Can I use Windows 11 install assistant on an unsupported PC?

The Windows 11 Installation Assistant is a Microsoft utility designed to help you easily upgrade your current Windows 10 or 11 PC to the latest Windows 11 release. You download Windows 11 Installation Assistant from the official Windows 11 Download page, run it, and it:

1. Checks your system meets Microsoft’s hardware requirements (like CPU, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, disk space).

2. If everything checks out, it downloads the Windows 11 update and performs an in-place upgrade, keeping your apps and files.

3. Finally, it restarts your PC and finishes the installation — no USB stick or manual media creation needed

Does it work on an incompatible PC?

Short answer: No.

The Windows 11 install assistant refuses to run if your system doesn't meet Windows 11's hardware requirements.

Why Not?

The Windows 11 Installation Assistant performs checks upfront and halts if critical criteria aren't met (e.g., TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, compatible CPU)

Additionally, Microsoft doesn't support using it to bypass those checks, and doing so is officially discouraged

Final Takeaway

Windows 11 Installation Assistant is great for supported PCs — quick, safe upgrade with full support.

Unsupported laptops? The The Windows 11 Installation Assistant won't work. You'd need risky hacks or third-party tools and you'd lose official support, updates, and a stable experience.