How can I upgrade or install Windows 11 on surface book 1st gen?

Unfortunately, even if you're able to start the installation process, your Surface Book (original generation) might not be compatible with a fresh installation of Windows 11. Microsoft has specific hardware requirements for Windows 11, and your older hardware, while capable, may be flawed in several key areas. While you can install Windows 11 on Surface Book, this is extremely risky.

Problems could include:

• Your system may not meet the minimum requirements for smooth operation.
• Windows 11 may not have compatible drivers for your components, causing malfunctions or crashes.
• Improperly configured or unsupported systems are more vulnerable to security threats.
• In the worst-case scenario, forcing install Windows 11 on Surface Book may result in data loss.

Why it's problematic:

• The Intel Core i5-6300U processor is quite old. Windows 11 has higher minimum processor requirements for stability and security reasons.
• 8GB of video memory may not be enough for smooth multitasking in Windows 11.
• While a GeForce 940M is sufficient for some tasks, Windows 11 requires more advanced drivers and features for optimal performance.
• A 256GB SSD may be too limited for the Windows 11 installation and applications.

Installing Windows 11 on Surface Book for free is possible, provided your device meets the minimum system requirements. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Choose Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO).
    Select Windows 11 and click Download.
    Pick your language and edition if prompted.

2. Use Microsoft's Media Creation Tool.
    Insert a USB drive (at least 8 GB).
    Follow the tool instructions to create a bootable Windows 11 installer.

3.  Restart your Surface Book and enter BIOS/UEFI settings:
    Usually by pressing Volume Up + Power button during startup.
    Navigate to Security or Boot menu.
   Enable Secure Boot.
   Ensure TPM 2.0 is enabled.
   Save changes and exit.

4. Install Windows 11 on Surface Book
   Connect the bootable USB to your Surface Book.
   Restart and boot from USB (you might need to select boot device via BIOS or a boot menu).
   Follow the on-screen instructions:
  Choose Custom Install for a clean install.
  Select the primary partition for Windows installation.
  Proceed with the installation prompts.

5. Windows 11 can activate automatically if your device has a genuine Windows 10 license.
   If not, you may need to enter a valid Windows 10/11 product key or purchase one.

6. After installation, update drivers via Windows Update.
  Check device functionality and install any additional drivers from Microsoft or Surface support.

You can use the WinBoootMate app for installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware such as surface book 1st Gen. It is widely regarded as the best tool for installing Windows 11 on unsupported PCs because it simplifies the bypass process significantly.

Unlike Microsoft's Media Creation Tool or manual registry edits, WinBoootMate has a built-in feature that automatically removes TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and CPU checks from the Windows 11 ISO. This means users don't need to manually edit registry keys or use command-line workarounds to install Windows 11 on surface book 1st gen. This can reduce the risk of errors and saving time. The tool also ensures that the modified ISO remains clean and bootable, making the installation process as smooth as possible.

Another advantage of WinBoootMate is its flexibility in creating bootable drives for both UEFI and legacy BIOS systems. Many older PCs, including the Surface Book 1st Gen, may have firmware limitations, but WinBoootMate optimizes the USB drive to work seamlessly across different configurations. Additionally, it allows users to choose between NTFS (for UEFI with CSM) or FAT32 (for pure UEFI)

What to do if you want to install Windows 11 on surface book:

1. If you primarily use your Surface Book for tasks that don't require high performance and are comfortable with potential issues, you can try the following steps. However, it's important to note that performance may be significantly reduced.
2. This is a lower-risk approach if you can get a newer version of Windows 10. If you can't update to a newer Windows 10 version, you'll need to consider buying a new device.
3. Consider alternatives to your current device. If you need a similar device, see if there are older, but newer models available that might meet your needs. If you need a powerful device, consider buying a newer, used or brand new laptop that might meet your needs.
4. Before making any changes, make a complete backup of all important files and data.

While you might be able to use methods to install Windows 11 on surface book, we don't recommend it. Doing so might void your warranty, cause other problems, and potentially expose your system to security risks. We don't recommend upgrading your Surface Book to Windows 11. The potential issues far outweigh the benefits. Prioritize upgrading to Windows 10, or consider purchasing a new device if you need more modern performance.

Installing Windows 11 on a Surface Book 1st Gen is possible, but it requires bypassing Microsoft's official hardware requirements since the device does not meet them (lack of TPM 2.0 and an older CPU). Here's how to do it.

Prerequisites

Backup your data – Modifying system settings can lead to data loss.

Download Windows 11 ISO – Get it from Microsoft's official site.

How to upgrade Surface Book to Windows 11

1. Download Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft.

2. Mount the Windows 11 ISO (double-click it).

3. Open setup.exe.

4. When warned about compatibility, press Shift + F10 and run:

HKLM\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup /v AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

5. Close CMD and start installing windows 11 on surface book.

Post-Installation Notes

Drivers: Windows 11 should auto-install most, but check Surface Book 1 drivers here.

Performance: Windows 11 runs well on Surface Book 1, but some features (like Snap Layouts) may be slower.

Updates: Future Windows updates may require re-bypassing checks.