Many users are eager to upgrade to Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft. But not all devices are eligible. Some people face issues during the upgrade process, while others don’t see the option in Windows Update at all.
This guide explains the most common reasons behind upgrade problems and offers clear steps to help you fix them.
Can Your PC Run Windows 11?
Microsoft set specific system requirements for Windows 11. If your device doesn’t meet them, the upgrade won’t appear. These limits are based on security, speed, and performance standards.
Make sure your system matches this list:
- A 64-bit processor with 1 GHz speed or faster and at least 2 cores
- 4 GB or more of RAM
- 64 GB or more of storage
- TPM version 2.0 enabled
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot enabled
- A graphics card that supports DirectX 12 or newer
You can check this using the PC Health Check tool, available on Microsoft’s official site. It tells you if your system meets the upgrade rules.
Reason 1: Your PC Doesn’t Meet the Minimum Requirements
If your computer is older, it might lack support for key features.
Some common hardware blocks include:
- Processors not on the approved list, like Intel 6th or 7th Gen or AMD FX series
- Memory lower than 4 GB
- No TPM chip, or only TPM 1.2 instead of TPM 2.0
- Legacy BIOS instead of UEFI, or Secure Boot turned off
These requirements are not just technical. Microsoft added them to increase device security and improve how well Windows runs on each system.
Reason 2: TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot Is Disabled
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and Secure Boot help protect your system against threats. They must be turned on to install Windows 11.
You can check TPM by pressing Windows + R, typing tpm.msc, and hitting Enter. It will show whether TPM is available and which version your system supports.
To enable TPM and Secure Boot:
- Restart your PC and enter BIOS or UEFI settings
- Look for options named “TPM,” “PTT,” or “fTPM” depending on your motherboard
- Turn on Secure Boot in the Boot section
- Save changes and reboot your PC
Settings and labels can vary by brand. Some boards from ASUS, Gigabyte, Dell, or HP may use different terms for these features.
Reason 3: Your CPU Is Not on Microsoft’s Supported List
Even if your processor is fast, it may not be supported. Microsoft’s upgrade list includes only certain CPUs for reliability reasons.
Unsupported models include:
- Intel Core i5-7400
- Intel Core i7-6700HQ
- AMD Ryzen 1000 series
- AMD A-series and older Athlon chips
You can check your current processor in Settings > System > About. Then compare it to Microsoft’s list of supported processors available on their website.
Reason 4: Windows Update Doesn’t Show the Upgrade Option
Even if your device meets all the upgrade requirements, the Windows 11 update may not appear in Windows Update. This can happen because Microsoft releases updates in stages, and your device might not be included in the current rollout. It’s also possible that driver or compatibility checks are delaying the upgrade. Using a local account instead of a Microsoft account can cause the option to stay hidden.
In some cases, damaged update files or system configuration problems may prevent the upgrade from showing. If you don’t want to wait, you can use Microsoft’s Installation Assistant to start the upgrade manually.
Reason 5: Using an Outdated Windows 10 Version
If your PC is running an older version of Windows 10, it might not support the upgrade to Windows 11. Versions such as 1803, 1809, or 1903 don’t have the necessary updates that Windows 11 requires. To fix this, go to Settings, open Update & Security, and check Windows Update. Install any pending updates and restart your computer.
After that, check again to see if the Windows 11 upgrade becomes available. Updating Windows 10 not only adds needed features but can also fix system issues that block the upgrade.
How to Fix Upgrade Issues and Install Windows 11?
If you’ve checked all the reasons above and still can’t install Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Run Microsoft’s PC Health Check app
- Update your BIOS if needed and enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot
- Install the latest version of Windows 10
- Visit Microsoft’s website and download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant
- Use the Media Creation Tool to download the ISO file and create a bootable USB
- Perform a clean install if needed (back up your files first)
These steps work on most compatible systems. Use only official Microsoft tools to avoid errors and fake software.
Is It Safe to Force Windows 11 on Unsupported PCs?
Some users choose to install Windows 11 using unofficial methods on devices that don’t meet the system requirements. While this can give access to the new version, it also brings certain risks.
Pros include getting access to new features, an improved visual interface, and slightly better performance in some modern applications.
Cons involve the lack of guaranteed updates from Microsoft. Security patches may be missed, certain drivers might stop working, and some features may fail. There’s also a chance that Microsoft could block unsupported devices in future updates.
If your computer is used for important work or daily tasks, it’s safer to stick with Windows 10 until your device meets the official upgrade standards.
When to Contact Microsoft Support?
If you’ve tried all the fixes and still can’t upgrade to Windows 11, it may be time to contact Microsoft Support. You should reach out if your system doesn’t detect TPM, if you’re getting repeated upgrade errors, if the Installation Assistant won’t launch, or if your Windows license doesn’t activate after the upgrade.
Before contacting support, prepare the following: your PC’s model and serial number, the current Windows version and build, screenshots of the issue, and any error messages or codes you’ve received. You can submit a support request through Microsoft’s official website or use their live chat for faster help.
Conclusion
If you can’t upgrade to Windows 11, the problem usually comes from your device not meeting system requirements or settings like TPM being turned off. Most of these can be fixed by checking BIOS options, updating your system, or downloading official tools.
Still facing problems? Share your situation in the comments below. Someone else may have solved the same issue you’re dealing with.
Published on May 15, 2025 under .
