How to install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC

Even if your computer doesn’t support TPM 2.0, Secure Boot or have 4GB of RAM, there’s still a way to install Windows 11. Here’s what you need to know.

Windows 11 is out now. Microsoft announced its new operating system at a dedicated event in June 2021, before the final version began rolling out just over three months later. It delivers some high-profile changes to the Windows experience that had become so familiar, including a new design language and native support for Android apps.

Microsoft has adopted a gradual rollout for Windows 11, prioritising newer computers. You might still be waiting for the free upgrade from Windows 10, although there’s an easy workaround.

That method won’t work if your device isn’t compatible. Microsoft updated the hardware requirements for Windows 11, meaning many older PCs aren’t eligible. If you’re not sure whether that applies to your computer, check out our dedicated article: Will my PC run Windows 11?

However, even if it’s bad news, you may still be able to install Windows 11. The lack of a CPU with TPM 2.0 is often the biggest sticking point, but a workaround is available. A very similar method also works if you don’t have Secure Boot or at least 4GB of RAM available.

Just note that this isn’t officially supported by Microsoft, so you proceed at your own risk. In fact, as Windows Latest reports, Microsoft will repeatedly warn you that your device isn’t compatible with the new OS. You now also get reminders in Settings and a watermark on the Windows 11 desktop.

However, that won’t stop most apps from running smoothly. Here’s how to get Windows 11 on a device that doesn’t meet the hardware requirements.

How to get Windows 11 on an unsupported PC

This method involves setting up a lab-like environment, and you’ll need to make changes to the Registry. If that’s not something you’re comfortable with, it’s worth buying a device that is compatible with Windows 11 or continuing to use Windows 10 until it reaches end of support in October 2025.

But if you’re happy to proceed, here’s what you need to know. Microsoft will allow device manufacturers to disable the TPM requirement on their version of Windows 11 – you’ll be doing the same here:

Head to the official Windows 11 download page to get the new OS now – there are three options to choose from

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Follow the step-by-step guide
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If it doesn’t meet the hardware requirements, you’ll see a message saying ‘This PC can’t run Windows 11’

From this screen, hit Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt window

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Type ‘regedit’ and hit enter
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The Windows Registry Editor will now open. In the address bar, type ‘HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMSetup’ and hit enter

You should now see a ‘Setup’ key. Right-click it and choose New > Key

You’ll now be prompted to give it a name. Choose ‘LabConfig’ and hit enter

Right-click the new key you’ve created and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) value

Give it the name ‘BypassTPMCheck’ and set its data to 1
Follow the same process for ‘BypassRAMCheck’ and ‘BypassSecureBootCheck’, with the same value of 1

Close this window using the red X in the top-right corner

Close the Command Prompt window by typing ‘exit’ and hitting enter

You’ll now be back at the ‘This PC can’t run Windows 11’ message. Click the back button in the top-left corner

You should now be able to complete the installation as normal

It’s worth noting that following these steps could affect the performance or stability of Windows 11. Proceed with caution, and try it on a device other than your main PC if possible.