Upgrade Windows 10 to 11: Bypass Compatibility for Free

As Windows 10 draws closer to its inevitable end-of-life, many users find their trusty machines suddenly sidelined by Microsoft's exacting Windows 11 compatibility requirements. But fear not! You don’t need to bid farewell to a perfectly functional PC just because it doesn't tick all the boxes on Microsoft’s compatibility list. In this guide, we’ll explore two practical methods that allow you to upgrade your "incompatible" Windows 10 machine to Windows 11 at absolutely no cost.

Understanding the Situation​

Microsoft has put stringent criteria in place for upgrading to Windows 11, including a specific list of supported CPUs and the necessity for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. For many users with older machines, this means being told in no uncertain terms that their computers won’t qualify for an upgrade. However, there are workarounds available for the savvy user willing to navigate the risks involved.
On October 14, 2025, support for Windows 10 will officially cease, which leaves users scrambling for options. As highlighted in the original article, sticking to unsupported hardware could soon trap you in a security dilemma as critical updates start to fade away.

Option 1: Registry Hack to Bypass Compatibility Checks​

If you are determined to upgrade your system without too much fuss, a minor tweak in the Windows Registry may offer the perfect solution.

1. Registry Edit​

1. Open Registry Editor: Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate the Registry: Go to the path:
   
   Code:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup

3. Create MoSetup Key: If the MoSetup key does not exist, right-click Setup, choose New > Key, and name it MoSetup.
4. Create a New DWORD Value: Right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it:
   
   Code:

    AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU

5. Modify the Value: Double-click on the newly created DWORD and set the Value data to 1. Click OK and then restart your computer.

2. Download Windows 11 ISO​

Head over to the official Windows 11 download page and grab the ISO file. Make sure to save this to a location you can easily access, such as your Downloads folder.

3. Mount the ISO File​

With the file downloaded, double-click the ISO file to mount it as a virtual DVD drive.

4. Run Windows Setup​

Find the Setup.exe file in the newly mounted drive. Double-click it and commence the installation. You will see a warning about compatibility issues, but as long as you’ve made the registry tweak, proceed with the upgrade.
You will have several options once the install gets going:

• Keep everything: Retain all files, applications, and settings.
• Keep data only: Retain files but start fresh with apps and settings.
• Clean install: Start from the ground up, wiping everything.

Option 2: Use the Rufus Utility​

If your machine is lacking a TPM or Secure Boot support, the Rufus utility is your best bet.

Steps to Use Rufus:​

1. Download the Windows 11 ISO: Just like in Option 1, grab the ISO from the official page.
2. Get Rufus: Download the Rufus utility from its official website or the Microsoft Store.
3. Prepare a USB Drive: Make sure you have a USB drive (minimum 16 GB).
4. Open Rufus: Run the app and select your USB drive.
5. Select the ISO Image: Click on Disk or ISO image, then click the Select button to choose your Windows 11 ISO.
6. Bypass Compatibility Check: Before creating the USB installer, ensure to tick the box that says "Remove hardware requirements" to bypass the compatibility checks.
7. Create the Installer: Click OK and wait for Rufus to create the bootable USB.
8. Install using the USB Drive: Once Rufus completes the process, go into File Explorer, locate the USB drive, and double-click Setup.

Caution and Backup​

It's important to bear in mind that manipulating the registry or bypassing compatibility checks can lead to system instability. Always back up your data before making any critical changes or installations. While these methods allow you to upgrade to Windows 11, there is no guarantee that all features will work smoothly on unsupported hardware.

Conclusion​

Ultimately, whether you're leveraging a registry edit or employing a handy utility like Rufus, the prospects of running Windows 11 on your "incompatible" machine have never looked better. With the end of service for Windows 10 lurking on the horizon, these methods can keep your machine running optimally while you enjoy the new features and security upgrades that Windows 11 offers.
Feel free to share your upgrade experiences on our forum! Whether you've encountered success or faced hurdles, your insights can help others on the same journey. Happy upgrading!
Source: ZDNet How to upgrade your 'incompatible' Windows 10 PC to Windows 11: Two options