Upgrade Your Old Windows 10 PC to Windows 11: A Complete How-To Guide

As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft is set to end security updates for Windows 10, prompting many users to seek alternatives to ensure their systems remain secure and up-to-date. For those attempting to upgrade to Windows 11 on older hardware, the process may seem daunting due to restrictive hardware requirements, including strict CPU and TPM (Trusted Platform Module) specifications. Fortunately, there are workarounds available that allow users to bypass these restrictions and successfully upgrade their PCs to Windows 11. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive step-by-step guide to upgrading your incompatible Windows 10 PC to Windows 11, detailing everything from registry modifications to installation procedures.

Understanding the Requirements and Restrictions​

Windows 11 introduces several stringent hardware requirements to enhance security and performance. These requirements include:

• A compatible 64-bit processor with a minimum clock speed of 1 GHz and at least 2 cores.
• 4 GB of RAM.
• 64 GB of storage.
• UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability.
• TPM version 2.0.
• A DirectX 12 compatible graphics card with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
• A display larger than 9 inches with HD resolution (minimum 720p). While these specifications are designed to ensure higher levels of security and performance, they effectively bar many older devices from upgrading through the standard Windows Update process. Microsoft has nevertheless provided alternative methods for installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware.

  Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrading Your Old PC to Windows 11​

  Step 1: Modify the Windows Registry​

  To bypass the CPU and TPM checks, modifications to the Windows registry are required. This process involves using the Registry Editor to create a new value that allows the Windows 11 setup to ignore these hardware requirements.
  1. Open Registry Editor:
     • Press Win + R to access the Run dialog box.
     • Type regedit and press Enter.
     []Navigate to the Specific Key:
     • In the Registry Editor, browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup.
     []Create a New DWORD Value:
     • In the right pane, right-click, select New, and then click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.
     • Name this new value ‘AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU’.
     []Set the Value:
     • Double-click the newly created value and set its data to 1.
     • Click OK to confirm the change.
     []Backup the Registry:
     • Before making adjustments, backing up the registry is prudent. Click on File > Export, select a location for the backup, and click Save to ensure you can restore the system if necessary.

       Step 2: Download the Windows 11 ISO​

       Next, download the Windows 11 ISO file from Microsoft's official website. This file will be used for a clean installation of Windows 11.
     []Visit the Windows 11 Download Page:
     • Go to the Microsoft Windows 11 download page.
     []Select the ISO File:
     • Scroll to the section labeled "Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices.”
     • Choose the appropriate language and click Download.
     • Save the ISO file to your Downloads folder. This file may be sizable, depending on your internet speed.

       Step 3: Mount the ISO File​

       After downloading, the ISO file needs to be mounted to make it accessible as a virtual drive.
     []Open File Explorer:
     • Navigate to the Downloads folder where the ISO file was saved.
     []Mount the ISO:
     • Double-click the ISO file, which will mount it as a virtual DVD drive.

       Step 4: Run Windows Setup​

       Now that the ISO is mounted, you can initiate the installation of Windows 11.
     []Locate Setup.exe:
     • In the mounted ISO folder, find the file labeled Setup.exe.
     []Execute the Setup:
     • Double-click Setup.exe to begin the Windows 11 setup process.
     []Acknowledge Compatibility Warning:
     • During setup, a warning will indicate that your PC doesn't meet minimum requirements, click OK to proceed.
     []Choose Your Upgrade Option:
     • You will be presented with three options:
     • Full Upgrade: Retains your apps, settings, and files.
     • Keep Data Only: Maintains personal files but removes apps and settings.
     • Clean Install: Erases everything for a fresh start.

       Step 5: Finalize Installation​

       Once your upgrade option is chosen, follow the setup instructions to complete the installation.
     []Configure Windows 11 Settings:
     • Upon installation completion, you’ll configure initial settings, privacy options, and connect to the internet.
     []Reinstall Apps and Restore Data:
     • If you chose the Clean Install or Keep Data Only option, remember to reinstall applications and restore personal files from a backup.

       Benefits of Upgrading to Windows 11​

       The upgrade to Windows 11 provides several advantages:
  []Enhanced Security: Includes robust security features such as hardware-based isolation, secure boot, and integrated TPM 2.0 support. []Redesigned User Interface: Features a more modern interface with a centered Start Menu and updated icons, enhancing usability. []Improved Virtual Desktops: Offers better support for managing separate desktops for different tasks. []Snap Layouts: Facilitates advanced window management by enabling users to organize open apps efficiently. []DirectStorage Support: Optimizes data transfer from NVMe SSDs to the GPU, drastically reducing load times for games and applications. []Android App Compatibility: Enables users to run Android apps via the Amazon App Store.

  Conclusion​

  By following the outlined steps, you can successfully bypass the official hardware requirements and upgrade your older, “incompatible” PC to Windows 11. This procedure involves adjusting a few registry settings, downloading the Windows 11 ISO, and conducting either a clean installation or an in-place upgrade. Before initiating significant changes, always ensure that your data is properly backed up. While Microsoft’s official policy restricts Windows 11 to newer hardware, these workarounds allow users with older PCs to access the latest features and enhancements provided by the operating system. With some effort, you can keep your aging hardware secure and relevant in today's technology landscape. For a visual guide on this process, refer to the original article on Gizchina: Upgrade Your Incompatible Windows 10 PC to Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide.