As the digital landscape evolves, so too do the operating systems that power our devices. Microsoft’s cessation of support for Windows 10 last October has left many users contemplating their next steps. For those with PCs that don’t meet the stringent requirements for Windows 11, the situation can feel particularly daunting.
Take, for instance, a desktop built in 2020, equipped with a midrange Asus motherboard and an Intel Core i9-9900 CPU. While this setup still performs admirably in 2026, it faces a significant hurdle: the absence of a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. This component is crucial for enhancing security and managing encryption keys, yet many users remain unaware of its importance. Consequently, devices like this one find themselves on the fringes of eligibility for the latest operating system.
The beginning of the end
In the lead-up to the end of Windows 10 support, users were inundated with reminders from Microsoft suggesting it was time to invest in new hardware. The company appears to be banking on the notion that consumers will opt for a new PC rather than navigate the complexities of an upgrade. However, for those who possess machines that could seamlessly run Windows 11, there are alternatives worth exploring.
At ZDNET, we’ve extensively covered various workarounds, including a detailed guide by Senior Contributor Ed Bott that has proven invaluable to readers seeking to upgrade their “incompatible” systems. My own experience mirrors that of many; a straightforward method involving 10 simple steps and the third-party program Rufus enabled me to transition to Windows 11 successfully.
This method is most likely to be your best bet if…
- Your PC is from around 2020.
- Your hardware is in otherwise good health.
- Windows indicates your system is not eligible due to the TPM check.
- Your PC meets all other requirements, such as adequate storage.
Before embarking on this journey, ensure you have an empty USB thumb drive with at least 8GB of storage, as all data on the drive will be erased during the process.
10 steps to install Windows 11
- Download Rufus.
- Obtain the Windows 11 multi-edition ISO from the official site, saving it to your Downloads folder.
- Insert your empty thumb drive and launch Rufus.
- Select your thumb drive in the Device menu. Under Boot Selection, click “Disk or ISO image.”
- Click Select and locate the Windows 11 ISO file you downloaded.
- Click Start.
- In the Windows User Experience window, ensure the box to “Remove requirement for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0” is checked. Adjust other settings as desired.
- Click OK, then Start.
- Once the process completes, open the USB drive in File Explorer and double-click Setup to initiate the installation.
- When prompted in the “Install Windows 11” window, select “Change how Setup downloads updates” and choose “Not right now.” Proceed with the installation.
During the installation, your computer will exit Windows and enter the OS installer, which may take some time and involve several restarts. If all goes according to plan, you’ll be greeted with a fresh version of Windows 11 upon completion.
Should you encounter any challenges during this process, I recommend consulting the comprehensive guide or our troubleshooting resources for Windows 11. The transition may seem complex, but with the right steps, it can lead to a rewarding upgrade experience.
