How can I install Windows 11 on unsupported PC hardware?

How to install Windows 11 on unsupported PC hardware?

Method 1: "Cheat" with Microsoft's official tool

1. Download Win11 ISO image

Go to Microsoft's official website to download Media Creation Tool and select ISO image.

Key operation: disconnect from the Internet when downloading! Otherwise, the tool will detect the hardware and block the download.

2. Skip TPM verification

Unzip the ISO file to a folder (such as D:\Win11).

Open the folder, find the appraiserres.dll file (path: sources\appraiserres.dll), delete it directly or rename it (for example, change it to appraiserres.dll.bak).

Run setup.exe to start the installation, and the system will directly ignore the hardware detection!

Method 2: Hard modification of the registry

1. Copy the files in the Win11 ISO to the USB drive (or load it with a virtual CD-ROM drive).

2. Press Shift+F10 to open the command line and enter the following code:

reg add HKLM\System\Setup\LabConfig /v BypassTPMCheck /t reg_dword /d 1

reg add HKLM\System\Setup\LabConfig /v BypassSecureBootCheck /t reg_dword /d 1

3. Close the command line and continue the installation, ignoring the red warning!

Note:

Performance issues: Old computers may lag when using Win11 (especially mechanical hard drives). It is recommended to turn off animation effects (Settings → Accessibility → Visual Effects → Turn off transparency and animation).

Update risks: Major version updates (such as 23H2) may re-detect hardware, and the above method needs to be repeated.

Incomplete functions: Some AI functions (such as Copilot) require TPM 2.0, which cannot be used on old computers.

Installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC can be tempting, especially if you’re eager to try out the latest features. However, there are a few things you should watch out for. Here’s a rundown based on my experience and what I’ve gathered from others who’ve taken the plunge:

2. Stability Issues:

Running Windows 11 on unsupported hardware can lead to crashes, bugs, or odd behavior. I tried it on a laptop that didn’t quite cut it, and let’s just say I had more blue screens than I cared to count. Your experience might be different, but be prepared for potential instability.

3. Performance Problems:

Some features in Windows 11, like the new Taskbar and the Widgets, demand a bit more from your hardware. If you're running an older CPU or lacking sufficient RAM, you might find that everything runs sluggishly. I remember trying to multitask and feeling like I was back in the days of dial-up Internet—frustrating!

4. No Direct Support from Microsoft:

If you run into issues, you might find it difficult to get help since you’re technically not following the guidelines. Support forums can be your best friend in this scenario, but it’s still a bit rough when you hit a wall and can’t get official assistance.

When you bypass the checks, you're essentially playing with fire. Windows 11 is optimized for newer hardware with features like TPM 2.0 and certain CPU requirements. If you install it on an older machine, you might face system crashes, random reboots, or just overall sluggish performance. Your PC might not handle updates well, either.

Microsoft clearly states that Windows 11 is meant for supported hardware. This means if you hit any bugs or issues, the first thing they'll tell you is to check if your hardware is compatible. Good luck getting help if you’re on a hacked version!

As others have indicated: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-upgrade-unsupported-computer-windows-11

The Dell XPS 8700 doesn't meet the minimum CPU requirements nor does it have a TPM. I think you will find the Windows 11 experience on a XPS 8700 unsatisfying - but it looks like it can be done. Good luck.

This PC definitely does not meet the Windows 11 minimal system requirement. The CPU is unsupported. Windows 11 24H2 needs Intel 8th Gen processors. And this PC does not have TPM 2.0 and UEFI boot. You have to apply some tricks to install Windows 11 on this unsupported PC, such as registry hacks, command prompt tricks or use a dedicated app to help you bypass Windows 11 system requirements automatically.

Below is the details for registry hacks to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware:

reg.exe delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\CompatMarkers" /f 2>NUL
reg.exe delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\Shared" /f 2>NUL
reg.exe delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\TargetVersionUpgradeExperienceIndicators" /f 2>NUL
reg.exe add "HKLM\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup" /f /v AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU /t REG_DWORD /d 1

Based on this computer specs, at least two things don't meet Windows 11 system requirements. The CPU is not supported and no TPM 2.0 chip. This means you can't install Windows 11 on a PC like the normal way you do with Windows 10 or Windows 7.

You have to patch the ISO by changing the registry. This will let the installation wizard skips checking the system requirement. So you can install Windows 11 on unsupported PC or laptop. To bypass Windows 11 system requirements, you can do it manually (take time and risky but free) or use a dedicated app (automated, safe but not free).

P.S. I did this two times on my Mac (Sequoia) and successfully installed Windows 11 24H2 on two old PCs.

[Edited by Moderator]

There are a number of ways to run Windows 11 on an unsupported PC:

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/how-can-i-force-to-install-windows-11-on-unsupported-pc

https://williamhartz.medium.com/bypass-this-pc-cant-run-windows-11-c4ed216336a7

This one with the support of Windows 11 24H2. Simply download the ISO and burn it to USB. That is!

https://www.syscute.com/online-help/install-windows-11-on-unsupported-pc.html

P.S. I managed to install Windows 11 on a 15 year old Dell XPS laptop!

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