How to Install Windows 11 on an Unsupported PC: A 2025 Guide

With Windows 10 support ending, you might be wondering if your older but perfectly functional PC is destined for the recycling bin. Officially, Microsoft says you need a new computer to run Windows 11. But unofficially, there are proven ways to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. This guide will walk you through the safest and most effective methods, from a simple registry edit to using free third-party tools. I've tested these approaches and can confirm they work. Read on to learn how to give your trusted PC a new lease on life.

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What You Need to Know Before You Start

First, it's crucial to understand the implications. Microsoft explicitly states that installing Windows 11 on a device that doesn't meet the minimum system requirements is not recommended. Your device will be in an "unsupported" state, which means it may not be entitled to receive updates, and you could run into compatibility issues that aren't covered by warranty.

However, in practice, users have found that unsupported PCs continue to receive security and feature updates through Windows Update without issue. The main hurdle is that these devices often won't automatically upgrade to yearly feature updates (like version 24H2 or 25H2), requiring you to manually repeat the installation process each time.

For the best experience, your PC should have an x64 CPU, at least 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. The methods below work best on PCs that were originally designed for Windows 10.

1. The Registry Edit Method: For PCs with UEFI and TPM

This is the simplest and most official "unofficial" method. It's ideal if your PC is only missing a supported CPU but has UEFI firmware and a TPM (even version 1.2). This method allows you to perform an in-place upgrade, keeping all your files, apps, and settings.

• Check Your PC's BIOS Mode and TPM: First, verify your system uses UEFI and has a TPM enabled. Press Windows Key + R, type msinfo32, and check the "BIOS Mode" entry. For the TPM, press Windows Key + R, type tpm.msc, and see if a TPM is present and its specification version.
• Create a Registry Key:
  • Press Windows Key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup. If the "MoSetup" key doesn't exist, right-click the "Setup" key and create it.
  • Right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  • Name it exactly: AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU.
  • Double-click it and set its value to 1.
• Download the Windows 11 ISO: Go to the official Windows 11 download page and download the disk image (ISO) for x64 devices.
• Run Setup: Double-click the downloaded ISO file to mount it, then run setup.exe from the virtual drive. You will see a warning about compatibility; you can click "Accept" to proceed. The upgrade will then begin, preserving all your data.

2. The Rufus Method: For PCs Missing TPM or Secure Boot

If your PC lacks a TPM or Secure Boot, the free and open-source tool Rufus is your best friend. It creates a bootable USB drive that bypasses all the major hardware checks. This method is also perfect for performing a clean installation.

• Download Rufus and the Windows 11 ISO: Download the latest version of Rufus and the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft as described above.
• Create the Bootable USB:
  • Insert a USB drive (8GB or larger).
  • Open Rufus, select your USB drive, and then select the downloaded Windows 11 ISO file.
  • Click "Start." A dialog box will appear with options for Windows 11.
  • Check the box for "Remove requirement for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0".
  • Click "OK" to begin creating the modified installation media.
• Install Windows 11: Boot your computer from the USB drive you just created (you may need to change the boot order in your BIOS/UEFI settings). Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 11. Note that a clean install will erase your hard drive, so be sure to back up your files first.

3. The Flyoobe Method: For a Clean, Bloatware-Free Install

Another excellent free tool is Flyoobe. Similar to Rufus, it bypasses hardware checks but adds the bonus of letting you customize your Windows 11 installation. You can remove Copilot AI and other built-in apps for a cleaner, more streamlined OS.

• Download and Configure Flyoobe: Download Flyoobe from its GitHub page, extract the ZIP file, and run Flyo.exe. You can use it to download the Windows 11 ISO directly or point it to one you've already downloaded. Before starting, explore the customization tabs at the bottom to remove features like the Copilot taskbar icon or built-in apps you don't want.
• Run the Installer: Once configured, Flyoobe will launch the installation process, automatically bypassing Microsoft's restrictions and applying your chosen customizations.

What to Expect After Installation

Once Windows 11 is installed on your unsupported hardware, the day-to-day experience is generally very stable. Your PC will still grab drivers from Windows Update, and your apps will work normally.

The primary long-term quirk is handling major annual updates. While your PC will receive monthly security patches, it likely will not automatically upgrade to the next yearly feature update (e.g., from 23H2 to 24H2). When a new version is released, you will typically need to repeat one of the methods above (like the registry edit) to perform an in-place upgrade and keep your files and apps.

Bonus: Upgrading to Future Versions (like 25H2) on Unsupported PCs

When a new version like the Windows 11 2025 Update (25H2) is released, you can manually install it on your unsupported PC. The process is similar to the initial installation.

• For In-Place Upgrade: Use the Registry Edit method described above, but download and run the Setup from the latest 25H2 ISO file.
• Alternative Command Prompt Method: If you have issues, you can use a clever workaround. Mount the Windows 11 25H2 ISO, open an Administrator Command Prompt, navigate to the virtual drive, and run setup.exe /product server. This tricks the installer into using a less strict set of hardware checks, allowing the upgrade to proceed.

Conclusion

Installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC is a very real and practical way to extend the life of your hardware beyond the Windows 10 end-of-support date. While it comes with the caveat of being an "unsupported" configuration, the risks are low, and the reward is a modern, secure operating system on a machine you already know and trust.

Don't let Microsoft's minimum requirements force you into an unnecessary upgrade. With a little technical confidence and the right tools, you can breathe new life into your old PC. Have you tried installing Windows 11 on an unsupported device? Share your experience in the comments below!