Forum Discussion
Can I install Windows 11 without secure boot and tpm 2.0?
I'm facing a challenge with installing Windows 11 on my system, which currently does not support Secure Boot and lacks TPM 2.0. I understand that these features are generally required for the installation of Windows 11, but I've heard that there might be workarounds or alternative methods to install Windows 11 without secure boot and tpm 2.0.
My primary concern is ensuring a stable and functional setup without compromising the overall security and performance of the operating system. I'm seeking advice, tips, or detailed guidance from anyone who has successfully navigated this issue. Any insights into the steps involved, potential risks, or necessary preparations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help!
Microsoft has patched the /product server trick for Windows 11 installation and it no longer works at least on my computer, which lacks TPM/Secure Boot and the CPU is not supported as well. Fortunately, I am able to install Windows 11 without Secure Boot and TPM by following this online tutorial:
https://www.howtogeeker.com/install-win11-without-tpm-secure-boot
The trick is quite simple. Download the Windows 11 ISO and the app will patch the bootable image automatically so you can install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. You can give a try on your own!
Download the latest Windows 11 version and use Rufus to create a USB installation media. At the beginning there are options to disable checks for TPM and other.
I used that several times in the past three years with no problems. My motherboard does support TPM but I disabled that. Also, I heavily modify Windows registry removing things I don't need or don't like. One of them is the dumb Windows Defender. I totally remove that thing from my PC. Among other things I also change the looks of the context menu. Never had any problems with updates or running my computer. Microsoft will not tell us how to use our computer and they cannot force us to use what they think we should.
- Windows 11 will use a TPM1.2 device if discovered but as long as secure boot is available it will be fine. Next version of windows is likely to want 8GB RAM and dispense with DDR2 based machines at long last.
Patryck yes you can you may have to modify intallation media
- I used Rufus to installed Windows 11 on an ancient Lenovo T500 just to show the real system requirements are 2 cores, secure boot and 4GB of RAM. I have 16GB on my T500 and Windows 11 is faster than older versions which is eye opening. I have a large SATA SSD on the T500 as they are cheap now.
- By changing the registry or modifying the ISO if you are going to install Windows 11 without secure boot and tpm 2.0, you're essentially disabling the checks that ensure your system is compatible with Windows 11. This can lead to all sorts of issues, like crashes, freezing, or even the OS not booting at all.
- Fortunately, the "/product server" setup option doesn't require any other 'tweaks' and seems to work fine.
Rufus and produt server never worked on Windows 11 24H2, lol
- So what, in your experience, went wrong with Windows 11 installed on a machine without secure boot and TPM 2.0?
- Yes, it is possible to install Windows 11 without Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 by using methods such as changing the registry during installation or creating a bootable USB drive with a modified ISO. The registry method involves adding specific keys to bypass hardware checks, while the ISO modification involves deleting the appraiserres.dll file. Both methods allow you to proceed with the installation, but they are usually risky and not recommended. If you want to know in detail any of the two methods, I’ll mention the steps here.
I tried the Registry hacks found on the web. But it didn't work on in-place upgrade from Windows 10. It still went through the Windows Update hardware check. I finally stumbled upon a solution. The easiest way (perhaps the least known way) is to run the Windows 11 Setup.exe with the switch "/product server". It bypasses all the hardware checks. You can add that switch to the exe's run property or run it on command line.
>Setup.exe /product server
Hope this help save people some time searching!
- After this trick and installing Win11 without Tmp 2,
Can you receive the latest updates?
(I don't mean security updates; I seek feature or cumulative updates.)BehradBahrami Yes, it appears so... At least, so far so good!
But, it seems that the latest Windows 11 install downloads have disabled the server workaround - even servers now need those security features.
But I hear that it can still be done using the free Rufus install utility which allows those requirements to be bypassed.
Worked for me upgrade 2 old computers.
Keeps saying it is installing windows server but when it has finished I have Windows 11 pro installed. Not sure what is going on but it definitely works.
- You may install Windows 11 on system without TPM 2.0 but your system will be unsupported and not recommended. Steps have been described on the following website:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/ways-to-install-windows-11-e0edbbfb-cfc5-4011-868b-2ce77ac7c70e
