Microsoft left the loophole open, but it doesn’t mention it anywhere in the documentation, nor is it supported. According to the company, installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware is an option for organizations. However, anyone could upgrade at their own risk knowing there is no guarantee of system stability and driver compatibility. In other words, you can continue with the setup manually if you choose to install Windows 11 on incompatible hardware. However, you must confirm that the upgrade will have an “unsupported state.” Microsoft defines an “unsupported state” as a device that does not meet the minimum system requirements, and as a result, it won’t be entitled to receive updates from Windows Update. Although these devices may continue to receive updates anyway, the company isn’t obligated to provide security and driver updates or technical support. This guide will teach you how to install Windows 11 (version 21H2 or 22H2) on a computer with incompatible hardware. Since the device does not officially support the new version of Windows, it’s not recommended to use this workaround unless you know the risks and understand that stability, compatibility, and updates are not guaranteed.
Install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware from USB Upgrade to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware from ISO file Upgrade to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware from Registry
Install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware from USB
Using the ISO file to perform a clean installation, you will need to create a bootable media using a third-party tool like Rufus or Command Prompt to start the setup process with a USB flash drive. In addition, you also have to make sure the device can start from USB, which means you will have to change the UEFI settings. Since most computers have different settings, you must check your manufacturer support website for more specific details. To install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will install in an unsupported state, which means you may not get security or driver updates.
Upgrade to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware from ISO file
Alternatively, you can perform an in-place upgrade of Windows 11 with an ISO file on a device that doesn’t meet the system requirements. However, you will need to run a script to bypass the TPM, Secure Boot, and processor check.
1. Bypass Windows 11 requirement checks
To bypass the minimum system requirements to install Windows 11, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, you can mount an ISO file to begin the installation of Windows 11 on unsupported hardware (see steps below). If the script is not working, restart the computer and run it several times.
2. Upgrade to Windows 11 from ISO
To upgrade an incompatible computer to Windows 11 (version 22H2 or 21H2) with an ISO file, use these steps: If you want to start fresh with a clean installation of Windows 11, click the “Change what to keep” option, select the Nothing option, click the Next button, and then click the Install button.
After you complete the steps, the setup will continue to upgrade the laptop or desktop computer to the Windows 11 2022 Update (version 22H2). However, Windows 11 will run in an unsupported state that won’t guarantee updates, nor will you receive support from Microsoft.
Upgrade to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware from Registry
Although it’s not supported, Microsoft has published a workaround to bypass the Windows 11 requirements to continue the setup by editing the Registry. However, the computer needs a TPM 1.2 chip, and UEFI firmware with Secure Boot enabled. (These steps may or may not work on Windows 11 22H2.)
1. Edit Registry to bypass official checks
To bypass the minimum system requirements to upgrade to Windows 11 22H2, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, you can mount an ISO file or connect a USB media to begin the installation of Windows 11 on unsupported hardware.
2. Upgrade to Windows 11 using ISO file
To begin the Windows 11 upgrade process, use these steps: If you want to start fresh with a clean installation of Windows 11, click the Change what to keep option, select the Nothing option, click the Next button, and then click the Install button.
Once you complete the steps, the setup will continue upgrading the device to Windows 11. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
