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Windows 10/11 Compatibility Checker: How to Use This Tool
Run the Compatibility Checker to see if your PC handles an OS upgrade.
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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As obsolete versions of Windows no longer receive support fromMicrosoft, users are forced to upgrade toWindows 10, respectively 11.
There are countless reasons why the latter option is preferred, so many users are treating it as the default anyway.
Of course, migrating to a new OS isn’t all that simple, since you first have to make sure that your hardware can handle it.
WhileWindows 10is optimized to run on older systems, it is better to be safe than sorry.
The first thing that may come to mind would be to simply go online and check out what are the minimumsystem requirementsforWindows 10as well as for Windows 11.
You can visitMicrosoft’s official siteand check the system requirements presented there. Feel free to also check out the Microsoft list with theWindows 11 system specificationsand more.
Keep in mind that these slightly change over the years. As hardware gets more affordable and accessible, the prices also fluctuate, therefore newer machines will be equipped with more powerful components.
Since Microsoft said that they’ve decided to continuously update Windows, more features will be added, thus it might affect the system requirements.
How do I use a Windows 10/11 compatibility checker?
To make things easier for you, here is a list of the current system requirements:
While that is indeed a good way to start, there are certain aspects that need to be observed in order to see if your new hardware is fully compatible withWindows 10or 11 as it was withWindows 7.
Using aWindows 10compatibility checker is fairly easy and self-explanatory.Microsofthas one, and it is known as the Update Assistant or the Media Creation Tool.
This tool is extremely easy to acquire and use, as you will see from the steps below.
Keep in mind that this is the same set of steps that you need to take when upgrading your PC fromWindows 7toWindows 10.
The only difference here is that you don’t have to go all the way with the process.
How do I check my computer for Windows 10 compatibility?
If you are looking to upgrade your OS to Windows 10, you can use Media Creation Tool from Microsoft. It is compatibility center also known asUpdate Assistant.
Media Creation Tool can scan your PC and evaluate whether it can run Windows 10, and then it can also help you install it.
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DownloadWindows 10 Media Creation Tool.
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After the download is finished, launch the program.
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On the License terms page, selectAccept.
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On theWhat do you want to do?page, selectUpgrade this PC now.
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If the program detects that your PC is too old to runWindows 10, it will send you a notification, and stop right there. If you don’t get any notification, it means that the system is compatible and that you can upgrade to Windows 10 without worries.
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Follow the on-screen instructions to upgrade to Windows 10.
Another thing you should remember is that if you want to use theMedia Creation toolto upgrade toWindows 10, you will need to also have aWindows 10license key at your disposal, in order to activate it.
Do you find these methods of checking system compatibility useful? Let us know what other methods you use in the comment section below.
More about the topics:PC Health Check,windows 10 upgrade
Teodor Nechita
Eager to help those in need, Teodor writes articles daily on subjects regarding Windows, Xbox, and all things tech-related.
When not working, you may usually find him either at the gym or taking a stroll in the park, trying to find inspiration for the next articles he may write.
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