As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 unless you opt into the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. The ESU program is costly and has left many users looking for alternative solutions. If you try to upgrade to Windows 11 on a PC that’s several years old, you’ll likely encounter a message that your hardware is incompatible due to strict CPU and TPM (Trusted Platform Module) requirements. Fortunately, there are fully supported workarounds that can allow you to bypass these restrictions and upgrade your PC to Windows 11.
Understanding Requirements and Constraints
Windows 11 has strict hardware requirements, including:
– A compatible 64-bit processor with a clock speed of at least 1 GHz and 2 or more cores.
– 4GB of RAM.
– 64GB of storage.
– UEFI firmware with Secure Boot feature.
– TPM version 2.0.
– DirectX 12 compatible graphics with WDDM 2.0 driver.
– Larger than 9 inch screen with HD resolution (720p).
These requirements ensure security and performance improvements, but they also prevent many older devices from being upgraded through the standard Windows Update process. However, Microsoft has provided alternative methods for installing 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 the Registry Editor:
– Press `Win + R` to open the Run dialog box.
– Open the Registry Editor by typing `regedit` and pressing `Enter`.
2. Go to Specific Key:
– In the Registry Editor, navigate to `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup`.
3. Create a New DWORD Value:
– Right-click in the right pane, select `New` and then click `DWORD (32-bit) Value`.
– Name this new value `AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU`.
4. Set the Value:
– Double-click on the newly created value and set its data to `1`.
– Click `OK` to save the change.
5. Backup the Registry:
– It is recommended to backup the registry before making any changes. Go to `File` > `Export`, choose a location to save the backup, and click `Save`. This will ensure that you can restore your system if something goes wrong.
Step 2: Download Windows 11 ISO
Next, you will 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 [Windows 11 Download page](https://aka.ms/DownloadWindows11).
2. Select ISO File:
– Go to the section labeled “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices”.
– Select the appropriate language and click the `Download` button.
– Save the ISO file to your Downloads folder. Note that this file is quite large and may take a while to download depending on your internet speed.
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Step 3: Mount ISO File
Once the ISO file has downloaded, you will need to mount it so that it appears as a virtual DVD drive on your computer.
1. Open File Explorer:
– Go 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 and make its contents accessible.
Step 4: Run Windows Setup
Once the ISO file is mounted, you can now proceed with the installation of Windows 11.
1. Locate the Setup.exe file:
– Find the file named `Setup.exe` in the mounted ISO folder.
2. Run the installation:
– Double-click on the `Setup.exe` file to start the Windows 11 installation process.
3. Confirm Compatibility Notice:
– You will receive a warning message stating that your computer does not meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11. Click `OK` to accept and continue.
4. Select Your Upgrade Option:
– During installation you will be presented with three options:
– **Full Upgrade**: Preserves your apps, settings and files.
– **Keep Data Only**: Keeps your personal files but removes apps and settings.
– **Clean Install**: Removes everything and lets you start fresh.
Step 5: Finish the Installation
Once you have selected your preferred upgrade option, the installation 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 will need to complete 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 will 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 key features include:
Advanced Security: Windows 11 includes advanced security measures such as hardware-based isolation, secure boot, and TPM 2.0 support.
New User Interface: The interface has been made 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 LayoutsImproved window management with Snap Layouts lets you easily organize open applications on your screen.
Direct Storage: This feature optimizes data transfer from NVMe SSDs to the GPU, reducing loading times for games and applications.
Android App Support: Windows 11 supports running Android apps via the Amazon App Store.
Solution
By following these steps, you can bypass the official hardware requirements and upgrade your old, “incompatible” PC to Windows 11. This process involves modifying the Windows registry, downloading the Windows 11 ISO file, and performing a clean install or in-place upgrade. Always make sure to back up your data before making any major changes to your system.
While Microsoft's official stance is to limit Windows 11 to newer hardware, these workarounds provide a viable way for users with older PCs to experience the latest features and improvements offered by Windows 11. With a little effort, you can keep your aging hardware relevant and secure with the latest version of Windows.