Windows 11 Hardware Requirements: Upgrade Checklist for Australian PCs and Laptops

Wondering if your computer meets the Windows 11 hardware requirements? This guide shows Brisbane users how to check, and what to upgrade if it doesn’t. Not sure if your PC can run Windows 11? Use our Aussie checklist, costs and tips. We can upgrade your gear and protect your data.

Key takeaways

• Must-haves: TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, UEFI firmware, supported CPU, 4GB+ RAM and 64GB+ storage.
• Quick wins: add RAM and an SSD for speed and smoother upgrades.
• Often fixable: enable firmware TPM (Intel PTT/AMD fTPM) and Secure Boot in BIOS/UEFI.
• Big upgrades: CPU/motherboard swaps are possible but weigh costs vs a new PC.
• Back up before changes. Storms and power blips in Brisbane can corrupt updates.

What it is and core concept: Windows 11 hardware requirements

Definition

Windows 11 hardware requirements are the minimum parts and settings your PC needs to install and run Windows 11. In plain English: a supported CPU (Intel 8th Gen+ or AMD Ryzen 2000+), 4GB or more RAM, 64GB or more storage, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, UEFI firmware, and a DirectX 12-capable GPU. TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is a security chip or built‑in firmware that stores keys. Secure Boot stops dodgy code at start‑up.

Why it matters

Windows 10 support ends in 2025. For banking, myGov, school work and small business tools around Brisbane, staying on a supported system is safer and smoother. The checks also show if a small upgrade (like RAM or an SSD) can give your older machine a second life, saving cash and e‑waste.

How it works and step-by-step

Process

1) Run the PC Health Check tool to get a quick yes/no.
2) Check TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in Windows settings or BIOS/UEFI.
3) Confirm CPU generation and model; compare to supported lists.
4) If blocked, enable fTPM/PTT and Secure Boot, then recheck.
5) Plan upgrades: RAM/SSD first; CPU/motherboard only if it’s worth it.
6) Back up, update BIOS if needed, then upgrade or install Windows 11.

Featured answer

To run Windows 11 you need a supported CPU, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, UEFI, 4GB+ RAM and 64GB+ storage. Check TPM and Secure Boot in Windows Security and System Information. Enable firmware TPM (PTT/fTPM) and Secure Boot in BIOS, add RAM/SSD if needed, back up data, then install.

How to check TPM 2.0, Secure Boot and CPU compatibility

– TPM: Press Windows key + R, type tpm.msc. It should say “TPM ready” and version 2.0. If not, reboot into BIOS/UEFI and enable Intel PTT or AMD fTPM.
– Secure Boot: In Windows, open System Information. “Secure Boot State: On” is what you want. If Off and “BIOS Mode: Legacy”, switch to UEFI and enable Secure Boot in BIOS.
– CPU: In Task Manager or System Information, note your processor model. Intel needs 8th Gen or newer; AMD needs Ryzen 2000 (Zen+) or newer. Older chips may pass with workarounds, but it’s not recommended.

Quick wins: RAM and SSD upgrades to meet requirements

Many Brisbane PCs already support TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot but feel slow. A simple RAM upgrade to 8–16GB and an SSD (500GB–1TB) makes Windows 11 snappy. Laptops with SATA HDDs benefit most. Desktop upgrades are fast and affordable, and your files can be cloned across to reduce downtime.

When a CPU or motherboard upgrade makes sense

If your CPU is Intel 6th/7th Gen or older, or AMD pre‑Ryzen, a motherboard+CPU+RAM bundle may be smarter than buying a new tower. Re‑use your case, PSU and drives if they’re solid. For small businesses, consider warranty and downtime; sometimes a new unit with Windows 11 preinstalled is better.

Costs in Australia: parts, labour and expected turnaround

– RAM: 8GB DDR4 $35–$55; 16GB $65–$120.
– SSD: 500GB SATA/NVMe $49–$89; 1TB $95–$149.
– Motherboard + CPU + 16GB RAM bundle: $350–$700+ depending on tier.
– Labour in Brisbane: workshop installs usually $99–$160; onsite $140–$190 per hour. Simple RAM/SSD jobs are often done same day. Motherboard swaps and data moves commonly take 1–2 business days, including testing and updates.

