How to install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC?

Installing Windows 11 on a PC that doesn't meet Microsoft's minimum requirements (such as TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, or a compatible CPU) is possible in 2025, but it involves circumventing hardware restrictions using alternative methods.

Although Microsoft does not recommend this practice and does not guarantee full support, you can install it with adjustments to the installation process.

This step-by-step guide explains how to do it, the associated risks, and tips for users in Spain, considering the end of Windows 10 support in October 2025. How to use live captions to translate audio in Copilot?

Windows 11 minimum requirements and reasons for incompatibility

Microsoft requires the following for Windows 11:

• CPU: 1 GHz, 2+ cores, 64 bits (Intel 8th gen+, AMD Ryzen 2000+).
• RAM: 4 GB (8 GB recommended).
• Storage: 64 GB free.
• TPM: Version 2.0.
• Secure Boot: Enabled.
• GPU: DirectX 12 with WDDM 2.0.
• Screen: 720p, 9″ minimum.

Common reasons for incompatibility:

• Older CPU (e.g. Intel 7th gen or lower).
• TPM 2.0 missing or Secure Boot disabled.
• Hardware not listed on Microsoft's list of supported CPUs.

Example: A PC with an Intel Core i5-6th Gen does not comply with TPM 2.0 or the CPU list, but can run Windows 11 with adjustments.

Risks of installing on unsupported hardware

• No guaranteed updates: Microsoft may limit security patches.
• Unlimited: May be slow on older CPUs or those with low RAM.
• Errors: Some features (such as Copilot+ or Studio effects) require NPU, which is not available on older PCs.
• Support: No official Microsoft support if there are problems.

Council: Back up your data to OneDrive or an external drive before attempting the installation.

Methods to install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC

Method 1: Modify the Registry during installation

1. Download the Windows 11 ISO:
   • Go to microsoft.com/es-es/software-download/windows11.
   • Select “Download disk image (ISO)” and choose Windows 11.
   • Download the ISO (~5 GB).
2. Create an installation media:
   • Use an 8GB+ USB.
   • Download Rufus (rufus.ie) to create a bootable USB.
   • In Rufus, select the ISO, choose your USB, and click “Boot” (select “Windows 11” without TPM/Secure Boot restrictions).
3. start installation:
   • Connect the USB to the PC and restart.
   • Enter the BIOS (F2, DEL or similar) and configure boot from USB.
   • Start the Windows 11 installer.
4. Bypass hardware restrictions:
   • When the error “This PC does not meet the requirements” appears, press Shift + F10 to open CMD.
   • Type regedit and press Enter.
   • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup.
   • Create a new key: Right click > New > Key, call it “LabConfig”.
   • Within LabConfig, create these DWORD (32-bit) values:
     • BypassTPMCheck = 1
     • BypassSecureBootCheck = 1
     • BypassCPUCheck = 1
   • Close regedit and CMD, click “Back” in the installer and continue.
5. Complete the installation:
   • Select the edition (Home/Pro), partition the disk and follow the instructions.
   • Install Windows 11 normally.
6. Activate Windows:
   • Use a valid Windows 10/11 key (Settings > System > Activation > Change product key).
   • Buy from the Microsoft Store (~€145 Home, €199 Pro) or retailers like PC Componentes (~€100-€150).

Example: A PC with Intel i5-6th gen installs Windows 11 using Rufus and LabConfig bypass in 1 hour.

Method 2: Using a bypass script

1. Download the ISO:
   • Same as Method 1, from microsoft.com.
2. Create USB with script:
   • Download the script MediaCreationTool. bat from github.com/AveYo/MediaCreationTool.bat.
   • Run the script as administrator, select Windows 11 and your USB.
   • The script automatically disables TPM, Secure Boot, and CPU checks.
3. Install Windows:
   • Boot from the USB and follow the installer without compatibility errors.
   • Activate with a valid key.

Example: MediaCreationTool.bat creates a USB that installs Windows 11 on an old PC without manual intervention.

Method 3: Upgrade from Windows 10 with bypass

1. Download the ISO:
   • From microsoft.com, get the Windows 11 ISO.
2. Mount the ISO:
   • Right click on the ISO > “Mount” (appears as a virtual drive).
   • Open the folder and run setup.exe.
3. Apply bypass in the Registry:
   • During compatibility error, use Shift + F10 to open CMD.
   • Type regedit and create the LabConfig key as in Method 1:
     • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\LabConfig
     • BypassTPMCheck = 1
     • BypassSecureBootCheck = 1
     • BypassCPUCheck = 1
   • Close and continue the installation.
4. Complete the update:
   • Keep files and apps, or choose a clean install.
   • Activate with your Windows 10/11 key.

Example: A user upgrades from Windows 10 on an Intel i7-4th gen using the Registry bypass.

Common troubleshooting

Problem	Cause	A satisfactory solution
“PC not compatible” error	Hardware restrictions	Apply LabConfig bypass in regedit
Installation does not start	BIOS misconfigured	Enable boot from USB in BIOS
No updates	Unsupported hardware	Use modern antivirus and software
Invalid key	Old license	Purchase key in Microsoft Store

Example: If the installer fails, verify that the USB is bootable with Rufus 4.5+ and try again.

Tips for 2025

1. Backup data: Use OneDrive or an external drive before installing.
2. Buy a legitimate licenseAvoid cheap unofficial keys (~€20); use the Microsoft Store or PC Components.
3. Test on virtual machine: Use VirtualBox to test Windows 11 before installing.
4. Keep antivirus: Post-2025, unsupported Windows 10 will be vulnerable; unsupported Windows 11 will be vulnerable as well.
5. Consider LinuxIf performance is poor, try Ubuntu 24.04 as a free alternative.

Example: A user installs Windows 11 on an older PC, but uses Linux Mint if performance is slow.

Risks and considerations

• Security: Without full updates, your PC may be vulnerable.
• Compatibility: Features like Copilot+ (Cocreator, live captions) will not work without NPU.
• Warranty: Microsoft does not provide official support for unsupported installations.
• AlternativesIf the installation fails, consider a Copilot+ PC (~€900-€1,500) or Linux.

CouncilIf you plan to use Windows 11 long-term, invest in a compatible PC for support until 2031.

Conclusion

Installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC is possible using a registry bypass (LabConfig) or tools like MediaCreationTool.bat. Download the official ISO, create a bootable USB with Rufus, and apply tweaks to bypass the TPM, Secure Boot, and CPU. In 2025, with the end of support for Windows 10, this option is useful, but consider the security and performance risks. Purchase licenses from the Microsoft Store (~€145-€199) or trusted resellers and back up your data before proceeding.

FAQs

Will I continue to receive updates?

Partially; Microsoft does not guarantee full patches on unsupported hardware.

Can I use my Windows 10 key?

Yes, if it's valid; activate it in Settings > Activation.

What happens if I don't update?

Windows 10 will be vulnerable after October 2025.

Is it better to buy a new PC?

Yes, for full support and AI features like Copilot+.