Got an older Windows 10 PC that Microsoft says won’t run Windows 11? Don’t think you need to throw it in the bin just yet! Believe it or not, there is a way to bypass the compatibility issues and upgrade your PC to the latest Windows.
Let me show you how.
Why Bother Upgrading?
As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft will cease issuing security updates for Windows 10. If you don’t feel like paying a small fortune to join their Extended Security Updates program, you might want to consider upgrading.
But here’s the catch: Windows 11 has a few pretty strict hardware requirements. If your PC is more than a couple of years old, there’s a good chance you’re going to get a big “nope” on your attempt to upgrade—especially if you have an older processor, or the PC doesn’t come with a TPM 2.0.
But no matter what Microsoft says, the truth is that you can still do it if you want. There is a sneaky way around it, and it will not even make you work hard to do it.
The Sneaky Workaround
Ready to outsmart Windows 11? If you’re ready to do a clean install, you can actually bypass all those compatibility checks that would otherwise be frustrating. You can do this by booting from your installation media, running Windows Setup, bypassing all of those checks, and getting started. Of course, the catch is that you’ll have to reinstall all your apps and restore your files and settings. But if that sounds like a real pain in the neck because it kinda is, I’ve got a simpler solution for you.
Here’s a quick rundown on how to get Windows 11 up and running on your “incompatible” PC in four easy steps:
Step 1: Windows Registry Hack
First things first, we’re going to get a little dirty in the Windows registry. It sounds kinda scary, but it’s not terrible—I swear. You’ll be telling Windows 11 Setup to chill a little bit about the CPU and TPM checks.
- Type “Regedit” into the Start search box.
- Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup. - From the right, right-click on the blank area and then select “New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.”
- Allow
AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPUto be its name and set the value to1. - Press the Ok button and restart the computer. Voila, you are up to the second step!
Step 2: Download the Windows 11 ISO File
You will require the Windows 11 ISO, so head over to this download page for Windows 11 and download the “Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)” for x64 devices. Fair warning, though: this is a large file, so depending on the speed of your connection, you might want to grab a coffee while it downloads.
Step 3: Mount the ISO in File Explorer
Once downloaded, now locate the ISO file in your Downloads folder, and double-click on it to let it mount as a virtual DVD. And voilà, now it’s like you have a Windows 11 physical DVD inside your PC.
Step 4: Run Windows Setup
Alright, it’s time. From the ISO folder, double-click on Setup.exe Double-clicking on this executable file will force Windows to freak out and throw a potential warning regarding compatibility issues. You will be presented with a message on the screen where you click OK. You are presented with three options:
- Full Upgrade: Keeps your apps, settings, and files
- Keep Data Only: Fresh start with just your files
- Clean Install: Wipe it clean and start fresh.
Just choose one that suits you, and the magic will be done!
Share Your Experience!
Tried the upgrade? I’d love to hear how it went!
Whether it worked like a charm for you or you encountered some hitches, Just drop into the comment box down below.
