How to Install Windows 11 on Unsupported Device

In this article, I am assuming that you are running Windows 10 and have a computer that does not have a supported TPM 2.0 chip. Unfortunately, Microsoft does not officially support upgrading to Windows 11 without this chip but recent news has made it so that Microsoft has an official method for you to get around this and install Windows 11.

It should be noted that Microsoft themselves have said they may not provide updates to the future for devices running Windows 11 without the TPM 2.0 chip so only do this at your own risk. I do highly recommend you switch to a flavor of Linux if most of your workflows are browser based and you do not need to do heavy Microsoft Office work. That said, there are open source alternatives to Microsoft products you can use which I will recommend from here.

The Purpose of the TPM Chip

The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip is a hardware component designed to provide enhanced security features. It stores cryptographic keys and ensures the integrity of your system. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 to enhance security by enabling features like Windows Hello and BitLocker.

How to Upgrade to Windows 11

Step 1: Backup Your Data

Before making any changes to your system, it’s crucial to back up your important data. This ensures that you won’t lose any files in case something goes wrong during the upgrade process.

Step 2: Download the Windows 11 ISO

1. Visit the Microsoft website and download the Windows 11 ISO file https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11
2. Once downloaded, mount the ISO file by right-clicking on it and selecting “Mount.”

Step 3: Modify the Registry

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor
3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup
4. Right-click on the MoSetup key, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU.
5. Set the value of AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU to 1.

Step 4: Run the Windows 11 Setup

1. Open the mounted Windows 11 ISO and run the setup.exe file.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the installation.
3. When prompted, choose to keep your personal files and apps.
4. Continue with the installation process until it’s complete.

Step 5: Finalize the Installation

1. Once the installation is complete, your PC will restart.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
3. Enjoy your new Windows 11 experience!

Important Considerations

• Security Risks: Bypassing the TPM check can expose your system to potential security risks. Ensure you have a reliable antivirus program installed.
• Compatibility Issues: Some features of Windows 11 may not work correctly on unsupported hardware. Be prepared for potential compatibility issues.
• Registry Modifications: Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

By following these steps, you can successfully upgrade your Windows 10 PC to Windows 11, even if it doesn’t meet the TPM requirements.