How to download and install windows 11 on unsupported hardware

You can upgrade an incompatible computer to Windows 11 (23H2 or 22H2) at your own risk, and here are four methods to complete the task.

If you have a computer with unsupported hardware, you may upgrade to Windows 11 (including versions 24H2 and 23H2), but not through Windows Update. Instead, you must use a bootable USB flash drive or ISO file to perform a clean install or in-place upgrade manually. 

Microsoft left the loophole open but didn’t mention it anywhere in the documentation, and it is not supported. According to the company, installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware is an option for organizations. However, anyone could upgrade at their own risk, knowing there is no system stability and driver compatibility guarantee.

In other words, you can manually continue the setup if you install Windows 11 on incompatible hardware. However, you must acknowledge that the upgrade will be “unsupported.” Microsoft defines an “unsupported state” as a computer that doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements. As a result, it won’t be entitled to receive updates from Windows Update. Although these devices may continue to receive updates anyway, the company isn’t obligated to provide security and driver updates or technical support.

In this guide, I will teach you how to install Windows 11 (version 24H2 and 23H2) on a computer with incompatible hardware. Since the device does not officially support the new version of Windows, using these workarounds is not recommended unless you know the risks and understand that stability, compatibility, and updates are not guaranteed.

If you’re planning to install the latest release of Windows 11, you should use instructions for version 24H2. Usually, a clean installation is the better approach as it will result in fewer issues. You may still be able to use other different methods, but they have been tested up to version 23H2. Regardless of the method you choose, a smooth installation experience isn’t guaranteed because the computer is already not supported.

 

Important: Microsoft now requires the POPCNT instruction inside the processor to install Windows 11 24H2 and higher releases. Otherwise, the computer will fail to boot. However, you will continue to be able to install it on unsupported processors. The only exclusion will be processors from AMD and Intel released before 2008.

 

Install Windows 11 24H2 on unsupported hardware

Although you can still use the other methods outlined in this guide, the installation process has changed with the release of Windows 11 24H2. If you plan to install the latest version of the operating system, downloading the ISO file and using the Rufus tool is perhaps the easiest way to proceed on unsupported hardware. Alternatively, you can also create a USB bootable media with Ventoy to perform a clean installation of a device that doesn’t meet the minimum hardware requirements.

Also, you must ensure the computer can boot from a USB flash drive, which means you may need to change the UEFI settings or start the device in the boot menu. Since the firmware settings are different on every computer, you must check your manufacturer support website for more specific details.

Using Rufus to clean install

Follow these instructions to perform a clean installation of version 24H2 using Rufus.

1. Download Windows 11 24H2 ISO file

To download the official Windows 11 24H2 ISO file, use these steps:

>< Open Microsoft Support website.

>< Select the Windows 11 option under the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices”     section.

 

>< Click the Download button.

>< Select the installation language.

>< Click the Confirm button.

>< Click the Download button to save the ISO file on the computer.

 

Once you complete the steps, you can use the image of Windows 11 to create an installation media

 

 

2. Create Windows 11 24H2 bootable media

To create a Windows 11 24H2 bootable media, connect a USB flash drive of at least 8GB and use these steps:

1. Open Rufus website.
2. Click the link to download the latest version under the “Download” section.
3. Choose the USB flash drive from the “Device” setting.
4. Double-click the executable to launch the tool.
5. Click the Select button.
6. Select the Windows 11 24H2 ISO file.
7. Click the Open button.
8. Continue with the default settings after the download.
9. (Optional) Specify a name for the drive under the “Volume label” setting.
10. Click the Start button.
11. Check the “Remove requirement for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0” option to install version 24H2 on unsupported hardware.

 

1. Check the “Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account” option to bypass the internet and Microsoft account requirements and create a local account.
2. (Optional) Check the “Create a local account with username” option and specify an account name to create a local account automatically.
3. Check the “Disable BitLocker automatic device encryption” option to prevent the setup from enabling BitLocker during the installation (if applicable).
4. Click the OK button.

 

Once you complete the steps, the tool will create a bootable media for unsupported hardware.

 

If you choose the option to create a local account automatically, the setup will create the account without a password. After the installation, don’t forget to create a password and PIN from the “Sign-in options” settings page.

 

3. Windows 11 24H2 unsupported PC clean install process

To perform a clean install of Windows 11 24H2 on unsupported hardware, use these steps:

1. Start the PC with the Windows 11 24H2 USB flash drive.
2. Press any key to continue.
3. Choose the installation language and format.
4. Click the Next button.
5. Choose the keyboard and input method.
6. Click the Next button.
7. Select the “Install Windows 11” option.
8. Check the “I agree everything” option to confirm this process will delete everything on the computer.
9. Click the “I don’t have a product key” option.

