Windows 11 Compatibility Guide
Microsoft released the Windows 11 operating system on October 5, 2021. It is their first major release since Windows 10 in 2015. As technology advances, hardware and software compatibility changes, as well. So, in this guide, we’ll provide you with the latest Windows 11 compatibility information as well as guidance on whether or not you should upgrade.
NOTE: This article covers AMD and Intel processor compatibility. If you have a Windows on Arm or Copilot+ PC, please visit our Windows on Arm Compatibility Guide.
- Should I upgrade to Windows 11?
- Windows 11 minimum system requirements
- Windows 11 PC hardware compatibility
- Windows 11 software manufacturer compatibility list
Should I upgrade to Windows 11?
If you are using your first Windows PC or you haven’t upgraded your OS in a while, you should review every step before deciding whether or not to upgrade. If any part of your system is incompatible, then you won’t be able to install Windows 11. However, Microsoft will be supporting Windows 10 until October 14, 2025, so there isn’t any immediate need to upgrade your software or hardware.
Windows 11 minimum system requirements
Just like every other piece of PC software, your Windows computer must meet the minimum requirements. Unlike Windows 10 and below, Windows 11 is more specific. Here are the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. Once you review them, continue to Windows 11 PC hardware compatibility for more details.
- 1GHz processor with two or more cores on a compatible processor or system on a chip (SoC)
- 4GB of RAM
- 64GB+ of hard drive space for installation. Microsoft recommends more space for future updates and specific features
- UEFI, Secure Boot compatible
- TPM version 2.0
- 720p display with a monitor greater than 9″
- Internet connection — this is necessary, as you must create a Microsoft account to complete the OS setup on your PC
64-bit processors only
Windows 11 will only be released for 64-bit systems, so computers with a 32-bit processor will not be able to upgrade. However, 32-bit programs can still be used in the 64-bit environment.
Windows 11 PC hardware compatibility
Microsoft has updated hardware requirements to make PCs more secure on Windows 11. Because of this, minimum hardware specs are stricter. So, before you install Windows 11, you’ll first need to check to see if your PC’s motherboard and processor are compatible with the new OS.
If you have a computer built within the past two years (2018 or later), then Windows 11 will more than likely work fine. Custom-built PCs are harder to predict simply because there can be so many different variations of motherboards, processors, and GPUs. So, before you try to upgrade to Windows 11, use the free Microsoft PC Health Check app to see whether or not your PC is compatible. Once you’ve confirmed that your machine is fully compatible, please continue to our Windows 11 Download and Install Guide.
Microsoft’s PC Health Check app will tell you whether or not your computer is compatible but may not provide detailed information as to why. The WhyNotWin11 application will provide more detail regarding your hardware compatibility to help narrow things down a bit more.
- Download the PC Health Check app from Microsoft.
- Navigate to your Downloads folder and launch the installer. If prompted, allow the program to run.
- When the PC Health Check app is launched, click Check now.
- A pop-up window will appear that will tell you whether or not your computer is compatible.
- Click See all results for more detailed information on what components are and are not compatible.
Click the image to download the PC Health Check application from Microsoft.
Windows 11 software manufacturer compatibility list
IMPORTANT
Windows 11 was released on October 5th, 2021, and manufacturers are working hard to make sure their software and hardware are compatible. Please check back often for the most up-to-date Windows 11 compatibility and support information.
Live 10.1.42, Live 11, and Live 12 are fully compatible with Windows 11. Check out Ableton’s support page to learn more.
Windows Compatibility with Live
Windows Compatibility with Live
Make sure that your system meets the Windows 11 requirements (compatible editor version and hardware)
Acon apps and plugins are compatible with Windows 11.
Contact Acon Digital tech support at this link.
Contact Acon Digital tech support at this link.
System Requirements for Mixcraft 9 Recording Studio and Mixcraft 9 Pro Studio:
Windows 7 SP1, 8, 10 or 11 (64 or 32-bit)
8 GB RAM
1.8 GHz Dual Core CPU (Quad Core or higher recommended)
Sound card, USB, or Firewire sound device
Mixcraft 9 Pro Studio requires Internet access for Voltage Modular Ignite and Melodyne activation.
