Introduction

As Microsoft plans to end official support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, many users are seeking ways to upgrade their unsupported Windows 10 PCs to Windows 11 without incurring additional costs. While Microsoft has set stringent hardware requirements for Windows 11, there are methods to bypass these restrictions and perform the upgrade. This guide provides detailed steps to help you navigate this process.

Understanding Windows 11's Hardware Requirements

Windows 11 introduces several hardware requirements that have rendered many older PCs incompatible. Key requirements include:

  • Processor: 1 GHz or faster with at least two cores on a compatible 64-bit processor.
  • RAM: 4 GB or more.
  • Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
  • Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
  • TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
  • Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver.
  • Display: High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally.

These requirements aim to enhance security and performance but have left many functional PCs deemed incompatible.

Methods to Upgrade Unsupported PCs to Windows 11

Despite these restrictions, there are two primary methods to upgrade unsupported Windows 10 PCs to Windows 11:

1. Registry Modification Method

This method is suitable for PCs that have at least TPM 1.2, support Secure Boot, and run in UEFI mode.

Steps:
  1. Modify the Registry:
  • Press INLINECODE0 , type INLINECODE1 , and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Navigate to INLINECODE2 .
  • Right-click on the right pane, select INLINECODE3 > INLINECODE4 , and name it INLINECODE5 .
  • Set its value to INLINECODE6 .
  1. Download the Windows 11 ISO:
  • Visit the official Microsoft website and download the Windows 11 ISO file.
  1. Mount the ISO:
  • Right-click the downloaded ISO file and select INLINECODE7 .
  1. Run the Setup:
  • Open the mounted drive and double-click INLINECODE8 .
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade.
Limitations:
  • This method does not work for systems lacking TPM or using Legacy BIOS.
  • The upgrade must be initiated from within Windows 10; booting from the installation media will not bypass the checks.

2. Using Rufus to Create a Bootable USB

For PCs without TPM or Secure Boot support, the Rufus utility can create a bootable USB that bypasses these checks.

Steps:
  1. Download Rufus and Windows 11 ISO:
  • Download Rufus version 4.6 or later from the official Rufus website.
  • Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft's website.
  1. Create Bootable USB:
  • Insert a USB drive with at least 16 GB capacity.
  • Open Rufus, select the USB drive, and choose the Windows 11 ISO.
  • In the 'Image option' dropdown, select 'Extended Windows 11 Installation (no TPM/no Secure Boot)'.
  • Click 'Start' to create the bootable USB.
  1. Run the Setup:
  • Insert the USB into the Windows 10 PC.
  • Open the USB drive in File Explorer and run INLINECODE9 .
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade.
Important: Do not boot from the USB drive; run the setup from within Windows 10 to bypass the hardware checks.

Risks and Considerations

Upgrading to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware carries certain risks:

  • Stability Issues: The system may experience instability or reduced performance.
  • Lack of Updates: Microsoft may withhold updates for unsupported systems.
  • Security Vulnerabilities: Without regular updates, the system could be more susceptible to security threats.

It's crucial to back up all important data before proceeding with the upgrade.

Conclusion

While Microsoft has set strict hardware requirements for Windows 11, users with unsupported Windows 10 PCs have viable methods to perform the upgrade for free. By following the steps outlined above, you can extend the life of your existing hardware and continue receiving security updates beyond Windows 10's end-of-support date.