Quick note: The computer will activate automatically if you’re reinstalling the operating system. If this is a new computer that never included a version of Windows, you will have to provide a product key.

10.Select the edition of Windows your license key activates (if applicable).

11.Click the Next button.

12.Click the Accept button

13.Select each partition on the hard drive where you want to install Windows 11 24H2 and click the Delete button. (Usually, “Drive 0” is the drive that contains all the installation files.)

14.Select the hard drive (Drive 0 Unallocated Space) to install the latest preview of the operating                system.

15.Click the Next button.

16.Click the Install button.

 

17.Choose your region setting on the first page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) after the installation.

18.Click the Yes button.

19.Select your keyboard layout setting.

20.Click the Yes button.

21.Click the Skip button if you do not need to configure a second layout.

22.The computer will automatically connect to the network using an Ethernet connection. You must set up the connection manually on a wireless connection (a security key may be required).

23.(Optional) Confirm a name for the computer.

24.Click the Next button. (The device will restart automatically.)

25.Select the “Set up for personal use” option for Windows 11 Pro. This option is not available for the “Home” edition.

26.Click the Next button.

27.Click the Sign in button.

Quick note: If you select the option to skip the internet and online account and choose the option to create a local account, the wizard will skip this part and continue with the initial setup.

 

28.Confirm your Microsoft account email to create a Windows 11 account.

29.Click the Next button.

30.Confirm your Microsoft account password.

31.Click the Next button.

32.Click the Create PIN button.

33.Create a new four-digit PIN.

34.Click the OK button.

35.Confirm the privacy settings that best suit your situation by turning on or off the toggle switch for each setting.

36.Click the Next button.

37.Click the Next button again.

38.Click the Accept button.

39.Click the More options setting.

40.Click the “Set up as a new PC” option.

41.Click the “Set up as a new PC” option again (if applicable).

42.(Optional) On the “Let’s customize your experience” page, select one or more ways you plan to use the device to allow suggestions during the experience.

43.Click the Accept button to continue. Or click the Skip button to skip this part of the setup.

44.(Optional) Use the code to link your Android phone or click the Skip option.

45.Click the Next button.

46.Click the “Not now” button if you will be using a browser other than Microsoft Edge (if applicable).

47.Click the “Skip for now” option to skip the PC Game Pass promotion (if applicable).

48.Click the “No, thanks” button to skip the Microsoft 365 setup (if applicable).

Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 24H2 will finish the clean installation on the computer with unsupported hardware.

 

Using Ventoy to clean install

Follow these instructions to perform a clean installation of Windows 11 24H2 using Ventoy.

1. Create Windows 11 24H2 USB with Ventoy

To create a Windows 11 24H2 USB with Ventoy, connect a flash drive with enough space (8GB or more) and use these steps:

1. Open Ventoy GitHub page.
2. Click the ventoy-x.x.xx-windows.zip file under the “Assets” section and download it to your computer.

Quick note: You may need to force and keep the file as the browser may detect it as malicious.

 

3.Open File Explorer.

4.Open the Zip folder location.

5.Double-click the open the ventoy-x.x.xx-windows.zip file.

6.Click the Extract all button from the command bar.

7.Click the Browse button.

8.Select a location to extract the files.

9.Click the Select Folder button.

10.Click the Extract button.

11.Open the ventoy-x.x.xx folder.

12.Double-click the Ventoy2Disk.exe file to launch the installer.

13.Choose the USB flash drive from the “Device” setting.

14.Click the Install button.

15.Click the OK button.

16.Click on This PC from the left pane of File Explorer.

17..Open the Ventoy drive.

18.Copy and paste the Windows 11 24H2 ISO files to make them bootable.

 

After you complete the steps, you can use the USB flash drive to start the computer with the Ventoy tool to launch the Windows 11 24H2 installation.

2. Windows 11 24H2 unsupported PC clean install process

To perform a clean install of Windows 11 24H2 with Ventoy, use these steps:

1. Start the PC with the Ventoy USB flash drive.
2. Select the Windows 11 24H2 ISO file from the Ventoy menu and press Enter to continue with the setup.
3. Press any key to continue.
4. Choose the installation language and format.
5. Click the Next button.
6. Choose the keyboard and input method.
7. Click the Next button.
8. Select the “Install Windows 11” option.
9. Check the “I agree everything” option to confirm this process will delete everything on the computer.
10. Click the “I don’t have a product key” option.

