Forum Discussion
In-Place upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 If PC not compatible
Hi all,
I was prompted on Windows 10 to upgrade to Windows 11 as Windows 10 will end of life soon. The problem is that my PC is not compatible with Windows 11 (No TPM 2.0). Is there any way to in-place upgrade to Windows 11 if the device is not compatible?
I don't want to clean install Windows 11 from USB drive because I don't want to lost data and keep the current apps running.
Let me know if there are reliable options out there.
Thanks
9 Replies
- Nobel_BaynesIron Contributor
Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 on any PC without losing data. Here is the trick:
https://www.techmodos.com/upgrade-to-windows-11-for-free
- VaomIron Contributor
Upgrading to Windows 11 from Windows 10 on a PC that doesn't meet the official hardware requirements (like lacking TPM 2.0) can be challenging, but there are some methods to bypass these checks. However, please note that these methods are not officially supported by Microsoft and may pose security or stability risks. Proceed with caution and ensure you have a full backup of your important data before attempting.
How to upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10? Use the ISO with Registry Bypass. Alternatively, you can modify the ISO or the setup files:
- Download the Windows 11 ISO:
- Create a bootable USB drive or mount the ISO.
- Edit the appraiserres.xml file:
Extract the ISO or mount it.
Navigate to the Sources folder.
Delete or rename appraiserres.xml (this file enforces compatibility checks). - Run setup.exe from the modified ISO:
When prompted, proceed with the upgrade.
The system should bypass compatibility checks.
While Microsoft doesn't officially support installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, the above methods can allow an in-place upgrade. Use them at your own risk, and ensure you have backups. If you're uncomfortable with these modifications, the safest route is to stick with Windows 10 or perform a clean install after backing up your data.
- GarrettSlateIron Contributor
If your PC meets the Windows 11 system requirements, upgrading from Windows 10 is straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide to upgrade Windows 11 from Windows 10 for free.
Step 1: Use File History or an external drive to back up critical files (just in case).
Step 2:Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install all pending updates.
Step 3:Go to Settings > Windows Update.
Step 4 :If eligible, you'sll see: "Upgrade to Windows 11 is ready" → Click Download and install.
Step 5: Accept terms, wait for download (~3.5GB), and let the PC restart (~20-40 mins).
Post-Upgrade Checklist
✔ Update Drivers (NVIDIA/AMD, chipset, etc.).
✔ Re-enable Secure Boot & TPM in BIOS (if disabled earlier).
✔ Check App Compatibility (some old software may need reinstall).Troubleshooting Tips
🔹 "This PC can’t run Windows 11" → Ensure TPM 2.0 & Secure Boot are enabled in BIOS.
🔹 Stuck at download? → Use the Media Creation Tool instead.
🔹 Activation Issues? → Windows 11 uses the same license as Win 10 (should auto-activate). - NguyenaisBronze Contributor
If you have a valid Windows 10 product key, then it is definitely a good choice to upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10. You can activate the Windows 11 with the Windows 10 product key. Simply download the Windows 10 ISO, mount the ISO file and run the setup.exe to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free.
If your PC is incompatible with Windows 11, there are still a couple of great solutions out there for installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware.
To do this, first make a Windows 11 bootable USB with the official media creation tool.
Next, boot the Windows 10 PC from USB drive.
When the Windows 11 installation wizard pops up, press Shift + F10 to open CMD and run:
Close CMD and proceed with installation. Wait a few minutes, and you will be asked to choose a partition to install Windows 11 on this unsupported PC.
- KanliswamIron Contributor
Windows 11 has stricter hardware needs — like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, certain CPU models, etc. If your machine is compatible, the upgrade tends to go smoothly. Like any major OS update, sometimes things can go sideways — drivers breaking, apps acting weird, or even temporary data loss if you’re not careful.
My own experience:
- I’ve upgraded to Windows 11 from Windows 10, and most went fine. But a couple had driver issues or minor bugs at first. Nothing major, but it was a reminder to back up first.
- Also, I’ve noticed that upgrading on a clean system (fresh install) is safer than doing an upgrade over a cluttered, cluttered Windows install.
Upgrading to Windows 11 from Windows 10 is generally smooth, but there's always a chance of encountering some hiccups, especially if your PC isn't meeting the new system requirements or has incompatible drivers. From my experience, make sure your hardware is compatible—check for TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot support
- DanielooenIron Contributor
Yes. You can still upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 for free now as Windows 11 is much better.
Pros of Upgrading to Windows 11:
Modern UI & Design – Windows 11 has a cleaner, more centered Start Menu, rounded corners, and improved animations.
Better Performance & Efficiency – Optimized for newer CPUs, better multitasking with Snap Layouts, and improved gaming features like DirectStorage and Auto HDR.
Security Improvements – Requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, making it more secure against malware.
Longer Support – Windows 10 reaches end-of-life in October 2025, while Windows 11 will be supported for years beyond.
You will receive notification asking you to upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 if your PC is compatible with the minimal system requirements.
Final Verdict:
If your PC supports it and you want the latest features, upgrading is a good idea.
If you're happy with Windows 10 and depend on stability, wait until closer to the 2025 deadline.
- harshitayadavCopper Contributor
- Timothy1525Iron Contributor
Archerer Microsoft is now pushing Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11, even the PC does not meet the system requirements. In fact, there are a couple of tricks and software available to help you upgrade to Windows 11 if the PC is not compatible with the requirements. Some of the above replies are working like charm. Before the in-place upgrade to Windows 11, please backup the important files first.
- F-HoughtonIron ContributorIn-Place upgrade is a much safer way for switching to Windows 11. You can first make a Windows 11 bootable USB drive and remove the appraiserres.dll file. After that, run the setup.exe to upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 without losing data.