List of processors compatible with Windows 11

With official support for Windows 10 scheduled to end in October 2025, many users are asking the same question: Will my current computer be able to upgrade to the new operating system? And the main question is always the same: Is my processor compatible with Windows 11?

The answer isn't as simple as having a fast PC. Microsoft introduced very specific hardware and security requirements that excluded many perfectly functional machines. In this guide, we'll give you the complete and up-to-date list of officially supported Intel and AMD processors and explain the other two crucial requirements that are often overlooked.

List of Intel processors compatible with Windows 11

Microsoft's official requirement for Intel processors is generally to have an 8th generation Intel processor or later. This requirement was established to ensure that the CPU has the modern security and virtualization technologies that Windows 11 leverages.

Here's a breakdown of the processor families compatible with Windows 11:

• Intel Core: All Core i3, i5, i7 and i9 series processors from the 8th generation onwards (those whose model number begins with 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14, such as the i7-8700K or i5-12600K).
• Intel Xeon: Most W-series workstation processors, as well as 3rd generation and later Xeon Scalable processors.
• Intel Pentium and Celeron: Only the most recent and specific models, generally from the Gold and Silver series (such as those based on the "Gemini Lake Refresh" architecture and later). Older models are excluded.
• Intel Atom: Only certain models designed for low-power devices and embedded systems.

List of AMD processors compatible with Windows 11

For AMD users, the official cutoff point is having an AMD processor from the Ryzen 2000 series or a Zen+ architecture or newer.

The list of AMD processors compatible with Windows 11 includes:

• AMD Ryzen: Virtually all processors in the Ryzen 3, 5, 7, and 9 series, starting from the 2000 series. This includes the popular 3000 series (Zen 2 architecture), 5000 series (Zen 3), 7000 series (Zen 4), and the more recent ones.
• AMD Athlon: More modern models such as the Athlon Gold, Silver and the 3000G series.
• AMD EPYC: Server processors from the 2nd generation (codename "Rome") and later.
• AMD Ryzen with Radeon graphics (APUs): Also from the 2000 series (such as the Ryzen 3 2200G).

You might be interested in: Find out if your processor is compatible with your motherboard!

Beyond the processor: the two key requirements you can't ignore

Having a Windows 11 compatible processor from the list above is just the first step. The real hurdle for most users with older PCs isn't the CPU, but two other mandatory security requirements.

1. Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0)

The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 is a physical security chip or firmware-based solution integrated into the motherboard. Its function is to protect your data using encryption keys and ensure system integrity. Windows 11 requires it for features like BitLocker.

The good news is that most computers manufactured since 2016-2017 already include it. The bad news is that, in many cases, it comes disabled by default in the BIOS/UEFI.

2. Secure Boot

Secure Boot is a security feature of UEFI (the modern interface that replaced the old BIOS). Its purpose is to ensure that your PC only boots from trusted (digitally signed) software, protecting you from boot-level malware such as rootkits.

Like the TPM, it is an essential requirement for installing Windows 11 and may also need to be manually enabled in the UEFI settings.

How to check if your PC is compatible with Windows 11

The simplest and most official way to clear up any doubts is to use Microsoft's own tool.

1. Download the "PC Health Check" application from the official Microsoft website.
2. Install and run it.
3. Click the "Check Now" button.

The tool will analyze your hardware in seconds and tell you if your computer is compatible. Best of all, if it isn't, it will tell you exactly which requirement you don't meet (CPU, TPM, Secure Boot, RAM, etc.), so you know what to fix.

What if my processor is not compatible with Windows 11?

If your processor isn't on the official list, Microsoft won't allow you to upgrade through the standard process and doesn't guarantee stability or the receipt of future security updates. While there are unofficial methods to upgrade Windows 11 without a compatible processor, you do so at your own risk. You could experience instability, driver issues, or miss out on critical security patches.

How can I tell if I have TPM 2.0 enabled?

The quickest way in Windows is to press the Windows key + R, type tpm.msc in the box, and press Enter. This will open the TPM Management Console. If the status is "TPM is ready for use," it means it's active. If you get an error, it's almost certainly disabled in the BIOS/UEFI.

My processor is compatible but I can't install Windows 11, why?

As we mentioned, the problem almost always lies with the other requirements. Use the PC Health Check tool to confirm. Most likely, you'll need to enter your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI to enable TPM 2.0 (sometimes called "PTT" on Intel motherboards or "fTPM" on AMD) and Secure Boot.

At Ecoportátil, we're an online store specializing in affordable refurbished computers. If you want to ensure a perfect experience, the best option is to choose laptops with Windows 11 already installed or buy a PC with Windows 11 that already meets all the factory requirements.