As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft will cease delivering security updates for Windows 10 unless you opt into the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. The ESU program is costly, leaving many users looking for alternative solutions. If you attempt to upgrade to Windows 11 on a PC that’s a few years old, you’ll likely be met with a message stating your hardware is incompatible due to strict CPU and TPM (Trusted Platform Module) requirements. Fortunately, there are fully supported workarounds that allow you to bypass these restrictions and upgrade your PC to Windows 11.
Understanding the Requirements and Restrictions
Windows 11 has stringent hardware requirements that include:
– A compatible 64-bit processor with at least 1 GHz clock speed and 2 or more cores.
– 4 GB of RAM.
– 64 GB of storage.
– UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability.
– TPM version 2.0.
– DirectX 12 compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
– A display larger than 9 inches with HD resolution (720p).
These requirements ensure security and performance improvements but also exclude many older devices from upgrading through the standard Windows Update process. However, Microsoft has provided alternative methods to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware.
Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrading Your Old PC to Windows 11
Step 1: Modify the Windows Registry
To bypass the CPU and TPM checks, you’ll need to modify a key in the Windows registry. This step involves using the Registry Editor to create a new value that will allow the Windows 11 Setup program to ignore these hardware requirements.
1. Open Registry Editor:
– Press `Win + R` to open the Run dialog box.
– Type `regedit` and press `Enter` to open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to the Specific Key:
– In the Registry Editor, navigate to `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup`.
3. Create a New DWORD Value:
– Right-click on the right pane, select `New`, and then click `DWORD (32-bit) Value`.
– Name this new value `AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU`.
4. Set the Value:
– Double-click the newly created value and set its data to `1`.
– Click `OK` to save the change.
5. Backup the Registry:
– Before making any changes, it is advisable to back up the registry. Go to `File` > `Export`, choose a location to save the backup, and click `Save`. This ensures you can restore your system if something goes wrong.
Step 2: Download the Windows 11 ISO
Next, you’ll need to download the Windows 11 ISO file from the official Microsoft website. This file will be used to perform a clean installation of Windows 11.
1. Visit the Windows 11 Download Page:
– Go to the [Windows 11 Download page](https://aka.ms/DownloadWindows11).
2. Select the ISO File:
– Scroll to the section labelled “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices.”
– Choose the appropriate language and click `Download`.
– Save the ISO file to your Downloads folder. Keep in mind that this file is quite large and may take some time to download depending on your internet speed.
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Step 3: Mount the ISO File
Once the ISO file is downloaded, you’ll need to mount it so that it appears as a virtual DVD drive on your computer.
1. Open File Explorer:
– Navigate to the Downloads folder where you saved the ISO file.
2. Mount the ISO:
– Double-click the ISO file. This action will mount the file as a virtual DVD drive, making its contents accessible.
Step 4: Run Windows Setup
With the ISO file mounted, you can now proceed with the installation of Windows 11.
1. Locate Setup.exe:
– In the mounted ISO folder, find the file named `Setup.exe`.
2. Run the Setup:
– Double-click `Setup.exe` to start the Windows 11 setup process.
3. Acknowledge Compatibility Warning:
– You will receive a warning message stating that your PC doesn’t meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11. Click `OK` to acknowledge and proceed.
4. Choose Your Upgrade Option:
– During the setup, you will be given three options:
– **Full Upgrade**: Keeps your apps, settings, and files.
– **Keep Data Only**: Keeps your personal files but removes apps and settings.
– **Clean Install**: Removes everything, allowing for a fresh start.
Step 5: Finalize Installation
After selecting your preferred upgrade option, the setup process will begin. This process may take some time, depending on the speed of your computer and the amount of data being transferred. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
1. Configure Windows 11 Settings:
– Once the installation is complete, you’ll need to go through the initial setup process for Windows 11. This includes configuring your settings, privacy options, and connecting to the internet.
2. Reinstall Apps and Restore Data:
– If you chose the Clean Install or Keep Data Only options, you’ll need to reinstall your apps and restore your personal files from backup.
Benefits of Upgrading to Windows 11
Upgrading to Windows 11 offers several benefits, including enhanced security features, improved performance, and a modernized user interface. Some notable features include:
Enhanced Security: Windows 11 includes improved security measures, such as hardware-based isolation, secure boot, and TPM 2.0 support.
New User Interface: The interface is more streamlined, with a centered Start Menu, a new Taskbar, and updated system icons.
Virtual Desktops: Better virtual desktop support allows you to create separate desktops for different purposes.
Snap Layouts: Improved window management with Snap Layouts lets you easily organize open apps on your screen.
DirectStorage: This feature reduces load times for games and apps by optimizing data transfer from NVMe SSDs to the GPU.
Android App Support: Windows 11 supports running Android apps through the Amazon App Store.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can bypass the official hardware requirements and upgrade your older, “incompatible” PC to Windows 11. This process involves modifying the Windows registry, downloading the Windows 11 ISO file, and performing a clean installation or an in-place upgrade. Always ensure you back up your data before making significant changes to your system.
While Microsoft’s official stance is to restrict Windows 11 to newer hardware, these workarounds provide a viable path for users with older PCs to experience the latest features and improvements offered by Windows 11. With a bit of effort, you can keep your aging hardware relevant and secure with the newest version of Windows.
