Windows 11 introduces new security and performance enhancements but comes with strict hardware requirements.
What Microsoft Says You Need vs. What You Actually Need
| |
Microsoft’s Official Minimum Requirements |
Real-World Minimums for Viable Performance |
| Processor |
1+ GHz with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or SoC (full list of approved CPUs) |
2+ cores at 1+ GHz (approved CPUs) |
| RAM |
4 GB minimum |
8 GB minimum |
| Storage |
64 GB minimum |
100 GB minimum |
| TPM |
TPM version 2.0
(Enable TPM 2.0 guide) |
TPM 2.0 |
In most modern business environments, the bare minimum specs won't cut it. While Microsoft’s requirements may technically allow an upgrade, the day-to-day performance may not be adequate—especially with modern workloads and multiple apps running concurrently.
DaaS and Virtualization Requirements
When moving to DaaS or a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), the numbers shift slightly:
For Virtualized Desktops:
- vCPU: Minimum 2 vCPU (4 vCPU preferred for power users)
- RAM: 8 GB minimum (16 GB for heavier applications)
- Storage: 85 GB to 125 GB depending on applications, data, and performance tuning
Note: These numbers apply to persistent virtual desktops. For session-based DaaS, which often runs Windows Server OS skinned to resemble Windows 10/11, hardware demands can differ significantly and are shared across users. To determine upgrade eligibility:
- Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool.
- Check your existing hardware lifecycle.
- Identify systems that require replacements or upgrades.
If a majority of your devices are not upgrade-eligible, alternative solutions such as DaaS should be explored.
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