How to Force the Windows 11 Upgrade

Microsoft’s Windows 11 brought a fresh design, improved performance, and enhanced security features that made many users eager to upgrade. However, some users may find that their computers don’t meet the system requirements for Windows 11, which includes a TPM 2.0 chip and Secure Boot, among other hardware criteria. These requirements have left many users wondering if they can force the upgrade to Windows 11, even on unsupported hardware. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to force the upgrade, the risks involved, and everything you need to know before taking the plunge.

Understanding the Windows 11 System Requirements

Before diving into how to force an upgrade to Windows 11, it’s essential to understand the minimum system requirements for the operating system. Windows 11 has stricter hardware demands compared to its predecessors, which has caused frustration for users whose systems may not be compatible.

Here are the basic system requirements for Windows 11:

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster with at least 2 cores on a compatible 64-bit processor.
• RAM: 4 GB or more.
• Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
• System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
• Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.0 driver.
• Display: >9” with HD Resolution (720p).
• Internet Connection: Required for updates and some features.

If your PC doesn’t meet these requirements, you might receive a notification that says your system is incompatible with Windows 11 when trying to upgrade. But there are ways to bypass these restrictions and force the upgrade to Windows 11.

Why You Might Want to Force Upgrade to Windows 11

Many users want the latest features, security patches, and updates that Windows 11 provides. While Microsoft doesn’t recommend upgrading unsupported PCs, some people may still wish to do so for several reasons:

1. New User Interface: Windows 11 comes with a more modern and sleek interface.
2. Performance Improvements: It offers improved performance, better multitasking, and memory management.
3. Gaming Enhancements: Windows 11 includes DirectStorage and Auto-HDR features, making it more appealing for gamers.
4. Security Updates: Windows 11 includes enhanced security features like Virtualization-Based Security (VBS).

Risks of Forcing an Upgrade to Windows 11 on Unsupported Hardware

Forcing an upgrade to Windows 11 on a machine that doesn't meet the requirements comes with risks:

• No official support: Microsoft may not offer technical support for unsupported devices.
• Performance issues: Some users report reduced performance, as the system isn’t optimized for older hardware.
• Incompatibility problems: Certain drivers and applications might not work correctly on unsupported systems.
• Security vulnerabilities: Without the required TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, you may miss out on important security features.

If you still wish to proceed with a forced upgrade, follow the steps below to install Windows 11 on your system.

How to Force Upgrade to Windows 11 on an Unsupported PC

Step 1: Back Up Your Data

Before you start, it’s essential to back up all your data. Upgrading to a new operating system can sometimes cause data loss, and the process for unsupported hardware is even riskier. Use an external hard drive, cloud storage, or backup software to save your important files, documents, photos, and programs.

Step 2: Download the Windows 11 ISO File

Microsoft provides a direct download link for the Windows 11 ISO file. To force the upgrade, you’ll need to manually install Windows 11 using the ISO file.

1. Go to the Microsoft download page.
2. Scroll down to “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)”.
3. Select Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO) from the drop-down menu.
4. Choose the language and click Confirm.
5. Download the ISO file to your PC.

Step 3: Create a Bootable USB Drive

After downloading the ISO file, the next step is to create a bootable USB drive to install Windows 11.

1. Download and install Rufus, a free tool that helps create bootable USB drives.
2. Insert a USB drive with at least 8GB of space.
3. Open Rufus and select your USB drive under "Device."
4. Under "Boot selection," click Select and choose the Windows 11 ISO file you downloaded.
5. In the "Image option" drop-down menu, select Extended Windows 11 Installation (no TPM/no Secure Boot).
6. Click Start to begin creating the bootable USB.

Step 4: Modify the Registry (Optional)

If your PC doesn’t have a TPM 2.0 chip or Secure Boot, you may need to modify the Windows registry to bypass these checks during installation.

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup.
3. Right-click on the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU.
4. Double-click the new value and set its data to 1.
5. Close the Registry Editor.

