Windows 11’s stringent requirements, including TPM 2.0, 4GB of RAM, and Secure Boot, have raised eyebrows since its launch. However, for those with older PCs running Windows 10, there remains a pathway to install the latest version, 25H2, even if their hardware doesn’t meet these specifications. Recent tests confirm that known bypass methods remain effective for this installation.
As Windows 10 approaches its end-of-life on October 14, 2025, users are seeking ways to transition to the newer operating system while continuing to utilize their existing hardware. The initial backlash against Windows 11 stemmed from its perceived unreasonable upgrade requirements, which many users found difficult to meet.
What are the Windows 11 25H2 requirements?
To install Windows 11 25H2, the minimum requirements include a 1GHz dual-core CPU that supports TPM 2.0 and at least 4GB of RAM. While upgrading RAM is straightforward and cost-effective, replacing a CPU or motherboard to meet TPM 2.0 standards can feel akin to purchasing a new computer altogether. Many users, like one testing a Windows 10 PC with just 2GB of RAM, find themselves unable to upgrade due to these limitations.
How to check if my PC supports Windows 11 requirements?
To determine if your Windows 10 PC meets the requirements for Windows 11, navigate to Settings > Update & Security. If your PC is eligible, you will receive a prompt to download and install Windows 11. If not, you may see a message indicating that you can enroll in Windows 10 Extended Security Updates for an additional year.
For those curious about their system specifications, check the amount of RAM by going to Settings > System > About. To verify TPM 2.0 support, press the Windows key and R simultaneously to open the Run dialog, type tpm.msc, and hit Enter. If your system lacks TPM 2.0, the management window will indicate that a compatible TPM cannot be found.
How to bypass Windows 11 requirements and install it on unsupported PCs?
Windows Latest has explored three reliable methods for installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. Using a Windows 10 PC with 2GB of RAM and no TPM 2.0 support, we found the following approaches effective:
- The first method utilizes a command line instruction for an in-place upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, preserving files and applications.
- The second method requires a USB device with at least 16GB of storage and involves using Rufus, an open-source bootable media creation tool, for either an in-place upgrade or a clean install.
- The final method involves Registry edits during Windows 11 Setup while booting from a USB drive, which supports only a clean installation.
While these methods offer a workaround, they come with risks, including potential stability and compatibility issues due to unsupported drivers, as well as voiding warranties and exposing systems to security vulnerabilities.
Download the Official ISO file
Before downloading the Windows 11 ISO file, confirm the language of your current Windows 10 installation by going to Settings > Time & Language > Language. Once confirmed, follow these steps:
- Visit Microsoft’s official Windows 11 download page.
- Scroll down to “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices.”
- Select Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO for x64 devices) and choose the same language as your Windows 10 PC.
- Click Download Now.
The Windows 11 25H2 ISO file, approximately 7.20 GB in size, will begin downloading after validation by Microsoft.
Install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware using Command Prompt
The simplest method for an in-place upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 involves a semi-official loophole that treats the upgrade as if it were a Windows Server installation. This approach allows users to bypass hardware checks while still installing the client version of Windows 11.
- Right-click the downloaded Windows 11 ISO file and select Mount.
- Note the drive letter assigned to the mounted ISO.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Enter the drive letter corresponding to the mounted ISO and press Enter.
- Run the command setup.exe /product server to initiate the upgrade process.
- Follow the prompts, selecting options to keep files and apps as necessary.
This method has proven effective in our tests, successfully installing Windows 11 on multiple unsupported PCs.
Install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware using Rufus
Rufus is a lightweight tool that facilitates the creation of bootable USB drives from ISO files, equipped with built-in bypasses for Windows 11’s hardware restrictions. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install the latest version of Rufus.
- Insert a USB drive with at least 16GB of storage and open Rufus.
- Select your USB drive in the Device section and choose the Windows 11 ISO file in the Boot Selection section.
- Select the option to “Remove requirement for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0” and proceed.
- Once Rufus completes the process, you can use the USB drive for an in-place upgrade or a clean install.
Install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware using Regedit (Registry editor)
For those preferring not to use third-party tools, bypassing Windows 11 hardware requirements through Registry Edit is another viable option. Begin by creating a bootable USB using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool:
- Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official page.
- Follow the prompts to create a bootable USB drive.
- Boot your PC from the USB drive and access the Command Prompt.
- Open the Registry Editor and create a new key named LabConfig.
- Add DWORD values for BypassTPMCheck, BypassSecureBootCheck, and BypassRAMCheck, setting each to “1”.
After completing these steps, you can proceed with the installation of Windows 11, keeping in mind that a clean install will erase existing data.
How to go back to Windows 10 after upgrading to Windows 11?
If Windows 11 does not meet your expectations or causes performance issues, reverting to Windows 10 is possible. Navigate to Settings > System > Recovery and click on Go back. This process will uninstall Windows 11 and restore your previous operating system, although some settings and apps may need to be reinstalled.
As technology evolves, the transition from one operating system to another can be challenging. While Windows 11 introduces numerous features, the hurdles posed by its hardware requirements have prompted users to seek alternative paths to upgrade. The methods outlined above offer practical solutions for those eager to embrace the latest advancements without the need for new hardware.
