# How to Install Windows 11 on an Unsupported PC

URL: https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/install-windows-11-on-unsupported-pc/
Published: 2026-07-26 | Author: Ankit Kumar
Tags: Windows 11, Install, System, Setup, Upgrade
Summary: PC blocked by the TPM 2.0 or CPU requirement? Install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware safely, understand the risks, and keep your files, step by step.
Recommended app: Ultimate PC Repair Tool — https://www.mytechnician.tech/apps/my-technician/ (Microsoft Store: https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9PH863L9C6HC?hl=en-us&cid=mytechnician-web). Optional; every step below uses built-in Windows tools.

## The Problem
Setup stops with **This PC doesn't currently meet Windows 11 system requirements** — usually because of **TPM 2.0**, **Secure Boot**, or an **unsupported CPU**. Windows 10 support has ended, so staying put is not a long-term plan either.

There are official workarounds for some of this, and Microsoft-documented registry bypasses for the rest. Before using any of them, check whether your PC actually is unsupported — a large share of "unsupported" machines simply have TPM switched off in BIOS.

> **Read this first, honestly.** An unsupported install works, but Microsoft states such PCs are **not entitled to updates** and displays a desktop watermark. In practice updates have continued to arrive, but that can change. Treat this as a stopgap, not a permanent plan. Alternatives are in [Windows 10 end of support: what to do](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/windows-10-end-of-support-what-to-do/).

## Step 1: Check Whether You Are Actually Unsupported
Most blocked PCs are supported once firmware settings are corrected.

1. Press `Win + R`, type `tpm.msc`, press Enter. If it reports a TPM with **Specification Version 2.0**, that requirement is met.
2. Run `msinfo32` and check **Secure Boot State** and **BIOS Mode**. You want **On** and **UEFI**.
3. Download **PC Health Check** from Microsoft for a plain-English verdict on which requirement fails.
4. If TPM or Secure Boot is simply disabled, enable it and install normally — no bypass needed: [enable TPM and Secure Boot for the Windows 11 upgrade](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/enable-tpm-secure-boot-windows-11-upgrade/).

## Step 2: Back Up Everything First
1. Copy **Documents**, **Pictures**, **Desktop**, and **Downloads** to an external drive.
2. Note your app licence keys and browser sign-ins.
3. Create a full system image if you might want to go back: [back up your PC with Windows Backup and File History](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/backup-pc-windows-backup-file-history/).
4. Verify the backup by opening a few files from it. An unverified backup is not a backup.

## Step 3: Create Windows 11 Installation Media
1. Download the **Windows 11 Media Creation Tool** or the **ISO** from microsoft.com.
2. If using the tool, create a USB drive of at least 8 GB. This erases the USB drive.
3. If you downloaded the ISO and want to upgrade in place, just double-click to mount it.

## Step 4: Choose Your Route
* **In-place upgrade** (keeps files and apps) — mount the ISO, run `setup.exe` from inside Windows. Best if the PC currently works.
* **Clean install** (erases the drive) — boot from the USB. Best if the current install is a mess. See [how to clean install Windows 11](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/how-to-clean-install-windows-11/).

Both routes need the same bypass below.

## Step 5: Apply the Registry Bypass for TPM and CPU
Microsoft documents this key for PCs with **TPM 1.2** that fail only the CPU or TPM-version check.

1. Open **Registry Editor** (`Win + R` → `regedit`).
2. Navigate to:
   ```
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup
   ```
   Create the `MoSetup` key if it does not exist: right-click **Setup** → **New** → **Key**.
3. Right-click in the right pane → **New** → **DWORD (32-bit) Value**.
4. Name it:
   ```
   AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU
   ```
5. Set its value to `1`.
6. Restart, then run `setup.exe` from the mounted ISO.

## Step 6: Bypass the Checks During a Clean Install
Use this when installing from USB on a PC with no TPM at all.

1. Boot from the USB. When the first setup screen appears, press `Shift + F10` to open Command Prompt.
2. Type `regedit` and press Enter.
3. Navigate to `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup`.
4. Create a new key named `LabConfig`.
5. Inside it, create these **DWORD (32-bit)** values, each set to `1`:
   ```
   BypassTPMCheck
   BypassSecureBootCheck
   BypassRAMCheck
   BypassStorageCheck
   BypassCPUCheck
   ```
6. Close Registry Editor and Command Prompt, then click **Next** to continue setup.

## Step 7: Handle the Microsoft Account Requirement
1. Windows 11 Home pushes hard for an internet connection and a Microsoft account.
2. At the network screen, press `Shift + F10` and run:
   ```
   start ms-cxh:localonly
   ```
3. That opens the local-account dialog. Create your username and password there.
4. If it does not appear on your build, connect to the internet, finish setup with a Microsoft account, then add a local account afterwards in **Settings** → **Accounts**.

## Step 8: Finish Setup and Install Drivers
1. Install **chipset** drivers first, from your motherboard or laptop manufacturer.
2. Then graphics, network, and audio. On older hardware, the manufacturer may only publish Windows 10 drivers — those generally install and work fine.
3. General method: [how to update outdated drivers](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/how-to-update-outdated-drivers/).
4. Run Windows Update repeatedly until it reports no more updates.

## Step 9: Confirm Updates Still Reach You
1. **Settings** → **Windows Update** → **Check for updates**.
2. Install what appears and restart.
3. Check again monthly. If quality updates ever stop arriving, download them manually from the **Microsoft Update Catalog** by KB number.
4. A desktop watermark reading **System requirements not met** is expected and harmless.

## What Not to Do
* **Don't use a third-party "Windows 11 bypass installer".** The registry keys above are documented by Microsoft and free; repackaged installers from unknown sites are a malware risk. See [avoid malware and fake downloads](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/avoid-malware-fake-downloads/).
* **Don't skip the backup.** Setup failing partway on unsupported hardware is a real possibility.
* **Don't do this on a work machine** without permission — it usually breaks device-compliance policies.
* **Don't leave BitLocker on without saving your key** first. See [enable BitLocker drive encryption](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/enable-bitlocker-drive-encryption-windows-11/).

## Still Not Working?
If setup fails partway on unsupported hardware, the safer options are: stay on Windows 10 with mitigations from [Windows 10 end of support](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/windows-10-end-of-support-what-to-do/), add a compatible CPU/motherboard — see [best PC upgrades](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/best-pc-upgrades-to-speed-up-an-old-computer/) — or use the machine for Linux or as a spare.

Related: [how to check your PC specs](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/how-to-check-pc-specs-windows-11/), [reinstall Windows without losing data](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/reinstall-windows-without-losing-data/), and [activate Windows 11 and fix activation errors](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/activate-windows-11-fix-activation-errors/).

---
Source: https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/install-windows-11-on-unsupported-pc/ — My Technician, free Windows 10/11 troubleshooting guides.
Related tool: Ultimate PC Repair Tool (Ultimate PC Repair Tool is a Windows diagnostic and repair toolkit with system analysis, automated troubleshooting, and hardware checks for Windows 10/11.) — https://www.mytechnician.tech/apps/my-technician/
More guides: https://www.mytechnician.tech/llms.txt