As of October 1, 2024, Microsoft has tightened its grip on compatibility checks for Windows 11, yet a workaround remains available for those determined to upgrade their older systems. A recent success story highlights the resilience of users who have managed to transition a 12-year-old PC from Windows 10 to Windows 11, despite initial setbacks with the compatibility checker. Following guidance from a detailed article, one reader exclaimed, “Holy moly, it worked!” after overcoming the final hurdle, ultimately saving another laptop from obsolescence.
In the days following the article’s release, a wave of responses poured in, with over two dozen users sharing their own upgrade triumphs. Remarkably, these included at least two machines that had been in service for 15 years. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, leading to a deeper understanding of the upgrade process and the importance of acting before Windows 10 reaches its end-of-support date in October 2025.
What’s blocking your upgrade?
The published system requirements for Windows 11 are as follows:
- Processor: 1GHz or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC)
- RAM: at least 4GB
- Storage: at least 64GB of available storage
- Security: TPM version 2.0, UEFI firmware, Secure Boot capable
- Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver
- Display: High-definition (720p) display, 9-inch or greater monitor, 8-bits per color channel
While some of these requirements are straightforward, the challenges often arise with the CPU and security specifications. Many older PCs may struggle with compatibility due to outdated processors or lack of necessary security features.
- Incompatible CPU: Upgrades are blocked for systems with CPUs not listed in Microsoft’s official documentation, which excludes most Intel Core processors prior to the 8th Generation and AMD Zen 1 processors.
- TPM 2.0 supported and enabled: Most PCs designed for Windows 10 include a firmware-based TPM, though some older models may have TPM 1.2 as a separate component.
- Secure Boot supported: This feature must be supported by the system, requiring a configuration that uses UEFI rather than Legacy BIOS.
To assess your upgrade readiness, the PC Health Check utility is a valuable tool. By downloading the app and clicking the “Check now” button, users can identify any compatibility issues hindering their Windows 11 upgrade.
Which upgrade option should you choose?
For those whose PCs do not meet the compatibility requirements, two upgrade paths are available:
Option 1: A simple registry edit
This documented but unsupported method is effective for PCs originally designed for Windows 10 that only face CPU-related compatibility issues. By making a single registry change, users can instruct the Windows Setup program to overlook the CPU check, provided a TPM is present.
- If the PC Health Check app indicates an incompatible CPU but passes all other tests, this option is suitable.
- This method can also work for older PCs with a TPM 1.2 chip installed and enabled.
- It may be necessary to enable the TPM in the PC’s firmware settings.
Feedback from users who employed this method has been largely positive, with many reporting smooth upgrades. However, some noted that the process took longer than anticipated, a factor dependent on individual hardware configurations.
Option 2: Bypass all compatibility checks
For those with PCs designed in 2015 or earlier, the simple registry edit may not suffice due to the absence of a TPM or the use of Legacy BIOS. In such cases, an unsupported hack allows users to bypass all compatibility checks entirely.
For the technically inclined, this involves copying Windows 11 installation files from an ISO download and replacing a specific file to disable compatibility checks. Alternatively, a user-friendly option like Rufus can facilitate this process, allowing for a straightforward upgrade experience.
Despite recent changes to Microsoft’s compatibility checker that complicate this method, many users have successfully navigated the process. Reports indicate that while the installation may take longer than expected, the overall experience has been manageable, with many expressing satisfaction with the results.
For those who wish to share their upgrade experiences or seek assistance, communication channels remain open for feedback and inquiries.