Voltage Modular Ignite (included in Mixcraft Pro Studio) requires 64-bit Windows and 64-bit Mixcraft.
Windows 7 SP1, 8, 10 or 11 (64 or 32-bit)
8 GB RAM
1.8 GHz Dual Core CPU (Quad Core or higher recommended)
Sound card, USB, or Firewire sound device
Mixcraft 9 Pro Studio requires Internet access for Voltage Modular Ignite and Melodyne activation.
Voltage Modular Ignite (included in Mixcraft Pro Studio) requires 64-bit Windows and 64-bit Mixcraft.
Akai Professional encourages all their users to remain on their current Windows OS until all necessary hardware and software products have been qualified for use with the new Windows 11 operating system.
Akai Pro | Windows 11 Compatibility
Akai Pro | Windows 11 Compatibility
Alesis encourages all their users to remain on their current Windows OS until all necessary hardware and software products have been qualified for use with the new Windows 11 operating system.
Alesis | Windows 11 Compatibility
Alesis | Windows 11 Compatibility
https://www.antarestech.com/os-compatibility/
Following the release of Microsoft’s Windows 11, we’ve conducted a series of tests on our instruments and we’ve have found no issues with either the standalone applications or the plug-ins.
AAS Windows 11 Compatibility
AAS Windows 11 Compatibility
We’re pleased to announce that our products are fully compatible with Windows 11. This includes individual instruments, effects, and utilities.
Audient products are fully compatible with Windows 11.
Audified products are compatible. Please make sure you have downloaded the latest update
Audified Downloads
Audified Downloads
All SWAM instruments should be compatible with any host or DAW supporting VST / Audio Units / AAX formats that is compatible with Windows 11.
Avid Pro Tools version 2022.4 and higher is compatible with Windows 11.
Avid Pro Tools Operating System Compatibility Chart
Avid Sibelius version 2022.3 and higher is compatible with Windows 11.
Avid Sibelius Operating System Compatibility Chart
For Avid Media Composer compatibility information, please follow this link.
Avid Media Composer System Requirements
Avid Pro Tools Operating System Compatibility Chart
Avid Sibelius version 2022.3 and higher is compatible with Windows 11.
Avid Sibelius Operating System Compatibility Chart
For Avid Media Composer compatibility information, please follow this link.
Avid Media Composer System Requirements
U-Phoria UMC audio interfaces gained Windows 11 support with Behringer’s driver version 5.30.0.
Download the latest driver from Behringer’s UMC product pages.
Download the latest driver from Behringer’s UMC product pages.
Best Service’s sound libraries and the Best Service Engine are compatible with Windows 11. Best Service provides VST, AAX and AU plugins that are compatible with Native Instruments Kontakt 6.6 and higher, which is in turn compatible with Windows 11.
For the latest Best Service product updates, please follow this link.
For the latest Best Service product updates, please follow this link.
Big Fish’s loop and sample libraries are used within third-party DAWs and so they should work with Windows 11 if they are running in a Windows 11-compatible DAW.
The Big Fish Momentum plugin is available in AAX and VST formats, but Big Fish does not provide official support for Windows 11.
Big Fish Momentum
The Big Fish Momentum plugin is available in AAX and VST formats, but Big Fish does not provide official support for Windows 11.
Big Fish Momentum
Current Compatability updated here.
System requirements
CPU: Dual Core AMD or Intel CPU or faster with SSE4.1 Support
Display: Min 1280 x 768 pixel screen resolution
RAM: Min 4GB RAM
Disk Space: Min 12GB free disk space (for full content installation).
Internet Connection: Decent connection to download bundled content (not included with installer).
System requirements
CPU: Dual Core AMD or Intel CPU or faster with SSE4.1 Support
Display: Min 1280 x 768 pixel screen resolution
RAM: Min 4GB RAM
Disk Space: Min 12GB free disk space (for full content installation).
Internet Connection: Decent connection to download bundled content (not included with installer).
The latest updates of all Blue Cat Audio plug-ins (except the Remote Control) are compatible with Windows 11.
Make sure your DAW is compatible with Windows 11.
