Whether it's just a push to get people to upgrade their PCs or Windows 11 is actually much more powerful than Windows 10, the fact remains that many PCs are not compatible with the new Windows 11 upgrade. If your PC fails Microsoft's compatibility requirements list, don't give up just yet. It is possible to install Windows 11 on unsupported PCs, but whether or not it's worth the risk is up to you.
Why compatibility is important
While it would be nice if advanced software could run on older hardware, it's simply not designed that way. Instead, compatibility requirements are in place to ensure that all the performance features promoted are optimized. After all, if Microsoft claims that Windows 11 runs faster than Windows 10, you'll be disappointed if the opposite turns out to be true.
These minimum requirements are absolutely necessary to ensure that Windows 11 runs as intended. If you follow the following upgrade hack, be aware that you may not get the same level of performance from Windows 11 as you would if your PC were already compatible.
Before proceeding
Currently, installing Windows 11 on unsupported computers only works if you have a 64-bit processor, as Windows 11 is only available in a 64-bit version. Unlike previous Windows systems, there is no 32-bit version available.
Not sure what you have? Click on Win + X and select "the system". You will see details about your system, including the operating system type and processor, next to "System type".
Also, you shouldn't delete any files, but even without a hack, sometimes you upgrade to a new operating system and your files disappear. To be on the safe side, back up all your files before proceeding. In fact, it's a good idea to review our list of things to do before installing Windows 11.
Download Windows 11 ISO
You'll need to download a Windows 11 ISO. Since you can't upgrade using Windows Update thanks to the compatibility check (you'll receive an error message), you'll have to follow a manual approach.
1- in Microsoft's Windows 11 download page , Locate “Download Windows disc image (ISO) -> Windows 11 -> Download.”
2- A new section will appear to select the product language. Click on "to be sure" After selecting the language.
3- Click on Download 64-bit. It's the only option available, but Microsoft still makes you select it anyway.
The download size is just over five gigabytes, so it may take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours depending on your internet connection.
Edit your record
Before you do anything else with your ISO image, you'll need to edit your registry. This allows you to bypass CPU, 4GB RAM, and TPM 2.0 compatibility checks and verify Secure Boot compatibility. There are two different types of registry edits:
1. Exceed CPU and TPM requirements
If your PC meets the memory and secure boot requirements, installing Windows 11 on unsupported PCs may require only this single registry edit.
1- Click on Win + R To open Operating prompt. Write regedit And press "OK". Click on "Yeah" If you are asked for confirmation.
2- Either go manually to the site or enter the following in the list in: Registry Editor:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup
3- Right-click anywhere in the left pane and select “New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value”.
4- Name the new value. AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU, then double-click it to change the value to "1." Click on "OK" to save the changes.
If you'd like to skip to the next section on installing the ISO to see if this hack is all you need, please continue. If you still get the rejection message, you'll need to try the next registry hack.
2. Bypass TPM, Safe Boot, and RAM requirements
This registry hack will bypass TPM, Secure Boot, and RAM requirements.
1- Open Registry Editor (If it's not already open) Go to:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup
2- Right click on “Setup” and choose “New -> Key”. Call it LabConfig.
3- Right click on LabConfig key newly created and selected “New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value”Name it. BypassTPMCheck.
4- Double click on New value And set its value data to "1."
5- Repeat the process to create two additional values for DWORD (32-bit). Name it Bypass Secure Boot Check First and second BypassRAMCheck. Set the values in each to "1."
6- When you are done, you will have three specific values all on "1."
7- When finished, check to see if everything is working as planned.
Installing Windows 11 on an unsupported computer
While you don't need to burn an ISO image to a DVD or create a bootable USB drive, please refer to Microsoft's step-by-step instructions on the download page if installing via File Explorer doesn't work properly.
Windows 10 has the ability to mount almost any ISO image, eliminating the need for more circuitous methods of DVDs and USB drives.
- Open File Explorer and go to Windows ISO 11 Yours. Double-click it to install it.
- Open the mounted image like any other folder and double-click the file. "preparation" to start the installation.
- Assuming everything goes smoothly, you may receive a warning message saying your computer is incompatible, but you can bypass it – unlike the rejection message you may have received before.
Pros and Cons of Installing Windows 11 on Unsupported PCs
Sometimes, you can still safely run an operating system without meeting the minimum requirements. If your Windows 10 PC is barely missing compatibility, using the hacks above likely won't cause any real problems. You may not experience the fastest possible performance, but you also won't experience anyone who meets the minimum requirements.
Naturally, this saves you from having to shell out hundreds of dollars for a shiny new Windows 11 PC. It also avoids the headache of transferring files and setting up a new PC.
On the other hand, older computers that don't meet the minimum requirements may experience freezing, crashing, malfunctioning drivers, and a variety of features not working at all. If that's the case, you're better off sticking with Windows 10—unless you're unbearably curious about Windows 11. It's also important to note that Back to Windows 10 This may not be possible easily, which is why having a full backup is a good idea.
It's entirely possible that your computer could become unusable and result in the loss of valuable data. Be careful when proceeding, and have a backup ready. If the worst happens, you may need to format your computer and reinstall Windows 10.
One final issue is that Microsoft may not recognize Windows 11 as valid if it's not on a supported PC. This means you may miss out on Windows updates. However, you can install security updates manually using the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it better to continue using Windows 10 rather than upgrading an unsupported PC?
Unless you absolutely need Windows 11, you're perfectly fine with Windows 10. Windows 11 offers some improvements over 10, such as more space in the taskbar, a Start menu search bar, DirectX 12 Ultimate, and better security. And of course, there's Lots of reasons to upgrade.
However, Windows 10 still works great at this point, and it's scheduled to be supported until at least October 2025. However, you'll need to continue installing annual feature updates to ensure continued support for your system. This will also include any security updates as they're released.
Short answer: You don't need to upgrade unless you absolutely want to or need to – at least for the next several years.
2. Why isn't hacking the best option?
There's no guarantee that a hack will provide the same experience as anyone with a compatible PC. You may lose all the features that make Windows 11 an improvement over Windows 10. Additionally, if it negatively impacts your current performance, you won't be able to enjoy Windows 11 anyway.
3. What if the hack doesn't work?
This hack will not work for everyone. Note that there are A few in-depth hacks that involve using the Windows Developer channel and creating a hybrid ISO.These require a little more effort than the ones mentioned in this post and can be just as, if not more, risky.
Again, if you're trying to install Windows 11 on a computer with a 32-bit processor, it won't work, no matter what hack you try. Windows 11 is only for 64-bit processors.
4. Is it easier to buy a new computer?
It's a safer option, but it's worth a try if your computer meets most of the requirements and comes close to the rest. Chances are your computer will still run Windows 11, but it may be a little slower.
If your computer is already several years old, it may have reached the end of its life cycle. If so, it's best to buy a new PC if you need Windows 11 now.
Conclusion
Windows 11 can be installed on unsupported computers. Microsoft has built-in exploits for testing purposes, so take advantage of these exploits if you want to try Windows 11 on a fully incompatible PC.
If you have successfully upgraded to Windows 11, learn about How to use it without a Microsoft accountOr, if you prefer to stay with Windows 10 for now, learn how to center Taskbar icons just like Windows 11.
