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If you’re looking to install Windows 11 on your PC, but you hit a roadblock due to hardware limitations, don’t fret. While Microsoft has specific requirements, there are ways to work around them. Here’s a straightforward guide to get Windows 11 up and running on your unsupported machine.
First, let’s establish some essential requirements. For your PC to upgrade to Windows 11, it ideally needs an Intel 8th generation core processor. Even if you manage to upgrade your TPM firmware from version 1.2 to 2.0, your system still needs that processor to meet Microsoft’s guidelines.
If you want to know whether your hardware can be updated, check the specific list of PCs that support the firmware upgrade from TPM 1.2 to 2.0 here.
Now, if you appreciate your current setup and still wish to install Windows 11 24H2, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve tried various methods over the past three years, but I found the simplest one that works best. You can follow along with this helpful video guide for a visual walkthrough.
Here’s what you need to do:
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Download the Windows 11 24H2 ISO File: Head over to the official Microsoft site and download the ISO for the latest version of Windows 11 here.
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Install a File Utility: You’ll need a tool to extract the ISO file. Download 7-Zip (the 64-bit version) from here. This free software will help you unzip the files you need.
- Installation Steps: Follow the instructions in the video to install Windows 11. The guide is user-friendly and doesn’t require any command line experience.
Keep in mind that each October, when Microsoft releases new builds, you’ll need to repeat this process since a PC that doesn’t meet minimum hardware requirements won’t receive those updates automatically. While this may seem inconvenient, your PC will still get monthly updates without issues.
In the rare event that Windows 11 doesn’t work as expected for you, it’s reassuring to know that you have 10 days to revert back to Windows 10, provided you don’t delete the upgrade files or the Windows.old folder. You can find a tutorial on how to do that here.
I’m currently running Windows 11 24H2 on my HP 8200 Elite CMT from a year ago, and it performs smoothly. With these steps, you too can enhance your computing experience without needing the latest hardware. Happy upgrading!