On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 PCs unless users enroll in the Extended Security Updates program. Upgrading to Windows 11 on older machines may lead to compatibility issues, particularly if the CPU is not among the supported processors, and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 is required and must be enabled. Users have found workarounds to upgrade PCs designed for Windows 10, but older devices, especially those with AMD processors, may face more challenges.
To upgrade to Windows 11, the computer must boot using UEFI, support Secure Boot (though it doesn't need to be enabled), and have an enabled TPM (version 1.2 is acceptable). Users can check these settings using the System Information utility and the Trusted Platform Module Management tool. If transitioning from Legacy BIOS to UEFI is not possible or if the PC lacks TPM, users can bypass compatibility checks using an undocumented hack.
Option 1 involves a registry edit to bypass CPU checks and accept any TPM version, requiring the Setup program to run from the current Windows installation. Option 2 uses the Rufus utility to create installation media that bypasses compatibility checks, requiring the download of Rufus version 4.6 or later. Users should avoid upgrading by booting from the USB drive to prevent errors.
Feedback on upgrade experiences is encouraged, and users can report their results, including PC details and error messages, to a dedicated inbox.