Data protection before any upgrade or reinstall

Always back up. Use an external drive or cloud for Documents, Desktop, Photos, email files and accounting data. If using BitLocker, note your recovery key. During storm season, avoid doing BIOS updates without stable power. We recommend a full image backup before motherboard or OS changes.

Unsupported installs: risks, workarounds and why to avoid them

You can bypass checks on some older PCs, but it may block future updates, reduce security and break features like Windows Hello. Drivers for older chipsets can be flaky. For home and business in SEQ, a supported path (enable TPM/Secure Boot, upgrade parts, or replace the device) is safer and more stable.

Common problems in Brisbane

Weather and infrastructure

• Summer heat and humidity cause thermal throttling, random shut‑offs and drive errors. Clean dust and check fans before big updates.
• Storms bring power dips. BIOS flashes or OS installs can fail mid‑way. Use a surge protector or do upgrades at a workshop.
• Older buildings in West End and New Farm often have weak power and older cabling. Downloads and activations may fail; a stable link helps.
• NBN quirks: HFC outages in bayside areas and FTTN dropouts in older suburbs can interrupt large Windows downloads. Pause and resume to avoid corruption.

Troubleshooting and quick checks

Short answer

If the checker says your PC is not ready, enable TPM (Intel PTT or AMD fTPM) and Secure Boot in BIOS, switch from Legacy to UEFI, add RAM to 8–16GB, install an SSD, then re‑test. Back up first. If BIOS is outdated, update it only with stable power.

Quick checks

– Press Windows key + R, type tpm.msc. Look for “TPM 2.0”.
– Open System Information. Check “BIOS Mode: UEFI” and “Secure Boot State: On”.
– Check storage space: 30–40GB free is sensible for upgrades.
– Check CPU model in Task Manager. Confirm it’s Intel 8th Gen+ or AMD Ryzen 2000+.
– If HDD is installed, plan an SSD; it greatly improves the upgrade experience.

Safety notes and when to call a pro

Red flags

Stop and get help if your PC has BitLocker and you don’t have the recovery key; BIOS updates fail or power is unstable; you see RAID or unusual boot setups; you’re unsure about standoffs, thermal paste or ESD safety; or your laptop needs a glued or riveted teardown. Data first, then upgrades.

Local insights and examples

Brisbane/SEQ examples

We often see Intel 7th Gen towers in Carindale that pass once PTT and Secure Boot are enabled, but some still need a CPU board swap. In Chermside, swapping a 1TB SSD into a mid‑range laptop turns a slow Windows 10 system into a smooth Windows 11 machine. In Ipswich and Logan, dusted‑up desktops throttle badly; a clean, fresh paste, extra RAM and an SSD usually do the trick. During storm season across the Redlands and the northside, we schedule BIOS updates in our workshop to avoid outages.

FAQs

Q1: How do I quickly tell if my PC supports Windows 11?

Run the PC Health Check tool. Then check System Information for “BIOS Mode: UEFI” and “Secure Boot State: On”. Open tpm.msc and confirm TPM 2.0. Verify your CPU is Intel 8th Gen+ or AMD Ryzen 2000+. If any step fails, enable settings in BIOS or plan a small hardware upgrade.

Q2: Do I need an SSD for Windows 11?

It’s not a strict rule, but an SSD makes a huge difference. Upgrades finish faster and the system feels much quicker. If you still run a hard drive, moving to a 500GB–1TB SSD is the best bang‑for‑buck upgrade alongside adding RAM.

Q3: Can I install Windows 11 without TPM 2.0?

There are workarounds, but we don’t recommend them. You may miss updates, weaken security and hit driver issues. A safer path is enabling firmware TPM in BIOS or upgrading parts. If that’s not possible, staying on Windows 10 until replacement time is the better choice.

Sources and further reading

Key references include Microsoft’s supported CPU lists, the PC Health Check app, and Windows Security TPM info. BIOS/UEFI settings vary by brand (ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, Dell, HP, Lenovo). Windows 10 support ends in 2025; plan upgrades or replacements early to avoid rushed decisions.

Wrap-up and next steps

Check TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, UEFI and your CPU. If parts fall short, start with RAM and an SSD. For bigger gaps, weigh a board+CPU bundle against a new PC. Back up first, and time upgrades around Brisbane’s storm season. Need hands-on help? Service:
Computer Upgrades & Hardware Installation