Welcome to this guide where I'll walk you through the process of upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on a computer with unsupported hardware.
If your system supports Windows 11, you'd typically use the Windows 11 update assistant or an ISO file for the upgrade.
However, if you encounter an error message stating that your CPU isn't supported for Windows 11, don't worry.
In this guide, I'll show you the steps to upgrade your unsupported PC to Windows 11, regardless of the error message you receive during the update attempt.
I also have a video version if you'd prefer to watch it:
Step 1: Download Rufus
To begin, open your web browser and navigate to the download page of Rufus, a tool that will aid in creating a bootable USB flash drive for the Windows 11 installation.
Step 2: Create a Virtual USB Drive (Optional)
For those without a spare USB flash drive, follow these steps to create a virtual USB drive on your computer using the Disk Management tool. This virtual drive will serve as the device to write the Windows 11 installation files.
1. Search for "disk management" and select the "Create and format hard disk partitions" option from the control panel.
2. Click on "Action" and then "Create VHD."
3. Browse to your C drive and create a new folder called "VHD."
4. Specify a name for the virtual hard disk and set its size to 16GB.
5. Keep the format as VHD and type as fixed size. Click "OK."
6. Initialize the disk, select GPT, and create a new simple volume, assigning a drive letter like D.
Step 3: Use Rufus to Create Windows 11 Installation Media
1. Open Rufus and select your virtual hard disk or USB Flash Drive.
2. Choose the downloaded Windows 11 ISO file by clicking "Select" and navigating to its location.
3. Leave other options as default or customize the volume label as desired (e.g., "Windows 11").
4. Click "Start" to initiate the process.
Step 4: Customize Windows 11 Installation
1. Check the option that removes hardware requirements (RAM, Secure Boot, TPM) for Windows 11. (IMPORTANT!)
2. Feel free to configure other settings as needed, but note that they are more relevant for clean installations.
3. Confirm the warning that data on the USB or virtual USB drive will be destroyed. (Make sure you have backups of the data on the USB flash drive.)
4. Allow Rufus to complete the process, which generally takes around 10 minutes.
Step 5: Start Windows 11 Upgrade
1. Open File Explorer and locate the Windows 11 USB flash drive or virtual drive created with Rufus.
2. Open the drive and find the Windows 11 setup files.
3. Double-click the "Setup Application" to launch the Windows 11 setup wizard.
4. Change the setup's update settings to "Not Right Now."
5. Accept license terms and proceed through checks on your PC's compatibility.
6. Choose "Install Windows 11" and "Keep personal files and apps" (ensure you've chosen the correct language when downloading the Windows 11 ISO file so it that matches the language of your current Windows 10 installation).
Step 6: Installation Process
1. Click "Install" and then you'll see the initial "Installing Windows 11" screen.
2. Your computer will restart multiple times; the duration varies based on your storage drive.
3. The complete upgrade may take 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your system's hardware (if you have Windows installed on a Solid-State Drive or Hard Drive)
Step 7: Post-Upgrade Setup
1. After installation, configure your privacy settings by turning off all the sliders.
2. Once on the Windows 11 desktop, access Settings > Windows Update.
3. Download and install the latest Windows 11 updates. If Windows update seems to be bugged, pause the updates for 1 week and then click on Resume Updates, the issue should be resolved.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You've successfully upgraded your unsupported PC from Windows 10 to Windows 11 using a bootable USB flash drive or virtual drive created with Rufus.
Your system is now equipped with the new features and functionalities of Windows 11.
If you found this guide helpful, please like the YouTube video and explore my other informative guides on the channel.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section.
See ya!
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