Microsoft Extends Windows 11 Support to Older PCs: Here's How to Upgrade
With Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, many users with older PCs are wondering about their upgrade options. While Microsoft has strict official hardware requirements for Windows 11, there are now supported methods to install the new OS on many older systems. Here's what you need to know:
 |
|---|
| A glimpse of Windows 11 on the desktop, highlighting the modern design users can expect when upgrading their older PCs |
The Official Requirements
Microsoft's published system requirements for Windows 11 include:
- A compatible 64-bit processor (8th gen Intel Core or newer, AMD Zen 2 or newer)
- 4GB of RAM
- 64GB of storage
- UEFI secure boot
- TPM 2.0
However, these requirements primarily apply to automatic upgrades through Windows Update.
Supported Workarounds
There are two Microsoft-supported methods to install Windows 11 on older PCs:
-
Clean install: Booting from Windows 11 installation media bypasses the CPU check entirely.
-
Registry edit: A simple registry change allows the upgrade process to skip CPU and TPM 2.0 checks.
How to Upgrade Using the Registry Method
- Open the Registry Editor (regedit.exe)
- Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup
- Create a new DWORD value named AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU
- Set the value to 1
- Save and exit the Registry Editor
- Download the Windows 11 ISO and mount it in File Explorer
- Run setup.exe to begin the upgrade process
 |
|---|
| Inside the Registry Editor where users can make crucial changes to enable the upgrade to Windows 11 |
Considerations
While these methods are officially documented by Microsoft, be aware that:
- You may not receive all Windows 11 features on unsupported hardware
- Future updates could potentially be blocked
- Performance and stability may be impacted
 |
|---|
| Exploring personalization options in Windows 11, reflecting the ability to optimize user experience after upgrading |
Other Windows 11 Tweaks
If you do upgrade, consider these optimizations:
- Disable unnecessary startup programs
- Configure Storage Sense for automatic cleanup
- Enable Night Light to reduce eye strain
- Customize the Start menu and taskbar layout
The Bottom Line
While Microsoft's official stance remains unchanged, these workarounds provide a path for many users to experience Windows 11 on their existing hardware. As always, ensure you have a complete backup before attempting any major OS upgrade.