Share this article
Improve this guide
How to fix the aka.ms/windowssysreq error in Windows 11
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
During an installation or Windows 11 upgrade, there are many errors you may encounter. However, most common errors would require a few steps to fix. Before exploring fixes for a specific error code, you should try some of these general solutions.
The Windows 11 error aka.ms/windowssysreq will mostly be resolved using the fixes discussed in this article, without the need to buy a new computer with a pre-installed Windows 11 OS.
Ensuring that your system meets the minimum requirements for a Windows 11 upgrade is best to avoid complications during and after an upgrade.
How do you know if you PC meets the minimum requirements for an upgrade?
If you need to upgrade to Windows 11 and have Windows 10 already installed on your PC, you shoulddownload and run the PC Health Check appto verify that your computer can be upgraded.
This app accesses core components of the PC to identify which of them do not meet the requirements, and it links to some detailed procedures to make the PC meet minimum requirements.
Should you install Windows 11 on devices that do not meet the installation requirements?
It is not recommended to continue an installation or upgrade to Windows 11 if the computer does not meet the minimum requirements. Such an upgrade would cause errors due to compatibility issues.
One of the most significant drawbacks is the inability of such devices to receive updates, including important security updates.
In fact, fromMicrosofts disclaimerfor updates done on non-compatible devices, you should expect that any damages that the upgrade causes will not be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
How can I fix the aka.ms/windowssysreq error in Windows 11?
1. Remove all external hardware
Unplug all external hardware devices. These could include printers, headphones, speakers, USB flash drives, scanners, and external hard drives.
If your laptop is plugged into a docking station, it should be undocked before the installation.
2. Update your OS
3. Update hardware drivers
Updating drivers manually can be a time-consuming process, especially if you need to update multiple drivers, but there are specialized tools that can make this tedious process a lot faster.
Outbyte Driver Updateris one of these applications, and it will scan your PC for outdated drivers and update all of them automatically.
4. Uninstall any non-Microsoft antivirus
Note that the process of uninstalling an antivirus may differ between manufacturers, but generally, you should be able to perform an uninstall from the control panel following the explained steps.
5. Uninstall old and nonessential software
Removing applications manually isn’t always the best option because sometimes certain files and registry entries are left behind.
These files can create issues in the future, so if you want to completely remove an application, we suggest using specializeduninstaller software.
6. Check and Free up disk space
What do I do if Windows 11 malfunctions after an upgrade?
After an upgrade, you may experience some issues, especially if you have upgraded to a non-compatible PC. In such cases, you are recommended to downgrade back to Windows 10.
You will have this option available up to 10 days after the installation or upgrade was done. After this period, all files required for this process will be removed from your computer to free up additional space for other processes.
If you are curious to know what in-depth fixes apply to some specific installation failures, our guide onWindows 11 errors after an updateshould come in handy.
If you have any other questions about update errors on Windows 11, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below, and we’ll be sure to check them out.
More about the topics:System Errors,Windows 11 Fix
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.
