When using the PC Health Check tool to determine if you can upgrade your Surface device to Windows 11, you may receive a negative response. Microsoft does not permit older Surface devices to be upgraded to the new operating system. This article provides comprehensive information on the topic.

Unable to Upgrade Surface to Windows 11

On June 24, 2021, Microsoft announced its next-generation operating system, Windows 11. While it hasn't been officially released yet and is expected later this year, users can utilize the PC Health Check app to verify if their current computer satisfies the system requirements for Windows 11. If it does, users will be able to obtain a free upgrade when it becomes available.

Note: For additional insights into this new operating system, refer to MiniTool's previous article titled "Windows 11 Leak Information: Release Date, New UI, Start Menu."

However, an error message stating "This PC can’t run Windows 11" often appears after testing certain devices. Despite meeting all the prerequisites, including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot support, and exceeding the minimum system requirements, these machines are unable to run Windows 11. Even Microsoft Surface devices are excluded from the update.

Older Microsoft Surface Devices Are Excluded from Upgrading to Windows 11

If you're wondering whether you can upgrade your Surface device to Windows 11, continue reading this section.

In response to inquiries regarding which Surface devices qualify for Windows 11, a Microsoft representative listed only five legacy devices and the latest versions of each Surface series in an email.

Out of approximately 25 different Surface models shipped by Microsoft, only 13 models are compatible with Windows 11. Most Surface Pro tablets are ineligible for Windows 11 updates. Additionally, Surface Hub and Surface Studio users cannot install Windows 11 on their devices. In essence, any Surface device released before 2017 does not support Windows 11 updates.

Surfaces That Can Be Upgraded to Windows 11

Here is a list of Surface devices that are eligible for Windows 11:

• Surface Pro 7
• Surface Pro 7
• Surface Pro 6
• Surface Pro X
• Surface Laptop 4 13.5”
• Surface Laptop 4 15”
• Surface Laptop 3 13.5”
• Surface Laptop 3 15”
• Surface Laptop 2
• Surface Laptop Go
• Surface Book 3
• Surface Book 2: Only models equipped with 8th-gen Intel CPUs
• Surface Go 2

How to Upgrade Surface to Windows 11

If your Surface device is on the aforementioned list, you can upgrade it to Windows 11. Although the official release date has not been announced, a leaked preview build is available online. You can download the ISO file of Windows 11 and install it on your device to experience its features ahead of time.

To upgrade your Surface device to Windows 11, create a bootable USB flash drive using the ISO file, boot the PC from the drive, and initiate a clean installation.

1. Select a language, time and currency format, as well as a keyboard or input method.
2. Click Install Now.
3. Choose I don’t have a product key.
4. Decide where to install Windows 11.
5. Choose an edition of Windows 11.
6. After agreeing to the license terms, select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
7. Wait for some time. Once the installation is complete, set up the computer.

For more information, consult the [Graphic Guide]: What’s Windows 11 & How to Install Windows 11.

Final Thoughts

Microsoft cannot upgrade certain older Surface devices to Windows 11, and this article outlines relevant details. If your Surface meets the criteria, follow the steps provided to easily upgrade to Windows 11.

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