Do you want to try Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, but your PC does not meet the minimum requirements? Don’t worry, you can still install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC with a few tricks.
Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft that offers many new features and improvements, such as a more modern user interface, Microsoft Teams integration, Android app support, and more. However, Windows 11 also has higher hardware requirements than Windows 10, such as 8th generation processors or later, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot. If your PC doesn’t meet these requirements, you may not be able to officially install Windows 11.
Don’t worry, though, because there are still ways to install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC, with a little trick and modification. In this article, we’ll show you the steps you need to take to install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC, either through upgrade or clean install methods. We will also tell you the risks and consequences you may face if you choose to do so.
What Are the Minimum Requirements for Windows 11?
Before we begin, let’s see what are the minimum requirements for Windows 11. According to Microsoft, your PC must have the following specifications to run Windows 11:
- Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a 64-bit compatible processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
- RAM: 4 gigabytes (GB) or more
- Storage: 64 GB or greater storage device
- System firmware: UEFI, compatible with Secure Boot
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
- Graphics card: DirectX 12 or later compatible with WDDM 2.0 drivers
- Display: High-resolution (720p) monitor larger than 9 inches diagonally, 8 bits per color channel
- Internet connection and Microsoft account: For Windows 11 Home settings, changing the operating system, and some features
You can check if your PC meets these requirements by using Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool. If your PC doesn’t pass the check, you’ll see a message like this:
However, there are ways to get around this limitation and install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC. Let’s discuss some methods you can try.
Warning Before Installing Windows 11 on an Unsupported PC
Before we get started, there are a few things you need to know and consider before installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC.
- Installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC is not a process recommended or supported by Microsoft. You may experience compatibility, performance, stability, or security issues that you can’t predict or resolve.
- You may not be able to receive future Windows 11 features or security updates, which could leave your PC vulnerable to threats or bugs. Microsoft can also change its policy at any time and prevent unsupported PCs from running Windows 11 at all.
- You should back up your important data before installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC, as there is a chance that you may lose data or damage your system during the installation process. You’ll also need to create Windows 10 installation media that can be used to restore your PC to a previous operating system in case of problems.
- You must follow the steps we provide carefully and thoroughly, as errors or omissions may lead to installation failure or system damage. We are not responsible for any loss or damage you may suffer as a result of installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC.
If you understand and accept the risks and consequences involved, you can proceed to the following steps to install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC.