Many Steam users on Windows 11 sometimes encounter the “Minimum Requirements Not Met” error when trying to launch a game. This error usually means your PC does not meet the game’s system requirements or there is a software-related issue preventing the game from running properly.
Fixing this error can be straightforward if you follow the right steps carefully. It often involves checking your hardware, updating software, or adjusting system settings. This guide will walk you through each basic step to resolve this issue efficiently.
By the end of this article, you will understand why this error happens and how to fix it using simple solutions. No advanced technical skills are needed, and each step is explained clearly.
Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into detailed troubleshooting.
Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks
- Check Your PC’s Specifications: Verify your system meets or exceeds the minimum requirements listed on the game’s Steam page. This usually includes CPU, RAM, GPU, and storage space.
- Ensure Windows 11 is Updated: Run Windows Update to have the latest system patches and fixes installed.
- Update Your Graphics Drivers: Outdated or incompatible drivers often cause game errors. Visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) for the latest drivers.
- Confirm Steam is Up to Date: Steam updates often fix bugs and improve compatibility. Restart Steam to trigger any updates.
Step 1: Verify System Requirements Carefully
Before troubleshooting deeper, double-check the minimum requirements of the game. This includes:
- Processor (CPU): The game may require a specific type or speed of CPU.
- Memory (RAM): Insufficient RAM can prevent the game from starting.
- Graphics Card (GPU): The GPU must support necessary graphics technologies.
- Storage Space: Make sure you have enough free disk space.
You can find these details on the game’s Steam store page under the “System Requirements” section. Compare this with your PC’s info by typing System Information in the Windows search bar and opening the app. Check the relevant hardware details here.
Step 2: Update Graphics Drivers
Graphics drivers allow your PC to communicate with your GPU. Outdated drivers often cause errors like the one you’re seeing. Here’s how to update them:
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Display adapters section.
- Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install any found updates.
Alternatively, visit the official website of your GPU manufacturer:
Download and install the latest driver suitable for your device.
Step 3: Run Steam and the Game as Administrator
Sometimes, permission issues can block the game from accessing necessary files or resources. Running Steam and the game with administrator rights can solve this:
- Close Steam completely.
- Right-click the Steam shortcut or executable and select Run as administrator.
- Launch the game from Steam as usual.
If this fixes the issue, you can set Steam to always run as administrator:
- Right-click the Steam shortcut and choose Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box for Run this program as an administrator.
- Click Apply and then OK.
Step 4: Verify Integrity of Game Files
Corrupted or missing game files can trigger the minimum requirements error. Steam has a built-in tool to check and repair these files:
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Right-click the game causing the error and select Properties.
- Click on Local Files from the left menu.
- Select Verify integrity of game files…
- Wait for Steam to scan and fix any issues automatically.
Once done, try launching the game again.
Step 5: Adjust Graphics Settings and Compatibility Mode
If your system barely meets the requirements or if the game is older, compatibility settings might help:
- Navigate to the game’s installation folder. You can find this by right-clicking the game in Steam, selecting Properties, then Local Files, and clicking Browse.
- Right-click the game executable (.exe) and choose Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select Windows 10 or an earlier version.
- Also, check Disable fullscreen optimizations.
- Click Apply and OK.
Try launching the game again after these changes.
Step 6: Free Up System Resources
Sometimes, low available RAM or heavy background processes cause launch errors. To improve system performance:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Under the Processes tab, look for programs consuming high CPU, memory, or disk.
- Right-click unnecessary programs and select End task.
- Close any resource-heavy apps like browsers or video editors before launching the game.
Step 7: Update DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables
Many games require the latest DirectX and Visual C++ components to run properly. Missing or outdated versions can cause errors:
- Download and install the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer from Microsoft’s official site.
- Install the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables (both x86 and x64 versions) available on Microsoft’s website.
Restart your PC after installation and try launching the game again.
Step 8: Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily
Sometimes, security software mistakenly blocks game files or Steam components. To check if this is the cause:
- Temporarily disable your antivirus software or firewall.
- Try launching the game.
- If the game works, add Steam and the game folder to your antivirus exceptions list.
Important: Always re-enable your security software after testing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does Steam say “Minimum Requirements Not Met” even when my PC meets the specs?
This can happen due to outdated drivers, corrupted game files, or permission issues rather than hardware limitations. Follow the steps above to resolve these software-related causes.
Can running Steam or the game as administrator fix the error?
Yes, running both with administrator rights can help bypass permission restrictions that might block game access to certain files or system resources.
How do I check my PC’s hardware specifications?
Type System Information in the Windows search bar and open the app. Here you can view details about your CPU, RAM, and other components.
Will updating Windows 11 help fix this error?
Yes, keeping Windows updated ensures you have the latest drivers and system fixes that improve compatibility with games.
What if verifying game files doesn’t fix the problem?
Try reinstalling the game or proceed with other steps like updating drivers, adjusting compatibility settings, or checking for software conflicts.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and still face the “Minimum Requirements Not Met” error, consider the following options:
- Contact Steam Support: Visit Steam Support for personalized help.
- Check Official Game Forums: Many games have community forums where you might find fixes shared by other players.
- Reinstall Windows 11: As a last resort, a clean installation of Windows can fix deep system issues, but make sure to back up your data first.
- Upgrade Hardware: If your PC truly does not meet minimum specs, consider upgrading components like RAM or GPU.
Conclusion
The “Minimum Requirements Not Met” error on Steam in Windows 11 can be frustrating but is usually fixable without advanced knowledge. Start by verifying your PC specs and keeping all drivers and software up to date. Running Steam as administrator and verifying game files often resolve permission or file corruption issues.
Remember to check compatibility settings and free up system resources if needed. Only consider hardware upgrades if your PC genuinely falls short of the game’s minimum requirements. Following this step-by-step guide will help you get back to gaming smoothly and quickly.