If you’re considering upgrading your PC to Windows 11 but find that it doesn’t meet the official hardware requirements, don’t worry! There’s a way to get around that limitation and enjoy the benefits of this updated operating system. Here’s a simple guide on how to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware.
First, it’s important to clarify that the reason your PC might not meet Windows 11 requirements isn’t necessarily due to the speed of the processor measured in GHz, but rather the generation of the processor itself. If you have an older Intel processor, it might not be on Microsoft’s compatibility list, which you can view here. Notably, many older models, like the Intel® Core™ m3-6Y30, do not qualify.
However, if you’re determined to install Windows 11 version 24H2 despite these hurdles, here’s how you can do it:
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Watch the Installation Video: The process is made clearer in this instructional video here. This guide has worked well for PCs that are older than the one you are using.
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Download the Windows 11 ISO: Instead of using the insider preview file mentioned in the video, go straight to the Microsoft download page and grab the latest version. You can find it here.
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Get the 7-Zip File Utility: This free tool is necessary for extracting the ISO files. Make sure you get the appropriate version for your system, which you can download from 7-Zip’s website.
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Install Windows 11: Use the downloaded ISO file to install Windows 11. Follow the instructions provided in the video for any specific steps you may encounter.
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Reinstalling New Builds: Once you install Windows 11, keep in mind that you’ll need to repeat this installation process each October when Microsoft releases new builds. Unsupported PCs won’t receive automatic updates, but monthly cumulative updates will still be available.
- Rollback Option: Should you decide that Windows 11 isn’t right for you, there’s an easy way to revert back to Windows 10. As long as you don’t delete the upgrade files or the Windows.old folder, you can roll back within ten days of the installation.
By following these steps, you can enjoy Windows 11 even if your PC isn’t officially supported. And the best part? You can do this without spending a dime! While it may be a minor inconvenience to manually update your system every year, getting continuous OS support until October 2025 is a significant advantage. Happy computing!