Overview
Windows 11 has strict hardware requirements that include Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. This guide shows you how to bypass these requirements to install Windows 11 on older or unsupported hardware. This method involves modifying registry settings and potentially disabling security features in your BIOS/UEFI.
Important Disclaimer
This guide is for educational purposes. Disabling security features may reduce system security. Only proceed if you understand the risks and have a backup of your data.
Windows 11 Requirements
Windows 11 has the following minimum requirements:
| Requirement | Minimum | Can Bypass |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz, 2+ cores, 64-bit | ✅ Yes |
| RAM | 4 GB | ❌ No |
| Storage | 64 GB | ❌ No |
| Secure Boot | Enabled | ✅ Yes |
| TPM | 2.0 | ✅ Yes |
| UEFI | Required | ✅ Yes |
Method 1: Registry Bypass (Recommended)
This method modifies Windows registry to bypass the TPM and Secure Boot checks during installation. This is the safest method as it doesn't require BIOS changes.
1 Prepare Windows 11 ISO
- Download Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft's official website
- Create a bootable USB drive using tools like Rufus or Media Creation Tool
- Boot from the USB drive
2 Access Command Prompt
- When you reach the Windows 11 setup screen, press Shift + F10
- This opens Command Prompt with administrator privileges
- If Shift + F10 doesn't work, try Fn + Shift + F10
3 Modify Registry
Run the following commands in Command Prompt:
reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\Setup\LabConfig" /v "BypassSecureBootCheck" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\Setup\LabConfig" /v "BypassRAMCheck" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\Setup\LabConfig" /v "BypassStorageCheck" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\Setup\LabConfig" /v "BypassCPUCheck" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
4 Continue Installation
- Close Command Prompt
- Continue with the Windows 11 installation
- The compatibility checks should now be bypassed
Success
Windows 11 should now install without TPM or Secure Boot requirements!
Method 2: BIOS/UEFI Configuration
This method involves changing BIOS/UEFI settings. Only use this if Method 1 doesn't work, as it requires more technical knowledge and varies by motherboard manufacturer.
Warning
Incorrect BIOS settings can prevent your computer from booting. Make sure you understand your BIOS interface before making changes.
1 Access BIOS/UEFI
- Restart your computer
- Press the BIOS key during startup (common keys: F2, F10, Del, F12)
- Look for the key displayed on the startup screen
2 Disable Secure Boot
Navigate to these settings (names may vary by manufacturer):
- Security → Secure Boot → Disabled
- Or: Boot → Secure Boot → Disabled
- Or: Authentication → Secure Boot → Disabled
3 Disable TPM
Find and disable TPM settings:
- Security → TPM → Disabled
- Or: Advanced → Trusted Computing → TPM → Disabled
- Or: Security → Trusted Platform Module → Disabled
4 Save and Exit
- Save your changes (usually F10)
- Exit BIOS
- Boot from Windows 11 installation media
Troubleshooting
Common Issues and Solutions
"This PC can't run Windows 11" Error
- Make sure you ran all registry commands correctly
- Try Method 2 (BIOS changes) if Method 1 fails
- Ensure you're using a recent Windows 11 ISO
Computer Won't Boot After BIOS Changes
- Reset BIOS to default settings
- Clear CMOS (remove battery for 5 minutes)
- Contact motherboard manufacturer for support
Installation Stuck or Slow
- Ensure you have at least 4GB RAM
- Check that you have 64GB free storage
- Try installing from USB 3.0 port
Post-Installation Steps
1 Install Updates
- Run Windows Update to get the latest patches
- Install all available updates
- Restart when prompted
2 Install Drivers
- Download and install motherboard drivers
- Install graphics card drivers
- Install any missing device drivers
3 Security Considerations
- Enable Windows Defender
- Consider re-enabling Secure Boot if possible
- Use strong passwords and 2FA where available
Security Note
Running Windows 11 without TPM and Secure Boot reduces security. Consider upgrading to supported hardware when possible, or ensure you have other security measures in place.
Alternative Solutions
Other Ways to Get Windows 11
Hardware Upgrade
The most reliable solution is to upgrade to Windows 11-compatible hardware:
- Motherboard with TPM 2.0 support
- 8th generation Intel or newer CPU
- AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot
Windows 11 in Virtual Machine
Run Windows 11 in a virtual machine:
- Use VMware Workstation or VirtualBox
- Allocate at least 4GB RAM and 64GB storage
- Enable virtualization in BIOS (VT-x/AMD-V)
Stay on Windows 10
Windows 10 is supported until October 2025:
- Continue using Windows 10
- Plan hardware upgrade before 2025
- Consider Linux alternatives