MacOS 12 Monterey and Windows 11 Support
Make sure your DAW is compatible with Windows 11.
MacOS 12 Monterey and Windows 11 Support
Many Boss products are compatible with Windows 11. For a detailed list of products, follow this link:
Boss Compatibility With Windows 11
Boss Compatibility With Windows 11
Celemony Melodyne is compatible with Windows 11
Celemony Melodyne System Requirements: Technical Matters
Celemony Melodyne System Requirements: Technical Matters
Cinesamples sound libraries run on Native Instruments Kontakt. They will be compatible with Windows 11 if they are run on the newest version of Native Instruments Kontakt that supports Windows 11.
Cinesamples Product Compatibility & Version Chart
Cinesamples Product Compatibility & Version Chart
Cre8audio’s NiftyKEYZ provides MIDI over USB. its connection is class-compliant on Windows, meaning that no custom driver is required. Therefore NiftyKEYZ is compatible with Windows 11.
D16 provides plugins in VST and AAX formats. D16 products should be Windows 11-compatible if they are run in a DAW which is itself Windows 11-compatible.
– D16 Full Compatibility Chart
– D16 Full Compatibility Chart
Denon DJ encourages all users to remain on their current Windows OS until all necessary hardware and software products have been qualified for use with Windows 11.
Denon DJ | Windows 11 Compatibility
Denon DJ | Windows 11 Compatibility
EastWest software is compatible with Windows 11.
Empirical Labs software is compatible with Windows 7 and above.
All Eventide and Newfangled Audio plug-ins are compatible with Windows 11.
FabFilter products are compatible with Windows 11 on DAWs that are themselves compatible with Windows 11.
Download the latest updated plugins at this link
Download the latest updated plugins at this link
OS Compatibility
Windows 10 / 11 – 64bit only
Windows 10 / 11 – 64bit only
All current Focusrite products have been tested and are compatible with Windows 11. Some older products will not be supported.
Focusrite product compatibility with Windows 11
Focusrite product compatibility with Windows 11
With regard to BFD, FXPansion encourages their users to remain on their current Windows OS until all necessary hardware and software products have been qualified for use with the new Windows 11 operating system.
After thorough testing with our Finale notation and Garritan products, we have not found anything in Windows 11 that prevents the programs from operating as expected. Windows 11 is considered a supported OS within our system requirements.
Fore a full list of system requirements for notation products, please **click here.**
Fore a full list of system requirements for notation products, please **click here.**
GetGood Drums’ products are VST/AU/AAX plugins which should be compatible with Windows 11 when run inside a DAW that is itself Windows 11-compatible.
GetGood Drums’ drum libraries run inside Native Instruments Kontakt and should be compatible when used with a version of Kontakt which is Windows 11-compatible.
GetGood Drums’ drum libraries run inside Native Instruments Kontakt and should be compatible when used with a version of Kontakt which is Windows 11-compatible.
No information about Windows compatibility is provided on the GForce website. Contact GForce technical support with questions.
Heavyocity provides sound libraries and instruments that run in Native Instruments Kontakt. Heavyocity products should be Windows 11-compatible if they are run in a version of Kontakt which is Windows 11-compatible.
iConnectivity’s support information states that Windows 10 is the most recent version currently officially support.
What Operating Systems do iConnectivity interfaces work with?
What Operating Systems do iConnectivity interfaces work with?
Ilio makes sound libraries which run within Spectrasonics products. Ilio libraries will work correctly with the latest versions of Spectrasonics products that are compatible with Windows 11.
– ILIO Product Frequently Asked Questions
– ILIO Product Frequently Asked Questions
FL Studio is compatible with Windows 11.
Image Line Knowledge Base: FL Studio compatibility with Windows 11
Image Line Knowledge Base: FL Studio compatibility with Windows 11
Most iZotope products are compatible with Windows 11.
The only products that aren’t currently compatible are Stutter Edit, Iris 2, Vinyl, and Trash.
The only products that aren’t currently compatible are Stutter Edit, Iris 2, Vinyl, and Trash.
Keith McMillen editor apps are compatible with Windows 11.
USB Audio Driver must be installed (restart is suggested) before using editor on Windows 11.
