On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will cease security updates for Windows 10 unless users enroll in the Extended Security Updates program. For those attempting to upgrade to Windows 11 on older PCs, compatibility issues may arise, particularly if the CPU does not meet Microsoft’s stringent requirements. The company has firmly stated that it will not adjust these specifications, which include the necessity for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. However, there are ways to navigate these roadblocks.
Despite the official stance, many PCs from the last 15 years can still be upgraded to Windows 11, even if they fail the compatibility checks. For PCs originally sold with Windows 10, a simple registry edit can often facilitate the upgrade. Additionally, for older machines or those with unconventional configurations, third-party utilities may provide a solution.
Which option should you choose?
Before proceeding, it’s essential to determine which upgrade path suits your hardware. The first option requires your computer to meet specific criteria:
- The system must boot using UEFI rather than a legacy BIOS configuration.
- Secure Boot support is necessary, although it does not need to be enabled.
- A TPM must be enabled; while version 1.2 is acceptable, systems without a TPM or with it disabled will not qualify.
To verify these details, utilize the System Information utility (Msinfo32.exe) and examine the System Summary page. Pay close attention to the BIOS Mode value; if it indicates “Legacy,” a reconfiguration to UEFI mode will be required.
To check for an enabled TPM, run the Trusted Platform Module Management tool (Tpm.msc). If your PC has a TPM and it is active, the tool will display relevant information. If not, a message will indicate that a compatible TPM cannot be found. Should you encounter difficulties with the first option, the second option involves an undocumented hack that allows you to bypass compatibility checks.
Option 1: Use this simple registry edit
This method involves a minor registry modification to bypass CPU checks and accept any TPM version. It requires running the Setup program from within your current Windows installation rather than booting from a USB drive. The process consists of four steps:
- Open Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) and navigate to HKEYLOCALMACHINESYSTEMSetup.
- If the MoSetup key does not exist, create it by right-clicking on the Setup node, selecting New > Key, and naming it MoSetup.
- Within the MoSetup key, create a new DWORD value named AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU and set its value to 1.
- Download the Windows 11 ISO from aka.ms/DownloadWindows11 and save it in your Downloads folder.
Note that the ISO file is sizable, and the download time may vary based on your internet speed. Users running Windows with English (UK) as their selected language may encounter installation issues; opting for English (International) during the download can mitigate this.
After completing the registry edit and downloading the ISO, you can proceed with the upgrade. If you are upgrading from the same edition (Home or Pro), you will have options to keep your apps, settings, and files or to start fresh.
For those opting for the second method, the Rufus utility will assist in creating a bootable installation drive. This option allows you to bypass compatibility checks entirely, although it still requires TPM and Secure Boot support. To begin:
- Download Rufus from the developer’s site or the Microsoft Store.
- Select your USB drive and choose the “Disk or ISO image” option.
- Click the Select button to choose the Windows 11 ISO you downloaded earlier.
- In the Windows User Experience dialog, select the checkbox to remove hardware requirements.
- Click OK and then Start to create the bootable installation drive.
Once Rufus has successfully created your installer, open the USB drive in File Explorer and double-click Setup to initiate the upgrade. Do not boot from the USB drive, as that will not work. While a compatibility warning may appear, it is largely a scare tactic, and proceeding should not lead to significant issues.
For those who have attempted the upgrade, sharing your experiences can provide valuable insights. Whether successful or encountering challenges, feedback is encouraged to help others navigate this process effectively.
