When Microsoft released Windows 11, they introduced stricter hardware requirements—things like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and specific CPU models. While these requirements were meant to improve security and stability, they also left many users frustrated because their perfectly working PCs were suddenly deemed “unsupported.”
But here’s the good news: you can bypass Windows 11’s system requirements and install it anyway. In this guide, I’ll walk you through safe, step-by-step methods to bypass these checks and upgrade to Windows 11, even if your PC doesn’t officially qualify.
⚠️ Disclaimer: These methods are provided for educational purposes. Bypassing Microsoft’s requirements may reduce system security or stability. Proceed at your own risk, and always back up your data before upgrading.
Why Microsoft Added System Requirements
Before diving into the steps, let’s understand why Microsoft set these restrictions:
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Security – TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot help protect against malware and ransomware.
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⚡ Performance – Newer CPUs handle Windows 11’s multitasking and security features better.
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Future support – Ensures long-term compatibility with updates.
That said, if your PC runs Windows 10 smoothly, it can likely handle Windows 11 as well.
What Are the Official System Requirements for Windows 11?
Here are the basics Microsoft requires:
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Processor: 1 GHz or faster, 2 or more cores, 64-bit compatible
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RAM: 4 GB minimum
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Storage: 64 GB or more
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Firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot
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TPM: Version 2.0
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Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible GPU
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Display: 9-inch or larger, 720p resolution
If your PC fails the PC Health Check Tool, that’s when you need a bypass.
Method 1: Bypass Windows 11 Requirements via Registry Editor
This is the most common and straightforward method.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. -
Navigate to:
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If the MoSetup key doesn’t exist, right-click on Setup → New > Key → name it MoSetup.
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Inside MoSetup, right-click in the right pane and select:
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New > DWORD (32-bit) Value
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Name it:
AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU -
Set its value to 1.
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Close Registry Editor and restart your PC.
This trick tells Windows Installer to ignore TPM and CPU checks during installation.
Method 2: Use a Modified Windows 11 ISO (Rufus Tool)
If you want a cleaner installation, this method is ideal.
Steps:
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Download the latest Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft’s official site.
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Download Rufus (a bootable USB tool).
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Insert a USB drive (at least 8GB).
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Open Rufus → Select your ISO file.
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Under “Image options,” choose:
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Extended Windows 11 Installation (no TPM/no Secure Boot/no RAM limit).
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Click Start and let Rufus create your bootable USB.
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Boot from the USB drive and install Windows 11 normally.
Rufus automatically removes hardware checks, making installation smooth.
Method 3: Replace Installation Files with Windows 10 Installer
This is a clever hack if you’re upgrading from Windows 10.
Steps:
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Download the Windows 11 ISO and extract it.
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Download a Windows 10 ISO and extract it.
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Replace the appraiserres.dll file in the Windows 11 installation folder with the one from Windows 10.
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You can find it inside the
sourcesfolder.
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Run
setup.exefrom the modified Windows 11 folder.
This bypasses the hardware checks by tricking the installer.
Method 4: Use a Third-Party Script (Universal MediaCreationTool)
Tech-savvy users sometimes use tools like Universal MediaCreationTool to automate bypassing checks.
Steps:
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Download the tool from a trusted GitHub repository.
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Run it and choose Windows 11.
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The script automatically applies registry tweaks and creates bootable media that skips checks.
⚠️ Always verify sources before downloading third-party tools!
Risks of Bypassing System Requirements
Bypassing checks is convenient, but keep these risks in mind:
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❌ No official support – Microsoft may not provide full updates.
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⚠️ Security concerns – Without TPM/Secure Boot, your PC is more vulnerable.
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Future updates may break – Microsoft could tighten restrictions in later updates.
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Performance issues – If your hardware is too old, Windows 11 may run slower.
Tips Before Installing Windows 11 on Unsupported PCs
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✅ Backup your files – Always keep a copy of important data.
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✅ Create a recovery USB – In case the installation fails.
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✅ Check driver compatibility – Some older PCs may lack updated drivers.
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✅ Keep Windows 10 handy – Microsoft supports it until October 2025, so you can always roll back.
Pros of Bypassing Windows 11 Requirements
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Access to the latest Windows 11 features.
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Extend the life of your older PC.
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Avoid buying new hardware unnecessarily.
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Enjoy a modern interface and gaming improvements.
Cons of Bypassing Windows 11 Requirements
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Potential update limitations from Microsoft.
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Higher security risks without TPM/Secure Boot.
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Not guaranteed to run smoothly on very old hardware.
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Some features may not work properly.
Conclusion
Bypassing Windows 11’s system requirements is possible, and with the right method, you can install it on almost any PC. Whether you use a Registry hack, Rufus bootable USB, file replacement, or third-party script, you’ll have access to the latest features and design improvements.
That said, weigh the pros and cons carefully. If your PC runs fine with Windows 10, you might not need to rush. But if you’re curious about Windows 11 and don’t want to wait for an upgrade, these methods will help you get there.
FAQs
1. Is it safe to bypass Windows 11 requirements?
It’s safe if done correctly, but your PC may be more vulnerable without TPM and Secure Boot.
2. Will my PC get Windows updates after bypassing requirements?
Yes, in most cases. However, Microsoft warns that unsupported PCs may miss some updates in the future.
3. Can I go back to Windows 10 if something goes wrong?
Yes, you can roll back within 10 days of upgrading, or reinstall Windows 10 manually.
4. Which bypass method is the easiest?
Using Rufus is the easiest, as it automates bypassing requirements during installation.
5. Will Windows 11 run well on old hardware?
It depends—if your PC handles Windows 10 smoothly, it should run Windows 11 fine, though some advanced features may lag.