Quick note: The computer will activate automatically if you’re reinstalling the operating system. If this is a new computer that never included a version of Windows, you will have to provide a product key.

 

11.Select the edition of Windows your license key activates (if applicable).

12.Click the Next button.

13.Click the Accept button

14.Select each partition on the hard drive where you want to install Windows 11 24H2 and click the Delete button. (Usually, “Drive 0” is the drive that contains all the installation files.)

15.Select the hard drive (Drive 0 Unallocated Space) to install the latest preview of the operating system.

16.Click the Next button.

17.Click the Install button.

18.Choose your region setting on the first page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) after the installation.

19.Click the Yes button.

20.Select your keyboard layout setting.

21.Click the Yes button.

22.Click the Skip button if you do not need to configure a second layout.

23.The computer will automatically connect to the network using an Ethernet connection. You must set up the connection manually on a wireless connection (a security key may be required).

24.(Optional) Confirm a name for the computer.

 

25.Click the Next button. (The device will restart automatically.)

26.Select the “Set up for personal use” option for Windows 11 Pro. This option is not available for the “Home” edition.

27.Click the Next button.

28.Click the Sign in button.

Quick note: If you select the option to skip the internet and online account and choose the option to create a local account, the wizard will skip this part and continue with the initial setup.

29.Confirm your Microsoft account email to create a Windows 11 account.

30.Click the Next button.

31.Confirm your Microsoft account password.

32.Click the Next button.

33.Click the Create PIN button.

34.Create a new four-digit PIN.

35.Click the OK button.

36.Confirm the privacy settings that best suit your situation by turning on or off the toggle switch for each setting.

37.Click the Next button.

38.Click the Next button again.

39.Click the Accept button.

40. Click the More options setting.

41.Click the “Set up as a new PC” option.

42.Click the “Set up as a new PC” option again (if applicable).

43.(Optional) On the “Let’s customize your experience” page, select one or more ways you plan to use the device to allow suggestions during the experience.

44.Click the Accept button to continue. Or click the Skip button to skip this part of the setup.

45.(Optional) Use the code to link your Android phone or click the Skip option.

46.Click the Next button.

47.Click the “Not now” button if you will be using a browser other than Microsoft Edge (if applicable).

48.Click the “Skip for now” option to skip the PC Game Pass promotion (if applicable).

49.Click the “No, thanks” button to skip the Microsoft 365 setup (if applicable).

Once you complete the steps, the latest version of Windows 11 will install on the computer with unsupported hardware.

Upgrade Windows 11 24H2 on unsupported hardware

You can also perform an in-place upgrade from Windows 11 23H2 or 22H2 to version 24H2 in two ways. You can run a special command to bypass the restrictions and continue with the upgrade, or you can create a custom USB installer with Rufus that removes the hardware restrictions. If you have a device running Windows 10, I recommend using the clean installation process instead.

Using Command Prompt upgrade

To use commands to upgrade your computer to Windows 11 24H2, follow these instructions.

1. Download Windows 11 24H2 ISO file

To download the ISO file for the new feature update, use these steps:

1. Open Microsoft Support website.
2. Select the Windows 11 option under the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices” section.

3.Click the Download button.

4.Select the installation language.

5.Click the Confirm button.

6.Click the Download button to save the ISO file on the computer.

 

Once you complete the steps, you can use the ISO file of Windows 11 to create an installation media.

2. Windows 11 24H2 unsupported PC upgrade process

To upgrade a computer that doesn’t meet the Windows 11 24H2 requirements, use these steps:

1. Open File Explorer (Windows key + E).
2. Open the Windows 11 24H2 ISO file location.
3. Right-click the ISO file, select the Open with submenu, and choose the Windows Explorer option.
4. Confirm the letter for the drive with the installation files.
5. Open Start.
6. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and choose the Run as administrator option.
7. Type the following command to open the location with the installation files and press Enter:

J:

In the command, change the letter “J” for the letter that corresponds to your drive.

8. Type the following command to run the Windows 11 setup bypassing the hardware requirements and press Enter:

setup.exe /product server

Quick tip: If the command doesn’t work, in the installation drive, open the “Sources” folder with the cd sources command and run the setupprep /product server command to launch the setup again.

 

1.(Optional) Click the “Change how Windows Setup downloads updates” option.

2.Select the “Not right now” option.

3.Click the Next button.

4.Check the “Keep files, settings, and apps” option.

5.Click the Install button to upgrade while keeping files and apps.

After you complete the steps, the setup will upgrade the system to Windows 11 24H2 without going through the Out-of-box Experience (OOBE) and keeping your files and apps.

