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Whamite's avatar
Whamite
Iron Contributor
Dec 25, 2024

Can't install Windows 11 on Intel i3-7300 CPU

The PC health check says this CPU (Intel i3 7300) is supported for one of my computers. And it is fully supported by Windows 11. However, when I am trying to install Windows 11 24H2 from a bootable USB drive, it says this pc can't run Windows 11 as it does not meet the minimum system requirements. Sadly, it does not list the specific reason.

My PC has TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. My question is how to install Windows 11 on Intel i3 CPU and bypass Windows 11 system requirements?

  • Nobel_Baynes's avatar
    Nobel_Baynes
    Iron Contributor

    Windows 11 needs Intel i3 8th Generation CPU. 7300 is not officially supported by Windows 11. You can bypass the Windows 11 system requirements and install Windows 11 on unsupported PC with working tricks.

  • kyazaferr's avatar
    kyazaferr
    Steel Contributor

    Verify Compatibility

    • Double-check the official Microsoft Windows 11 supported CPU list to confirm your Intel i3-7300 is supported.
    • Ensure your PC has:
      • TPM 2.0 enabled in BIOS/UEFI.
      • Secure Boot enabled in BIOS/UEF
      • Check Installation Media

        • Ensure your bootable USB drive was created using the latest official Windows 11 ISO from the Microsoft website.
        • Use Rufus or the Media Creation Tool to create the USB drive, as they ensure the media is correctly formatted.
        • Verify BIOS/UEFI Settings

          • Boot into BIOS/UEFI and confirm:
            • TPM 2.0 is enabled.
            • Secure Boot is enabled (ensure it is in "Standard" mode, not "Custom").
            • The firmware is up-to-date.
  • iaadillatif's avatar
    iaadillatif
    Copper Contributor

    Hey, I understand how frustrating it can be to face such errors, especially when PC Health Check says your system is supported. Here are some possible reasons and steps you can try to fix the issue and successfully install Windows 11 on your Intel i3-7300:

    1. Check BIOS Settings

    Even though you have TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, they might not be enabled correctly in your BIOS/UEFI settings. Here's how to double-check:

    • Restart your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing Del, F2, or F12 during boot).
    • Ensure TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is enabled. On Intel systems, it might be listed as "PTT" (Platform Trust Technology).
    • Enable Secure Boot: Look for this option under "Boot" or "Security" and ensure it's activated.
    • Save changes and restart.

    2. Windows 11 Install Compatibility Check

    Even if PC Health Check says the CPU is compatible, there could be other hidden issues:

    • Check that your RAM meets the 4GB minimum and free disk space is at least 64GB.
    • Update your BIOS to the latest version from your motherboard manufacturer's website. An outdated BIOS can block newer OS installations.

    3. Bypass the Minimum System Requirements

    If your CPU is technically supported, but the installer still blocks it, you can bypass the requirements:

    Option A: Modify Registry During Setup

    • Boot from the USB and proceed with the installation until the error screen appears.
    • Press Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt.
    • Type regedit to open the Registry Editor.
    • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup.
    • Right-click the Setup key and create a new key called LabConfig.
    • Inside LabConfig, create the following two DWORD (32-bit) values and set them to 1:
      • BypassTPMCheck
      • BypassSecureBootCheck
    • Close the editor and continue with the installation.

    Option B: Use a Rufus Bootable USB

    • Download and run Rufus.
    • Create a bootable USB using the Windows 11 ISO and select the "Bypass TPM and Secure Boot" option during the creation process.
    • Boot your PC with this modified USB and proceed with the installation.

    4. Alternate Solution

    If nothing works, consider installing Windows 10 first and then upgrading to Windows 11 via Windows Update. This method sometimes bypasses stricter checks.

    I hope one of these steps works for you! Let me know if you get stuck anywhere—I'll do my best to help. 😊

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