Windows 11 PC Health Check app returns, though it's still in preview

Windows 11 Logo (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

Microsoft's PC Health Check app is available in preview again.
The app was removed three months ago for incorrectly telling people that their PCs didn't meet the requirements of Windows 11.
The PC Health Check app shows detailed information to let you know if your computer is ready for Windows 11.

Microsoft's launch of the PC Health Check app didn't go smoothly. The app showed incorrect results that claimed PCs failed to meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11. When launched, the app also didn't tell people the exact reason why their PCs failed to meet requirements, which led to quite a bit of confusion. Microsoft pulled the app and worked on it over the last three months. Now, it's available again in preview form (via Neowin).

Since the app isn't generally available, Microsoft hasn't released a blog post about the app or drawn attention to it. The app's latest version (3.0.210914001) doesn't include a changelog to show what's new.

There are also mixed reports regarding if you need to be a Windows Insider to download the app at this time. A page titled "Windows Insider Preview PC Health Check Application" includes links to download the app. From this page, you seem to have to be an Insider to download the PC Health Check app.

Microsoft's Windows 11 page has a footnote that includes a direct link to download the PC Health Check app. However, the footnote specifically mentions that the download is for PCs running Windows 10 in S mode.

The app shows a detailed explanation of why your PC is or is not compatible with Windows 11. It shows checkmarks next to requirements that are met and clearly communicates any requirements that aren't met. If your PC doesn't support TPM 2.0, the PC Health Check app will provide a link to enable TPM 2.0 on your PC.

Windows 11 launches on October 5, 2021, so Microsoft will probably release this app to the public before the new OS comes out.

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.