Which computers are capable of being upgraded to Windows 11?

 

Which computers are capable of being upgraded to Windows 11?

Is Windows 11 compatible with my computer? Microsoft hasn't made it easy to answer that question, as Windows 11's hardware requirements have been complicated, not least by the requirement for TPMs. Microsoft itself removed the PC Health Check app, which was one of the few ways to determine if your PC was ready for Windows 11.

Some PC manufacturers are simply stating whether your PC can be upgraded to Windows 11 or if you must purchase a new one. Links to the major PC manufacturers who have published such lists are provided below.

Windows 11-capable Acer PCs

Windows 11-capable Asus PCs

Dell PCs that are capable of running Windows 11

Windows 11-capable dynabook PCs

HP PCs capable of running Windows 11

Windows 11-capable Microsoft PCs

MSI PCs capable of running Windows 11

Windows 11-capable Razer PCs

Windows 11-capable Samsung PCs

As additional context, some have included FAQs or explanations of the Windows 11 hardware requirements. More information on this and other relevant Windows 11 topics can be found in our Windows 11 superguide.

Windows 11-capable Acer PCs

Acer is not currently emphasizing its existing PCs that can run Windows 11, as some of the other manufacturers on our list are. The company's Windows 11 page encourages potential customers to purchase the Acer Swift 3 and the various Acer Swift 3 models. We're not sure if Acer's Swift 3 (SF313-52-78W6) from 2020 will be eligible for Windows 11.Despite the fact that other manufacturers' cutoff dates appear to be in 2019 or so. We expect Acer's Swift 3x (2021) to be compatible with Windows 11, though Acer has yet to confirm this.

Windows 11-capable Asus PCs

Asus has released a general overview of Windows 11, including some of the features available in Microsoft's latest operating system. To be certain, you should look through this massive list of Asus PCs that will receive Windows 11. It is possible that you will need to click the appropriate tab at the top of the page.

Make sure you know your model number, which can be found on the bottom of the laptop, according to Asus. This is significant because PCs that qualify for Windows 11, such as the excellent Asus ROG Strix G15 Advantage Edition, can have model numbers that are unique to a particular retailer.

Dell PCs that are capable of running Windows 11

Dell provides a comprehensive, user-friendly list of Dell PCs that can run Windows 11, ranging from Alienware gaming desktops and laptops to its Vostro line and Precision workstations. Dell also has a handy Dell-specific Windows 11 FAQ, which states that all Dell PCs currently sold on Dell.com will be upgradeable to Windows 11 starting "late in 2021."(Microsoft has stated that Windows 10-to-11 upgrades will not be available until 2022, but OEM systems may be given preferential treatment.)

“If your device is not listed, Dell is not testing it, and drivers for that model will not be upgraded,” Dell says. “If your device ships with a version of Windows 11, drivers for that version are available, and testing is not required.”

We haven't checked every device on this list, but the Dell XPS 13 7390, which we reviewed in November 2019, appears to be the oldest XPS laptop that qualifies for Windows 11. Are you unsure which Dell PC you have? Dell's SupportAssist tool can be useful.

Windows 11-capable dynabook PCs

Dynabook, the smaller PC manufacturer that has taken over for Toshiba, hasn't revealed much about its Windows 11 plans. “Dynabook is excited about the arrival of Windows 11, and we look forward to adding it to our portfolio of world-class mobile computing solutions - Portégé, Tecra, and Satellite Pro,” the company said in a statement. However, the company has not stated when this will occur or whether any models will be excluded.

HP PCs capable of running Windows 11

On HP's Windows 11 website, there is a brief Windows 11 FAQ. There are two critical points: First, HP's introduction states that "our current Windows-based PCs will be upgradeable to Windows 11 when it becomes available later this year." Second, HP claims that PCs sold on its website will bear a "badge" indicating that they can be upgraded to Windows 11. When we asked for more information, HP representatives referred us back to Microsoft's Windows 11 hardware specifications.

According to HP's original press release, the following HP models will support Windows 11:

HP Spectre, HP Envy, and HP Pavilion PCs are “currently shipping,” including the HP Spectre x360 14, HP Envy x360 15, and the HP Pavilion All-in-One.

Omen and Victus gaming PCs from HP, including the Omen 16, Victus by HP 16, and Omen 30L desktop.

HP Pro and HP Elite laptops, including the HP Elite Dragonfly G2, are “selected.”

HP's press release does allow for the inclusion of PCs that do not appear on the list, such as older Omens. Looking for the Windows 11 badge on PCs sold on HP's website is your best bet. (From what we can tell, the badges have yet to appear.)

Lenovo PCs that are capable of running Windows 11

So far, Lenovo's promotion of Windows 11 has been limited to reproducing some of Microsoft's guidance via a Windows 11 FAQ, which clarifies certain aspects that we already know, such as whether it's free (it is) and so on.

Interestingly, if you search the site for "Windows 11," Lenovo.com's list of "Windows 11" search results includes what the page title lists as "Free Upgrade PCs to Windows 11 OS." You might expect some additional clarifying language on the page stating unequivocally that these PCs are eligible for Windows 11. That language is not currently available. According to our sources, the PCs on the page are eligible for Windows 11 upgrades.

Windows 11-capable Microsoft PCs

Microsoft was one of the first PC vendors to point out that several of its older Surface PCs couldn't run Windows 11, indicating that the company wasn't picking favorites with its new hardware requirements. As part of our previous story, we listed the Surfaces that are eligible for Windows 11. You're out of luck if you own an older Surface Pro tablet or a first-generation Surface Book.

You'd think Microsoft's online store would provide some information about whether the PCs it sells are Windows 11-compatible, but so far, no luck.

MSI PCs capable of running Windows 11

MSI has done an excellent job of clearly stating which of its PCs will support Windows 11, providing an extensive list of Windows 11-supported PCs as well as a FAQ (PDF). The latter information appears to have been obtained directly from Microsoft.

What's interesting is that MSI only lists desktops and all-in-one PCs as Windows 11 candidates. There isn't a single consumer laptop, such as the MSI GE76 Raider, on the list.

Windows 11-capable Razer PCs

In addition, Razer hasn't said much about Windows 11, and the company hasn't reserved any space on its website for Windows 11 information. We've asked Razer which of its PCs will be compatible with Windows 11, and we'll update this page once we know. The Razer Book 13 in 2021 and the Razer Blade Stealth in 2020 are both expected to be Windows 11 compatible.

Windows 11-capable Samsung PCs

We haven't found anything about Windows 11 from Samsung, including anything on the company's website. We've asked the company which Samsung PCs will be compatible with Windows 11, and we'll update the list as we learn more.

We anticipate that Samsung's Galaxy Book Pro 360, a 2021 laptop, will be an excellent candidate for Windows 11.

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