .
- Highlight the option Secure boot using the arrow keys and press Enter.
- Select Qualified to enable Secure Boot on your PC.
After enabling Secure Boot and UEFI in Boot Mode, make sure TPM 1.2 / 2.0 is also enabled for your PC. So, don't close the BIOS setup menu yet.
Enable TMP 1.2 / 2.0 to fix the error "This PC cannot install Windows 11"
The TMP 1.2 / 2.0 function is also accessible from the BIOS setup. Here's how to do it.
- In BIOS / UEFI, open the tab Safety .
- Scroll down and highlight the option Reliable platform technology and press Enter. On Intel laptops, you may see the option instead Intel Platform Trust Technology .
- Select Qualified and press Enter to apply the selection.
- Save changes and exit.
That's all. You have successfully enabled compatibility with Secure Boot and TMP 2.0 on Windows 10. Restart your PC, and install Windows 11 to see if the error is resolved.
