Forum Discussion
FinleyWilder
Mar 18, 2025Iron Contributor
How Can I Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware?
Windows 10 will be ended of official support very soon and no secure update since then. This is the main reason why I want to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 on this Dell XPS 13 laptop (9350). The ...
Adi__
Mar 18, 2025Copper Contributor
Upgrading your Dell XPS 13 (9350) to Windows 11 is not possible through official means because your hardware does not meet the minimum system requirements. Even though there are workarounds to install Windows 11 on unsupported devices, in your case, it is not recommended due to the following reasons:
Why Your Laptop Cannot Run Windows 11 Properly
- Processor Incompatibility: Your Intel Core i5-6200U is not on Microsoft's supported CPU list. Windows 11 requires at least an 8th Gen Intel processor for official support.
- Lack of TPM 2.0: Windows 11 requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, but your laptop likely has TPM 1.2, which is insufficient.
- Older Graphics Adapter: Your Intel HD Graphics 520 does not support WDDM 2.0+ and lacks the necessary DirectX 12 features for optimal Windows 11 performance.
- Memory and Storage: While you have 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD, which technically meet the minimum requirements, they are on the lower end for Windows 11's performance.
- No Official Drivers: Dell does not provide Windows 11 drivers for the XPS 13 (9350), which means potential compatibility issues with hardware, leading to instability or missing functionality.
What Are Your Options?
- Stay on Windows 10: Microsoft will support Windows 10 with security updates until October 14, 2025.
- Consider a Lightweight OS: If you want better security and performance, you could install Linux (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, or Zorin OS), which runs well on older hardware.
- Upgrade to a Newer Laptop: If you want the best experience with Windows 11, consider upgrading to a newer laptop with compatible hardware.
Forcing Windows 11 on your XPS 13 (9350) might work with unofficial methods, but it’s not a good idea due to instability, security risks, and potential lack of driver support. Your best bet is to stay on Windows 10 until you upgrade to a supported device.
imngkhang
Sep 01, 2025Copper Contributor
It is possible