Download the latest versions at this link.
USB Audio Driver must be installed (restart is suggested) before using editor on Windows 11.
Download the latest versions at this link.
Many Korg products are compatible with Windows 11. Please visit their compatibility chart for more information.
We do not yet have official support for Windows 11, as we are still testing in house with our engineers.
From operation tests and feedback thus far: Kurzweil 3000 v16/v20 and Kurzweil 1000 v14 will install and register without issue and the general functions operate as expected. See below for the current known issues.
Known issues:
Windows 11 does not have the “Toolbars” feature, as such the Kurzweil Taskbar will not operate.
From operation tests and feedback thus far: Kurzweil 3000 v16/v20 and Kurzweil 1000 v14 will install and register without issue and the general functions operate as expected. See below for the current known issues.
Known issues:
Windows 11 does not have the “Toolbars” feature, as such the Kurzweil Taskbar will not operate.
Lexicon products that use 64-bit drivers are fully compatible.
32-bit versions are no longer compatible.
32-bit versions are no longer compatible.
All recent Line 6 software and Line 6 hardware drivers work with Windows 11.
Plugins that have been tested with Windows 11 are Helix Native, Amp Farm, Echo Farm 3 and Pod Farm 2 when used with Cubase, Pro Tools, Ableton, Studio One and Reaper.
However, Variax hardware will not connect to Workbench via the Variax USB interface under Windows 11.
Plugins that have been tested with Windows 11 are Helix Native, Amp Farm, Echo Farm 3 and Pod Farm 2 when used with Cubase, Pro Tools, Ableton, Studio One and Reaper.
However, Variax hardware will not connect to Workbench via the Variax USB interface under Windows 11.
Lynx provides drivers for Windows 11 for currently supported hardware. Follow this link for more information.
Lynx | Support | Downloads
Lynx | Support | Downloads
M-Audio encourages users to remain on their current Windows OS until all necessary hardware and software products have been qualified for use with Windows 11.
M-Audio Windows 11 Compatibility
M-Audio Windows 11 Compatibility
All the latest MAGIX programs, including some previous versions, work reliably with Windows 11.
Read more at MAGIX’s website
Read more at MAGIX’s website
VST and AAX plugins are usually compatible with Windows 11 if they are run within a DAW that is compatible with Windows 11. McDSP states that all their plugins are Windows 10 compatible; they do not make a statement regarding Windows 11.
McDSP Plug-in Support
McDSP Plug-in Support
Modartt’s FAQ for Pianoteq states that it is compatible with Windows 11. Contact Modartt tech support for more information.
Modartt FAQ
Modartt FAQ
Current versions of all MOTU software products and hardware drivers available at motu.com/download (latest versions only) appear to be compatible with Windows 11, although final compatibility testing is still on-going.
In some cases, MOTU software updates may be available soon to achieve 100% compatibility. Check motu.com frequently for further announcements in the near future.
MOTU and Windows 11
In some cases, MOTU software updates may be available soon to achieve 100% compatibility. Check motu.com frequently for further announcements in the near future.
MOTU and Windows 11
MusicLab products are fully compatible with Windows 11
The latest version of most major products are supported on Windows 11. Most hardware products are supported also. Please follow this link for specifics.
Native Instruments Windows 11 Compatibility News
Native Instruments Windows 11 Compatibility News
Nord provides Nord Sound Manager, Nord Sample Editor, Nord Drum Manager and other apps. The latest systen requirements refer to Windows 10. Nord USB Driver version 3.00 or later is required for Windows.
– Nord Windows Driver
– Nord Windows Driver
Most Novation products are compatible with Windows 11. Follow this link for detailed information:
Novation product compatibility with Windows 11
Novation product compatibility with Windows 11
Numark encourages users to remain on their current Windows OS until all necessary hardware and software products have been qualified for use with Windows 11. Please refer to this article.
Numark | Windows 11 Compatibility
Numark | Windows 11 Compatibility
Some software products are not supported on Windows 11 in an official capacity.
Output Windows 11 Compatibility
Output Windows 11 Compatibility
Overloud states that its products are compatible with Windows up through Windows 10. They have released no specific information about Windows 11 compatibility.