Step 5: Install Windows 11

Once the bootable USB is ready, you can begin installing Windows 11.

1. Insert the USB into your PC and restart the computer.
2. Enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing Del, F2, or Esc during boot) and set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
3. Save changes and exit the BIOS.
4. The Windows 11 installation process will begin. Follow the on-screen instructions.
5. When prompted, choose Custom Installation and select the drive where you want to install Windows 11.

Step 6: Complete the Installation

After installation, the system will reboot several times. Follow the on-screen setup prompts to complete the process.

Step 7: Verify Installation and Check for Updates

Once Windows 11 is installed, it’s essential to check for updates. Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install any available updates to ensure your system is running the latest version of Windows 11.

Troubleshooting Common Issues During the Forced Upgrade Process

During the forced upgrade process, you may run into some common problems:

1. Installation Failure

If the installation fails, double-check that you’ve disabled TPM and Secure Boot checks in Rufus or the registry.

2. Missing Drivers

You may find that some drivers aren’t compatible with Windows 11. Check the manufacturer’s website for driver updates, or use third-party tools like Driver Booster to find and install missing drivers.

3. Activation Issues

Windows 11 requires activation, and if your hardware is unsupported, activation may not occur automatically. You may need to enter a valid Windows 10 or Windows 11 product key to activate the system.

4. System Instability

On unsupported hardware, Windows 11 might exhibit some instability. If you experience crashes or performance issues, consider reverting to Windows 10 using the rollback feature within 10 days of installation.

Should You Force Upgrade to Windows 11?

Forcing an upgrade to Windows 11 can be tempting, but it’s crucial to weigh the benefits and risks. Unsupported hardware might limit performance, security, and functionality. However, if you are confident in your system’s capabilities and are comfortable with potential instability, the steps outlined above can help you successfully install Windows 11.

Microsoft will continue to support Windows 10 until October 14, 2025, so users with unsupported hardware may prefer to stick with the stable and supported version of Windows 10 until they can upgrade their hardware.

Handy tool to help you upgrade to Windows 11

Usually, customers will be prevented from installing Windows 11 for Secure Boot, TPM trouble, hardware issue, space constraints. Changing specific parameters on your drives and machine will help you solve these issues with space, TPM, and Secure Boot requirements.

Fortunately, there's a reliable way to upgrade to Windows 11 without losing any data by cloning your hard drive using AOMEI Partition Assistant. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring a smooth upgrade.

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, click the "Clone" main tab and select "Clone Disk". (You can also right-click the Disk you want to clone and select the "Clone Disk" tool to run disk clone.)

Step 2. Choose the hard disk that you need to clone as the source disk and click "Next".

 

Tips: To make a bootable disk clone, please select the system drive of the current computer with Partition Assistant installed as the source drive.

Step 3. Select the destination disk to put the data of the source disk on, and then click "Next".

 

Step 4. Then, you will enter the Confirm interface where you can check the source and destination disk. After all is set, you can click the "Confirm" button to continue.

After finishing the adjustment, please click "Save".

Step 5. You can preview the disk cloning operating by viewing the "Pending Operations". To commit the "Pending Operations", please click "Apply" and "Proceed".

Step 6. The cloning process will start and you can check the cloning process.

Upgrading to Windows 11 doesn't have to be a nerve-wracking experience filled with the fear of data loss. By using AOMEI Partition Assistant to clone your hard drive, you can safeguard your files and settings, ensuring a seamless transition to the new OS. Follow the steps outlined in this guide, and enjoy all the benefits of Windows 11 without the risk!

Conclusion

Forcing an upgrade to Windows 11 is possible, even on unsupported hardware, but it comes with risks. By following the steps outlined in this guide—backing up your data, creating a bootable USB, and modifying the system registry—you can bypass the system requirements and enjoy Windows 11 on your current PC. Be sure to understand the potential drawbacks, such as performance issues and lack of security updates, before proceeding with the upgrade.