As the tech landscape evolves, Microsoft has officially ceased support for Windows 10, prompting many users to consider their next steps. A significant number of PCs running Windows 10 are now facing challenges due to Microsoft’s stringent eligibility requirements for upgrading to Windows 11. However, there are viable workarounds for those who wish to continue using their existing hardware.
For instance, my desktop, built in 2020, features a midrange Asus motherboard paired with an Intel Core i9-9900 CPU, both of which remain competent in 2025. Yet, the absence of a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 renders it ineligible for the Windows 11 upgrade. The TPM, a secure cryptoprocessor, plays a crucial role in enhancing security and managing encryption keys, but many users may not be familiar with its significance. This minor technicality is the sole barrier preventing my otherwise capable PC from making the leap to Windows 11.
In the lead-up to the end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, I encountered persistent notifications from Microsoft suggesting it was time to invest in a new PC. The company appears to be encouraging users to bypass the complexities of upgrading by opting for new hardware instead. However, for those with systems that could seamlessly run Windows 11, there’s no need to succumb to this pressure. Numerous workarounds exist, and ZDNET has extensively covered these options. Senior Editor Ed Bott has provided a detailed guide on upgrading “incompatible” PCs, which has proven beneficial to many readers, including myself.
The method that facilitated my upgrade—likely applicable to many users with PCs around five years old—involves a straightforward process using the third-party program Rufus. This approach is particularly effective if:
- Your PC was manufactured around 2020.
- Your hardware is functioning well.
- Windows indicates ineligibility due to the TPM requirement.
- Your system meets all other specifications, such as adequate storage.
To embark on this upgrade journey, you will need an empty USB thumb drive with a minimum of 8GB of storage. Ensure that you back up any data on the drive, as it will be erased during the process.
10 steps to install Windows 11
- Download Rufus.
- Visit the official site to download the Windows 11 multi-edition ISO under “Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices,” saving it to your Downloads folder.
- Insert your empty thumb drive and launch Rufus.
- In Rufus, select your thumb drive from the Device menu. Under Boot Selection, choose “Disk or ISO image.”
- Click Select and locate the Windows 11 ISO file you downloaded.
- Click Start.
- When prompted by the Windows User Experience window, ensure the first box is checked: “Remove requirement for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0.” The other options can be adjusted based on your preferences.
- Click OK, then Start.
- After completion, open the USB drive in File Explorer and double-click Setup to initiate the Windows 11 installation.
- Finally, when the “Install Windows 11” window appears, select “Change how Setup downloads updates” and choose “Not right now.” Proceed with the installation.
Following these steps, your computer will transition from Windows to the OS installer, a process that may take some time and involve several restarts. If executed correctly, your PC should boot into a fresh version of Windows 11.
For those encountering difficulties during installation, I recommend consulting the comprehensive guide or our troubleshooting resources. Staying informed and prepared can make all the difference in navigating this upgrade successfully.
