On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will cease delivering security updates for Windows 10 unless users opt into the Extended Security Updates program. For those considering an upgrade to Windows 11, the journey may be fraught with challenges, especially for PCs older than five or six years. Users may be greeted with an error message indicating their CPU is not on the approved compatibility list, a stance Microsoft has firmly maintained without plans for revision. Additionally, a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 is a prerequisite for the upgrade.
Also: Can’t upgrade your Windows 10 PC? You’ve got 5 months to act – here are your options
While the official policy may seem rigid, there are nuances to explore. The restrictions imposed by Microsoft can hinder automatic upgrades via Windows Update or the Windows 11 Installation Assistant. However, documented workarounds exist for many PCs originally designed for Windows 10, as outlined in ZDNET’s Windows 11 FAQ. Over the past two years, Microsoft has engaged in a cat-and-mouse dynamic with tech enthusiasts, introducing occasional hurdles that complicate the bypassing of compatibility checks. While most modern PCs may find a way through, older devices, particularly those with AMD processors, may face insurmountable obstacles.
Also: Can your old PC handle the Windows 11 upgrade? How to find out – before you try
The following instructions assume you have a retail or OEM edition of Windows 10 (Home or Pro) and are logged in as an administrator on the PC intended for the upgrade.
Which option should you choose?
Please don’t skip over this section.
This article presents two upgrade options. To utilize the workaround in option 1, your computer must meet all other Windows 11 requirements:
- Configured to start with UEFI, not a legacy BIOS.
- Secure Boot must be supported, though it need not be enabled (but it’s advisable to enable it).
- A TPM must be enabled; version 1.2 is acceptable, but a system without any TPM or with TPM disabled will not succeed. Any PC designed for Windows 10 should include a TPM 2.0.
To verify these specifications, run the System Information utility (Msinfo32.exe) and examine the System Summary page. Pay close attention to the BIOS Mode value; if it states “Legacy,” reconfiguration to UEFI mode will be necessary, along with converting your system disk from MBR to GPT partitioning.
Also: Why Windows 11 requires a TPM – and how to get around it
To check for an enabled TPM, access the Trusted Platform Module Management tool (Tpm.msc). If your computer has a TPM and it’s activated, this tool will display relevant information. Under “TPM Manufacturer Information,” confirm that the specification version is 2.0. If no TPM is present or if it’s disabled in firmware settings, a message indicating “Compatible TPM cannot be found” will appear. Should you be unable or unwilling to switch from Legacy BIOS to UEFI, or if your older PC lacks a TPM option, the second option utilizes an undocumented hack to bypass compatibility checks and complete the upgrade. Details for this method can be found in the “Option 2” section of this post.
Also: How to install Windows 11 your way (and avoid Microsoft’s restrictions)
It’s important to note that Microsoft has introduced new restrictions with the Windows 11 version 24H2 update, necessitating a CPU that supports specific instructions—SSE4.2 and PopCnt. Most Intel CPUs from 2009 onward will comply, as will AMD CPUs from 2013 and later. However, upgrading to Windows 11 version 24H2 on a PC built in 2008 or earlier is not feasible.
If a clean installation of Windows 11 is your goal, booting from installation media and running Windows Setup will bypass the CPU compatibility check entirely (though TPM and Secure Boot support remain essential). Post-installation, users will need to reinstall applications, restore data files, and adjust settings to align with personal preferences. To avoid unnecessary complications, selecting the appropriate upgrade option for your hardware is advisable.
Option 1: Use this simple registry edit
This method allows you to bypass CPU checks and accept any TPM version through a registry edit. Please note that this option requires running the Setup program from within your current Windows installation; booting from a USB flash drive is not permitted. The process involves four steps:
A minor adjustment to the Windows registry is necessary. For over three years, this change was documented on Microsoft’s support website, but the instructions were removed in December 2024. (An archived version of that support article is available.) This modification instructs the Windows 11 Setup program to overlook the compatible CPU check and permit installation on a PC with an older TPM (version 1.2). As always, caution is advised when working with the registry; a complete backup is recommended before proceeding.
Open Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) and navigate to the following key:
HKEYLOCALMACHINESYSTEMSetupMoSetup
If the MoSetup key is absent, create it by right-clicking the node for HKEYLOCALMACHINESYSTEMSetup in the left-hand navigation pane, selecting New, then Key. Name it MoSetup and press Enter.
Also: Wiping your Windows laptop? Here’s the simplest way to erase all personal data
Select the MoSetup key, right-click in any empty space in the right pane, and create a new DWORD value (not QWORD). Rename this key to AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU and press Enter. Double-click the new value and set the “Value data” box to 1.
Next, download the Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices from the Microsoft website, saving it in your Downloads folder. Note that this file is substantial, and download times may vary based on your internet speed.
Also: The ultimate Windows 11 upgrade guide: Everything you need to know
For users with Windows set to English (UK), it’s advisable to select English (United States) when prompted for a product language, as reports indicate that choosing English International may lead to an upgrade that does not retain installed apps and data files. After confirming your selections, the upgrade should proceed smoothly.
If upgrading from the same edition (Home or Pro), you’ll have three options: retain your apps, settings, and files (Full Upgrade); keep only data files while starting fresh with apps and settings (Keep Data Only); or initiate a completely fresh start (Clean Install).
For those opting for the second option, the free Rufus utility will facilitate the upgrade process. Ensure you are using Rufus version 4.6 or later, as earlier versions will not work due to changes made by Microsoft in October 2024 regarding compatibility checks. For further details on the newer versions, refer to “Microsoft blocked your Windows 11 upgrade? This just-released tool can get the job done.”
Be mindful that using Rufus will not circumvent the new restrictions on older PCs introduced with Windows 11 version 24H2. If your CPU lacks support for SSE4.2 and PopCnt instructions, even Rufus cannot assist. However, any PC failing this test is likely nearing 20 years old and may warrant retirement.
Also: Yes, you can upgrade that old PC to Windows 11, even if Microsoft says no. These readers proved it
To initiate the process, download the Windows 11 ISO and save it to your Windows system drive’s Downloads folder for easy access. A USB flash drive of at least 16 GB is also required; remember to back up any data on this drive, as it will be reformatted during the process.
- Download Rufus from the developer’s site or the Microsoft Store and run the application.
- Select the USB drive and choose the “Disk or ISO image” option.
- Click the Select button, choose the Windows 11 ISO you downloaded earlier, and then click Start.
- In the Windows User Experience dialog, select the first checkbox to remove hardware requirements.
- Click OK to begin creating the drive.
Once Rufus successfully creates your installer, open the USB drive in File Explorer and double-click Setup. Avoid upgrading by booting from the USB drive, as this method will not work. Similar to the previous option, a compatibility warning will appear, which is more of a scare tactic than a genuine concern. After accepting the warning, your upgrade should proceed without significant issues.
Also: Microsoft blocked your Windows 11 upgrade? This trusty tool can (probably) fix that
For additional insights on the various options available with Rufus, refer to my ZDNET colleague Lance Whitney’s article, “How to install Windows 11 the way you want (and bypass Microsoft’s restrictions).” If you attempt this upgrade, I invite you to share your experience. Should you encounter any difficulties, please reach out via email with details, including your PC’s make and model and any error message screenshots. A dedicated inbox has been established for this feedback: Win11Upgrade [at] realworldwindows.com.
This article was originally published on April 9, 2022, but has been updated multiple times since then. It was last updated on May 9, 2025.
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