How to Bypass Windows 11 Minimum Requirements: A Step-by-Step Guide

Microsoft's Windows 11 has set quite the standard when it comes to system hardware requirements. For many users, especially those with older devices, this means hitting a brick wall adorned with error messages like "This PC can't run Windows 11." But fear not! If you’re eager to venture into the lands of Windows 11, there are ways to bypass these pesky minimum requirements.

Understanding Windows 11's Requirements​

Before diving into the methods, it’s essential to grasp why Microsoft set these requirements. Windows 11 demands certain specifications like TPM 2.0 security, a compatible processor, and sufficient RAM and storage space to run efficiently. While these measures aim to enhance performance and security, they also side-line many older devices that were once capable workhorses.
Key Specifications for Windows 11:

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster, with at least two cores on a compatible 64-bit processor.
• RAM: 4 GB or higher.
• Storage: 64 GB or more.
• TPM: TPM version 2.0.
• Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x.
• Display: High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally.

Bypassing the Requirements Using the Registry Editor​

If you prefer avoiding third-party tools, you can circumvent the restrictions directly via the Windows Registry Editor. Here's how to do it step-by-step:

Step-by-Step Guide​

1. Start Installation: Begin the usual Windows 11 installation process. When you encounter the familiar "This PC can’t run Windows 11" error, do not panic.
2. Open Command Prompt: Close the installation window, then hold the Shift key and press F10. This will launch a Command Prompt window.
3. Access Registry Editor: Type regedit and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
4. Navigate to Setup: In the Registry Editor, head to the following path:
   

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup

5. Create a New Key: Right-click the Setup key, select New, then Key, and name it LabConfig.
6. Add Values: In the LabConfig key, create several new DWORD (32-bit) values with the following names:
   • BypassTPMCheck
   • BypassCPUCheck
   • BypassRAMCheck
   • BypassSecureBootCheck
   Set each of these values to 1 by double-clicking and entering 1 in the Value data field.
7. Retry Installation: Close the Registry Editor and the Command Prompt, then return to your Windows 11 installation. The installation should now proceed past the hardware checks.

Using Rufus for a Customized Installation​

For those open to using third-party software, met the robust Rufus tool. It’s incredibly user-friendly and designed for creating bootable USB drives with customizable options:

Step-by-Step Guide with Rufus​

1. Download Rufus: Get Rufus from its official website. Installation is straightforward.
2. Prepare Your USB Drive: Insert a USB drive—make sure it’s at least 8 GB in size. Acquire the Windows 11 installation ISO from the official Microsoft site if you haven’t already.
3. Set Up Rufus: Launch Rufus, select your USB drive from the Device dropdown menu, and load the Windows 11 ISO.
4. Select Options to Bypass:
   • Check the box titled "Remove requirement for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0" to omit these checks from your installation.
5. Create Bootable USB: Press the Start button in Rufus. It will format your drive and install Windows 11 files.
6. Install Windows 11: After Rufus completes the process, navigate to your USB drive in File Explorer and double-click setup.exe to begin the installation—free from the minimum requirement restrictions.

Final Thoughts​

While bypassing the minimum system requirements may give older devices a fighting chance to run Windows 11, it’s crucial to remember that running the OS on unsupported hardware can lead to performance hiccups and bugs. Users should be prepared for possible lags or stability issues, but for many, the thrill of using Windows 11’s fresh interface and features makes the risk worth it.
This workaround opens the door to innovation and the latest features—so if you're feeling adventurous, jump on in!
Should you have any reservations or further questions, feel free to drop a comment below. Your experience might just be the insight that helps another user on their Windows 11 journey!
Source: Guiding Tech How to Bypass Windows 11 Minimum Requirements for Installation