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Catherinem's avatar
Catherinem
Iron Contributor
Jul 07, 2025

Need advice to install Windows 11 25H2 on unsupported PC

My PC is currently running Windows 11 24H2 and need some help to install Windows 11 25H2 on it thought the ISO is not publicly available yet. Fortunately, I managed to download 25H2 ISO from uup dump. When I run the setup.exe from ISO for in-place upgrade, it says my PC process is not supported and can't proceed.

I need some advice to install Windows 11 25H2 on my unsupported PC so I can test the new version in advance.

Thanks

 

 

6 Replies

  • EaisomLee's avatar
    EaisomLee
    Iron Contributor

    How to install Windows 11 25H2 on unsupported PC? You still possible through registry tweaks and setup configurations during the upgrade process. Here's a free approach tailored to your constraints:

    1. Prepare Your System for the Upgrade
    Backup Your Data: Always ensure your personal data is backed up before attempting any unsupported upgrade.

    2. Create a Bootable USB with the ISO
    * You can use Windows' own Media Creation Tool or the DISM command to create a bootable USB:
    Mount the ISO or extract it to a folder.
    * Use the built-in DISM tool to add boot files or simply copy the ISO contents to a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or NTFS.
    * Alternatively, if you already have the ISO, just burn it to a USB using Windows Explorer (by copying files directly). 

    3. Boot from the USB Drive
    * Restart your PC and boot from the USB.
    * Start the Windows setup process.

    4. Use a Registry Hack During Setup to Bypass Compatibility Checks
    When Windows Setup asks for language and region, proceed until you reach the point where it checks hardware compatibility.
    * At this point, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
    * In the Command Prompt, run: regedit
    * In Registry Editor, navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup
    * Create a new key named LabConfig if it doesn't exist:
    * Right-click Setup > New > Key > name it LabConfig.
    * Inside LabConfig, create DWORD (32-bit) values:
        BypassTPMCheck = 1
        BypassSecureBootCheck = 1
        BypassCPUCheck = 1
        BypassRAMCheck = 1
        BypassStorageCheck = 1
    Exit regedit, close Command Prompt, and continue with the installation.
    The setup should now proceed despite hardware incompatibilities.

    5. Complete the Installation
    * Follow the prompts to complete the upgrade.
    * Once install Windows 11 25H2 on unsupported PC, verify system stability and drivers.

    If the setup still blocks you, you might need to edit the setup.exe to disable the supported hardware checks, the registry approach during setup is your best bet.

  • Winsty's avatar
    Winsty
    Iron Contributor

    To install Windows 11 25H2 on unsupported PC via modify the Windows 11 ISO itself can have several disadvantages:


    1. Since the hardware does not meet the official requirements, the system may experience crashes, freezes, or other stability issues because drivers or hardware components might not be fully compatible. Microsoft may refuse to provide updates, including security patches or feature updates, for systems that do not meet the minimum requirements, potentially exposing your PC to security vulnerabilities.

    2. Unsupported hardware may lead to suboptimal performance, such as slow responsiveness or hardware malfunctions, because the OS may not fully utilize or properly support the hardware. Bypassing hardware checks can increase the risk of security issues, especially if the system's hardware or firmware is not fully compatible with Windows 11 security features like TPM or Secure Boot.

    3. Although the upgrade may succeed, there could be licensing or activation issues, especially if Microsoft detects the unsupported hardware scenario. Future updates or features might not work correctly, and troubleshooting could be more difficult since the system is not in compliance with official hardware standards.

    Using unofficial bypass methods to install Windows 11 25H2 on unsupported PC may violate Microsoft's terms of service, which could have legal or support-related consequences.

  • CassKaee's avatar
    CassKaee
    Iron Contributor

    Diving into installing Windows 11 25H2 on unsupported PC is a bit like taking a gamble at a casino — there’s some risk involved, but it can also work fine if you’re careful. Since your PC isn’t officially supported, you might run into bugs, crashes, or weird hardware issues. Think of it like putting a turbocharger on a car that wasn’t designed for it — it might run faster, but it might also break more easily.

    Sometimes, unsupported hardware or configurations can cause problems with updates or security patches, making your system more vulnerable. Your hardware drivers might not play nice with the new OS build, leading to problems like no sound, display glitches, or network issues.

    If you’re tech-savvy or okay with troubleshooting, and you understand the risks, install Windows 11 25H2 on unsupported PC can be a fun way to get the latest features. Just be prepared to do some fixing if things go sideways.

  • AbdullahGujjar's avatar
    AbdullahGujjar
    Bronze Contributor

    You can still install Windows 11 25H2 using an in-place upgrade method even the PC doesn't meet Windows 11 official hardware requirements (like TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot). This approach is ideal for users who prefer a graphical setup process, want to keep their files, apps, and settings, and don't want to boot from USB drives or mess with third-party tools. By replacing a single system file in the ISO, you can easily bypass hardware checks and install windows 11 25H2 on any unsupported PC.

    Step 1. Make sure your PC is running Windows 10 (version 2004 or later) and has at least 15GB of free space on the system drive.

    Step 2. Back up your important files, just in case.

    Step 3. After the ISO is downloaded, right-click on it and select Mount. A new virtual drive will appear in File Explorer (e.g., D:\), showing the Windows 11 setup files.

    Step 4. Navigate to the mounted ISO, then go to the sources folder.

    Step 5. Find and delete the file named appraiserres.dll.

    Step 6. In the root of the ISO (or the copied folder), double-click setup.exe.

    Step 7. The Windows 11 installer will launch. Choose the "Keep personal files and apps."

    Step 8. Proceed with the prompts. The upgrade process typically takes 20–60 minutes, depending on your system specs.

    Your PC will restart several times. You'll eventually land on the Windows 11 25H2 desktop with your files and apps intact. This is one of the best ways to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 on any PC.

  • Taprint's avatar
    Taprint
    Iron Contributor

    If your PC is blocked from installing Windows 11 25H2 due to missing TPM 2.0, unsupported CPU, or insufficient RAM, one of the most effective and free workarounds is to modify the Windows 11 ISO itself before installation. This method involves replacing or removing the appraiserres.dll file in the ISO's sources folder. This is the component responsible for enforcing hardware compatibility checks during setup.

    How to Install Windows 11 25H2 on unsupported hardware

    1. Visit the official Microsoft ISO download page.

    Under “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)”, select Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO) and download it.

    2. Double click the ISO and mount it.

    3. Navigate to sources folder of mounted Windows 11 25H2 ISO.

    4. Find the file named appraiserres.dll and delete it.

    5. Replace it with a dummy or bypassed version. Use appraiserres.dll from a Windows 10 ISO (located in its sources folder).

    6. Download and install the Windows ADK to get oscdimg.exe.

    7. Run the following command in Command Prompt (adjust paths accordingly):

    oscdimg -m -o -u2 -udfver102 -lWIN11_24H2 -bC:\Win11Patched\boot\etfsboot.com C:\Win11Patched C:\Win11_25H2_BYPASS.iso

    8. Once it is done, burn the ISO to USB so you can now install Windows 11 25H2 on an unsupported PC.

    By using this approach, you can create a bootable ISO that skips all official checks and works just like a standard installer. 

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