Band-in-a-Box is compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 or 64-bit)
– System requirements for Band-in-a-Box
– System requirements for Band-in-a-Box
Polyend has confirmed Polyend Tool is fully compatible with Windows 11. Other products have yet to be confirmed.
BIAS series software is not yet officially supported on Windows 11. Positive Grid recommends holding off on updating while they work to ensure compatibility.
Positive Grid Windows 11 & macOS 12 Update
Positive Grid Windows 11 & macOS 12 Update
**Windows 11 with Windows products.**
This new OS update may cause compatibility issues with older PreSonus hardware, please read the information in our Knowledge Base for more information.
**Using Presonus devices with Android Devices**
This new OS update may cause compatibility issues with older PreSonus hardware, please read the information in our Knowledge Base for more information.
**Using Presonus devices with Android Devices**
Pyware has not announced support for Windows 11. Their recommended system is Windows 10.
– Pyware 3D System Requirements
– Pyware 3D System Requirements
We are happy to report that the following Reason Studios products are compatible with Windows 11:
Reason 12.2.5 and later
Reason Rack Plugin VST3 (12.2.5 and later)
Reason+ Companion 1.9.4 and later
Authorizer 2.12 and later
CodeMeter 7.10 and later
The following products have not been tested with Windows 11. Once these products have been tested, we will update this compatibility statement:
ReFill Packer 10
ReCycle 2.2.4
The following products are NOT compatible with Windows 11:
Reason Rack Plugin AAX (since Pro Tools isn’t officially compatible with Windows 11)
Ignition Key
Reason 12.2.5 and later
Reason Rack Plugin VST3 (12.2.5 and later)
Reason+ Companion 1.9.4 and later
Authorizer 2.12 and later
CodeMeter 7.10 and later
The following products have not been tested with Windows 11. Once these products have been tested, we will update this compatibility statement:
ReFill Packer 10
ReCycle 2.2.4
The following products are NOT compatible with Windows 11:
Reason Rack Plugin AAX (since Pro Tools isn’t officially compatible with Windows 11)
Ignition Key
Reveal Sound plug-ins are fully compatible with Windows 11.
System Requirements:
Windows 7 – Windows 11 (32 / 64-bit)
Modern Intel or AMD processors required
VST, AAX
System Requirements:
Windows 7 – Windows 11 (32 / 64-bit)
Modern Intel or AMD processors required
VST, AAX
While many Roland products are compatible with Windows 11, there are still products that are currently being tested. Check the following link for details.
Roland Compatibility with Windows 11
Roland Compatibility with Windows 11
Sensory Percussion supports Windows 10 and up, which includes Windows 11.
Serato products are compatible with Windows 11. Read this link for more information.
Windows 11 – now supported (Serato software status)
Windows 11 – now supported (Serato software status)
Virtual Recording Studio, Virtual Microphone System, and Plugins are not officially supported on Windows 11.
Slate Digital Windows 11 Compatibility
Slate Digital Windows 11 Compatibility
Raven touch screen products: Slate Media Technology has not yet provided information about compatibility with Windows 11. For further questions contact the company at the link below.
Slate Media Technology Support Page
Slate Media Technology Support Page
Softube products are VST3 plugins which will be supported within a DAW that is Windows 11 compatible. For details visit this link:
Softube Support System Requirements
Softube Support System Requirements
SoundID Reference on Windows 11 is fully supported.
SoundID Listen and Reference 4 are not supported.
SoundID ReferenceReference 4SoundID Listen
SoundID Listen and Reference 4 are not supported.
SoundID ReferenceReference 4SoundID Listen
Sonnox is still conducting testing for compatibility with Windows 11 and cannot guarantee compatibility for any of their products at this time.
Check this link for the latest updates.
Sonnox Windows 11 compatibility
Check this link for the latest updates.
Sonnox Windows 11 compatibility
Sonuscore sound libraries work within the Native Instruments Kontakt environment. They will be compatible with Windows 11 if run on a compatible version of Kontakt.
Soundtoys reports that Windows 10 is officially supported and makes no statement about Windows 11. In general, VST plugins will operate on any DAW that is compatible with Windows 11. Read the following explanation from SoundToys.
