Microsoft said my PC couldn’t run Windows 11. But I upgraded in 5 minutes anyway. Here’s how. – October 2025

Author/Source: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes See the full link here

Takeaway

This article shares a simple method to install Windows 11 on computers that Microsoft’s official tools deem incompatible. It explains a quick edit to the system’s settings that bypasses the hardware checks, allowing many to upgrade their existing machines to the newest operating system.

Technical Subject Understandability

Intermediate

Analogy/Comparison

Imagine a new express train line that typically requires a special, modern key card to board. This article shows you how to find a secret switch that lets you use an older, standard key card to get on the train, even if the system usually insists on the new one. You still get to enjoy the ride, having found a clever way around the usual entry rules.

Why It Matters

This article is important for anyone hoping to upgrade to Windows 11 but whose current computer was flagged as incompatible. It offers a practical solution to extend the useful life of existing hardware, potentially saving the expense of buying a new device and reducing electronic waste. For example, if you have a perfectly working computer that’s just a few years old but lacks a specific security chip, this method could enable you to upgrade and continue using it with the latest features.

Related Terms

Windows 11
ISO (disk image)
Registry Editor
TPM (Trusted Platform Module)
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
PC Health Check app
`AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU`

Jargon Conversion:
Windows 11: The newest major version of Microsoft’s computer operating system.
ISO (disk image): A single file that contains a complete copy of an installation disc, often used for installing software or operating systems. Think of it as a virtual installation disc.
Registry Editor: A built-in tool in Windows that lets you view and change important settings and configurations for the operating system and installed programs. It’s like the main control panel for your computer’s internal workings.
TPM (Trusted Platform Module): A special security chip found in many modern computers that helps protect data and ensure the system’s integrity.
CPU (Central Processing Unit): The “brain” of your computer, responsible for carrying out most of the instructions that make the computer work.
PC Health Check app: A tool provided by Microsoft to check if your computer meets the minimum requirements to run Windows 11.
`AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU`: This is a specific setting you can change in the Registry Editor that tells Windows to ignore whether your computer has certain required components (like a specific TPM or CPU) when trying to install Windows 11.

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