Using Rufus tool upgrade

Follow these instructions to create a custom USB installation media to upgrade your computer to version 24H2.

1. Create Windows 11 24H2 USB with Rufus

To create a USB media installer for unsupported hardware, connect a USB flash drive of at least 8GB and use these steps:

1. Open Rufus website.
2. Click the link to download Rufus 4.6 (beta) or higher under the “Download” section.
3. Double-click the executable to launch the tool.
4. Click the Settings button (third button from the left) at the bottom of the page.

5.       Use the “Check for updates” drop-down menu and select the Daily option under the “Settings” section.

6. Click the Close button.
7. Click the Close button again.
8. Open Rufus again.
9. (Optional) Use the drop-down menu and select the USB flash drive to create the installation media under the “Device” section.
10. Use the drop-down menu and select the “Disk or ISO image” option under the “Boot selection” section.
11. Click the down-arrow button (on the right side) and select the Download option.
12. Click the Download button.
13. Select the Windows 11 option.
14. Click the Continue button.
15. Select the “24H2” option to choose the Windows 11 2024 Update under the “Release” section.
16. Click the Continue button.
17. Select the Windows 11 Home/Pro/Edu option.
18. Click the Continue button.
19. Select the language of Windows 11.
20. Click the Continue button.
21. Select the x64 architecture option.
22. Click the Download button.
23. Select the location to save the Windows 11 24H2 ISO file automatically.
24. Continue with the default settings after the download.
25. (Optional) Specify a name for the drive under the “Volume label” setting.
26. Click the Start button.
27. Check the “Remove requirement for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0” option to install version 24H2 on unsupported hardware.
28. Check the “Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account” option to bypass the internet requirement and create a local account.
29. (Optional) Check the “Create a local account with username” option and specify an account name to create a local account automatically.
30. Check the “Disable BitLocker automatic device encryption” option to prevent the setup from enabling BitLocker during the installation.
31. Click the OK button.

Windows 11 24H2 unsupported PC upgrade process

To upgrade a computer that doesn’t meet the Windows 11 24H2 requirements, use these steps:

1. Connect the custom Windows 11 24H2 USB to your computer.
2. Open File Explorer (Windows key + E).
3. Select the USB flash drive from the left navigation pane.
4. Right-click the Setup.exe file and choose the Run as administrator option.
5. Click the Yes button to continue (if applicable).
6. Click the Accept button.
7. Click the Next button.
8. Check the “Keep files, settings, and apps” option.
9. Click the Install button to upgrade while keeping files and apps.

 

After you complete the steps, the modified setup will proceed with the upgrade without going through the Out-of-box Experience (OOBE) and keeping your files and apps.

Install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware from USB

Using the ISO file to perform a clean installation, you must create a bootable media using a third-party tool like Rufus or Command Prompt to start the setup process with a USB flash drive. 

In addition, you must make sure the device can start from USB, which means you will have to change the UEFI settings. Since most computers have different settings, check your manufacturer’s support website for more specific details.

To install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC, use these steps:

1. Start the unsupported PC with the Windows 11 USB flash drive.
2. Press any key to continue.
3. Use the “Shift + F10” keyboard shortcut to open Command Prompt on the first “Windows Setup” page.
4. Type the following command and press Enter: regedit
5. Navigate the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup
6. Right-click the Setup (folder) key, select New, and then the Key option
7. Name the key LabConfig and press Enter.
8. Right-click the LabConfig (folder) key, select New, and then the DWORD (32-bit) Value option.
9. Name the key BypassTPMCheck and press Enter.
10. Double-click the newly created key and set its value from 0 to 1.
11. Click the OK button.
12. Right-click the LabConfig (folder) key, select New, and then the DWORD (32-bit) Value option.
13. Name the DWORD BypassSecureBootCheck and press Enter.
14. Double-click the newly created key and set its value from 0 to 1.
15. Click the OK button.
16. Close the Registry.
17. Close the Command Prompt console.
18. Click the Next button.
19. Click the Install now button.
20. Click the “I don’t have a product key” option if you are reinstalling. If Windows 11 has been previously activated after the installation, reactivation will happen automatically.
 

22. Select the edition of “Windows 11” that your license key activates (if applicable).
23. Check the “I accept the license terms” option.
24. Click the Next button.
25. Select the “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” option.
26. Select each partition in the hard drive you want to install Windows 11 and click the Delete button. (Typically, the “Drive 0” is the drive that contains all the installation files.)

Warning: Deleting a partition also deletes all data on the drive. Also, it is not necessary to delete the partitions from a secondary hard drive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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