How to upgrade an unsupported computer to Windows 11

Although Windows 11 has a higher system requirement, you may still be able to perform an in-place upgrade or clean installation on an unsupported computer running Windows 10 by creating a custom installation media to bypass the requirements.

It's important to understand that running the latest version of the operating system on incompatible hardware is strongly discouraged. Microsoft does not provide support for devices that fail to meet the minimum specifications, and while updates might still be accessible, their functionality isn't assured.

Moreover, running the operating system without essential security features like Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 and Secure Boot can expose the system to security risks. Microsoft has reiterated its commitment to these requirements, emphasizing that TPM 2.0 is "non-negotiable" for Windows 11, underscoring its role in enhancing system security and future-proofing the system.

In this how-to guide, I'll explain how to upgrade a device that doesn't meet the minimum system requirements.

Warning: Although the clean installation is the only method that deletes everything on the computer, the in-place upgrade process can always go wrong. As a result, it's critical to create a full backup of your system before proceeding.

How to upgrade unsupported device to Windows 11

Upgrading a computer that does not meet the minimum requirements to Windows 11 is a three-step process. First, you need to create an installation media. Then, you need to use a third-party tool like Rufus to create a custom installation media, and finally, you have to proceed with the in-place upgrade or clean installation.

If you choose to perform an in-place upgrade, then you will be able to keep your files and applications. On the other hand, if you choose a clean installation, the process will delete everything on the computer, and a fresh copy of the operating system will be installed.

Since you'll be making the leap to a new version of the operating system, I usually recommend using a clean installation to minimize the number of issues you may come across during and after the installation.

Download Windows 11 media files

To download and create a Windows 11 USB installation media, use these steps:

1. Open the Microsoft download website.
2. Click the Download Now button under the "Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices" section to save the file to your device.

3. Choose the installation language.
4. Click the Confirm button.
5. Click the "64-bit Download" button.

Once you complete the steps, continue with the instructions below to edit the Registry to bypass the Windows 11 system requirements.

Create Windows 11 USB installer

To create a USB bootable media, connect a flash drive of at least 8GB of space and use these steps:

1. Open Rufus download page.
2. Click the Rufus-4.x.exe (standard) option and save the file on your computer under the "Download" section.

3. Double-click the Rufus-x.x.exe file to launch the tool.
4. Select the USB flash drive under the "Device" section.
5. Click the Select button on the right side under the "Boot selection" section.
6. Select the Windows 11 ISO file from the folder location.
7. Click the Open button.
8. Select the "Standard Windows Installation" option in the "Image option" setting.

9. Select the GPT option in the "Partition scheme" setting.
10. Select the UEFI (non CSM) option in the "Target system" setting.
11. Under the "Show Advanced drive properties" section, do not change the default settings (unless you know what you are doing).
12. Under the "Volume label" field, confirm a name for the bootable media — for example, "Windows 11."
13. In the "File system" and "Cluster size" options, do not change the default settings.
14. Click the "Show advanced format options" button.
15. Check the Quick format option.
16. Check the "Create extended label and icon files" option.
17. Click the Start button.
18. (Optional) Check the "Remove requirement for 4GB+RAM, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0" option to create a USB flash drive for unsupported devices.
19. (Optional) Check the "Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account" option to set up an installation with a local account.

• Quick note: Rufus allows you to customize several other settings as part of the "Windows User Experience" settings, including the ability to set up an installation without a Microsoft account, create a local account, change the regional settings, and disable data collection and BitLocker.

20. Click the OK button to confirm.
21. Click the Close button.

After you complete the steps, you will be able to install Windows 11 on a device without a supported processor or TPM 2.0 (TPM 1.2 may still be required).

Windows 11 in-place upgrade

To upgrade an unsupported Windows 10 device to 11, connect the USB bootable media, and use these steps:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click on This PC from the left pane.
3. Open the USB installation media under the "Devices and drives" section.
4. Double-click the setup.exe file to begin the upgrade process.

5. Click the Next button.

6. Click the Accept button.
7. Click the Install button.

Once you complete the steps, the computer should upgrade to Windows 11, bypassing the TPM 2.0 and processor requirements. Since this is an in-place upgrade, the settings, apps, and files will be transferred to the new setup automatically.

Windows 11 clean install process

To do a clean installation of Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, use these steps:

1. Start the computer with the USB installer.
2. Press any key to continue with the setup.
3. Select your language settings.
4. Click the Next button.

5. Select your keyboard settings.
6. Click the Next button.

7. Choose the "Install Windows 11" option.
8. Check the "I agree everything will be deleted including files, apps, and settings" option.

9. Click the Next button.
10. Click the "I don't have a product key" option.

• Quick note: The system should activate automatically after the installation.

11. Select the edition of the operating system (if applicable).
12. Click the Next button.

13. Click the Accept button.
14. Select each partition and click the Delete button.

• Quick tip: You don't need to delete the partition where you store data.

15. Select the "Drive 0 Unallocated Space" item.
16. Click the Next button.
17. Click the Install button.

After you complete the steps, you will have to go through the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) to set your preferences and create an account.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know