Soundtoys 5 Compatibility
Soundtoys 5 Compatibility
Neuro Desktop Editor is compatible with Windows 11.
Omnisphere 2, Keyscape, Trilian, and Stylus RMX are compatible with Windows 11. Please visit their Knowledge Base for more information.
– Spectrasonics Windows Compatibility
– Spectrasonics Windows Compatibility
The newest versions of Steinberg products are compatible with Windows 11. Follow the link below to view the charts for compatibility details for specific versions of software and hardware.
Windows 11 product compatibility
Windows 11 product compatibility
For information about the VSX Headphone System, follow this link:
System Requirements & Supported Digital Audio Workstations
System Requirements & Supported Digital Audio Workstations
VST plugins will generally be compatible when run under a DAW that is compatible with Windows 11.
For specific questions, we encourage you to contact Steven Slate Drums support at this link.
For specific questions, we encourage you to contact Steven Slate Drums support at this link.
Strymon provides firmware update, librarian and impulse manager apps for Windows and Mac, but they have not provided information about Windows 11 or macOS 12 Monterey compatibility.
Strymon Downloads
Strymon Downloads
All Sugar Bytes plug-ins are available as 64-bit versions for Windows and Mac (Intel and Apple Silicon M1).
The newest update to Ivory II provides compatibility with Windows 10. For more information follow this link:
Synthogy PC/Win
Synthogy PC/Win
Currently supported Tascam products which have been tested for compatibility with Windows 11 are listed at this link:
Tascam Information about Windows 11
Tascam Information about Windows 11
All GoXLR products are officially supported.
Other products aren’t officially supported, so connectivity and operation cannot be guaranteed.
Other products aren’t officially supported, so connectivity and operation cannot be guaranteed.
All current Toontrack products are compatible with Windows 11. Toontrack recommends confirming that the DAW that you use is compatible before upgrading.
Is Toontrack Software Supported on Windows 11?
Is Toontrack Software Supported on Windows 11?
Tracktion’s most recent information states that it is compatible with Windows 8 and 10.
u-he provides plugins in VST and AAX formats and therefore they should be compatible when run within a Windows 11-compatible DAW.
Each product page lists detailed minimum requirements. Please check these before purchase.
– u-he | Which operating systems do u-he products support?
Each product page lists detailed minimum requirements. Please check these before purchase.
– u-he | Which operating systems do u-he products support?
Universal Audio products are fully compatible with Windows 11. For the latest Windows 11 compatibility information please see this article:
UAD Software Compatibility with Windows 11
UAD Software Compatibility with Windows 11
Vir2 sound libraries run within the Native Instruments Kontakt environment and will be compatible when run on a Windows 11-compatible version of Kontakt.
WaveArts plug-ins are fully compatible with Windows 11. For more information, visit their FAQ.
Drumagog products are plugins in VST, AU and AAX formats. Therefore they should be compatible on Windows 11 when run in a Windows 11-compatible DAW.
– Drumagog System Requirements
– Drumagog System Requirements
Waves plug-ins are compatible with all DAWs providing Windows 11 support.
All XLN Audio products are fully compatible on Windows 11.
What are the system requirements for XLN Audio products?
What are the system requirements for XLN Audio products?
Most Yamaha products are compatible with Windows 11. Yamaha provides a detailed chart with information about all of their supported products.
Yamaha Windows 11 Compatibility information
Yamaha Windows 11 Compatibility information
Zoom presents Windows 11 compatibility information on a product-by-product basis. Please look up your product at the following link:
Zoom Compatibility & Optimization
Zoom Compatibility & Optimization
The newest versions of zPlane products are compatible with Windows 11.
Zynaptiq has provided software updates for Windows 11 compatibility for many of their products. Follow this link and search for the newest compatible updates.
Zynaptiq News
Zynaptiq News
Related Articles
When you need help, Sweetwater has the answers!
Our knowledge base contains over 28,000 expertly written tech articles that will give you answers and help you get the most out of your gear. Our pro musicians and gear experts update content daily to keep you informed and on your way. Best of all, it’s totally FREE, and it’s just another reason that you get more at Sweetwater.com.
