As of October 1, 2024, Microsoft has implemented stricter measures regarding compatibility checks for Windows 11 upgrades. This change comes in light of the impending cessation of security updates for Windows 10 PCs on October 14, 2025, unless users opt into the costly Extended Security Updates program. For those attempting to upgrade older PCs, the message is clear: if your CPU is not on the official compatibility list, you will encounter significant barriers. Additionally, a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 is now a prerequisite for installation, and Microsoft has firmly stated that these requirements will not be altered.
However, as is often the case with Windows, there are ways to navigate these restrictions. Although automatic upgrades via Windows Update or the Windows 11 Installation Assistant are off the table for many, there are supported workarounds available, as detailed in ZDNET’s Windows 11 FAQ. It’s essential to note that these methods require administrative access to the PC in question.
Which option should you choose?
Understanding your options is crucial. To utilize the first workaround, your computer must meet several criteria:
- It should be configured to boot using UEFI rather than a legacy BIOS.
- Secure Boot must be supported, although enabling it is not mandatory (though recommended).
- A TPM must be enabled; while version 1.2 is acceptable, systems without any TPM or with it disabled will not succeed.
To verify these specifications, you can use the System Information utility (Msinfo32.exe) to check the BIOS Mode and TPM status. If your system is still operating in Legacy mode, a reconfiguration to UEFI will be necessary, including converting your disk from MBR to GPT. For TPM verification, the Trusted Platform Module Management tool (Tpm.msc) will indicate whether your TPM is enabled.
For those unable or unwilling to transition from Legacy BIOS to UEFI, or if your hardware lacks TPM support, an undocumented hack can facilitate the upgrade. This involves using the free Rufus utility to bypass compatibility checks entirely.
Option 1: Use this simple registry edit to bypass CPU checks and accept any TPM version
This method consists of four straightforward steps:
- Open Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) and navigate to HKEYLOCALMACHINESYSTEMSetupMoSetup. If the MoSetup key does not exist, create it.
- Within the MoSetup key, create a new DWORD value named AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU and set its value to 1.
- Restart your PC to apply the changes.
- Download the Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) from the official site and initiate the upgrade process.
Upon executing the setup, you will encounter a compatibility warning, but you can proceed by accepting the terms. You will then have the option to retain your apps, settings, and files, keep only your data, or perform a clean installation.
Option 2: Use the free Rufus utility to bypass compatibility checks completely
For older systems lacking TPM or Secure Boot, utilizing Rufus is the most effective approach. This method requires downloading the Windows 11 ISO and a USB flash drive of at least 16 GB. Here’s how to proceed:
- Download Rufus and run the application.
- Select your USB drive and choose the “Disk or ISO image” option.
- Load the Windows 11 ISO and check the box to remove hardware requirements.
- Click OK to create the bootable USB drive.
After Rufus completes the process, open a Command Prompt with administrator privileges and execute a series of five commands to finalize the bypass of the compatibility checks. Following this, you can initiate the setup from the USB drive.
For those who have navigated these upgrade paths, sharing your experiences could be invaluable. Whether successful or encountering challenges, your insights can contribute to a broader understanding of this transition. A dedicated inbox has been established for feedback and troubleshooting assistance.
