Forum Discussion

TomKimg's avatar
TomKimg
Iron Contributor
Aug 19, 2025

Possible to install windows 11 on unsupported cpu?

I can't install Windows 11 on my Asus PC with Asus Prime Z270-A motherboard:

Intel Core i7-6700 CPU, 16GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB NVME fast SSD.

Windows 11 setup wizard tells me:

This PC doesn't currently meet Windows 11 system requirements:

The processor isn't supported for this version of Windows.

8 Replies

  • HillenL's avatar
    HillenL
    Iron Contributor

    Your Intel Core i7-6700 is a 6th-generation CPU, which Microsoft does not officially support for Windows 11. Even though your motherboard, RAM, and SSD are fine, Windows 11 blocks installation on unsupported CPUs. You can bypass the check using registry tweaks or third-party tools, but it won’t be officially supported and may prevent updates.

  • DashielQuinn's avatar
    DashielQuinn
    Iron Contributor

    DISMTools is a completely free open-source tool developed based on DISM, with no paid versions available. It modifies Windows 11 ISO files via a graphical interface, bypassing processor, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot checks to support unsupported processors. The tool enables the creation of ISO or USB installation media that bypasses these checks, suitable for in-place system upgrades or fresh installations.

    How to install Windows 11 on any unsupported processor


    Part 1: Modify the Windows 11 ISO file

    • Download the Windows 11 ISO and DISMTools.
    • In the software interface, click Mount Imageand select the Windows 11 ISO file.
    • Select the Windows 11 version and click Mount.
    • In the Tasks menu, select Bypass System Requirements.
    • Check Bypass TPM 、CheckBypass CPU、 CheckBypass Secure Boot Check。
    • Click Applyto generate a new ISO file.  

    Part Two: Creating a Bootable Drive and Installing the System

    • Insert a USB drive larger than 8GB, open DISMTools, and click Create Bootable Media.
    • Select USB and the modified ISO, click Create, and wait for completion.  
    • Enter the BIOS, set USB as the preferred boot option, and enable UEFI.  
    • Start the installation and select Custom Installation.

    DISMTools is a free open-source tool with an intuitive graphical interface and easy-to-use operations, making it simple for beginners to modify ISO files to bypass CPU restrictions; it is powerful, supporting system upgrades and fresh installations, and is completely free with no ads, ensuring data security and reliability.

     

     

  • Eorku's avatar
    Eorku
    Iron Contributor

    Rufus is a completely free, open-source USB bootable drive creation tool with no paid versions, designed to be user-friendly and suitable for beginners. It requires a Windows 11 ISO file and supports NTFS/FAT32 file systems. It can create installation media that bypasses Windows 11 processor and TPM 2.0 checks, making it ideal for a fresh system installation.

    How to install Windows 11 on any unsupported processor

    1. Download the Windows 11 ISO and Rufus  .
    2. In Rufus, select the USB drive and choose Standard Windows Installationunder Image Option.
    3. Check the boxes for Remove requirement for 4GB+ RAM,Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0 bypass checks.
    4. Click Start and wait for the USB drive to format and copy files.
    5. Insert the USB drive, enter the BIOS during startup, and set the USB drive as the primary boot option. During installation, select “Custom Installation” and follow the prompts to complete the process.

    Rufus creates a USB installation drive that bypasses processor restrictions with simple operations, clear options, and is completely free with no ads. Data security relies on backups.

  • DakotaWolf's avatar
    DakotaWolf
    Iron Contributor

    While your hardware (Core i7-6700, 16GB RAM, NVMe SSD) can run Windows 11 in practice, it’s technically unsupported. Windows 11 has strict hardware requirements, primarily for security features like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Unsupported CPUs may not meet these criteria, leading to installation failures or instability. Without TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, your system may be more vulnerable to firmware and malware attacks, as these features are integral to Windows 11’s enhanced security. Running Windows 11 on unsupported hardware can result in system crashes, driver incompatibilities, or unexpected behavior, since drivers and hardware features may not be fully compatible.

    What Should You Do if install Windows 11 on unsupported CPU?

    • If you plan to stay with Windows 11 long-term, upgrading to a supported CPU (such as a newer Intel or AMD processor with TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot support) may be advisable.
    • Many users install Windows 11 on unsupported CPU by bypassing some requirements. This involves modifying registry entries or using tools with custom configurations. Be aware that this can:
        *Void warranties or violate terms of use.
        *Introduce stability or security risks.
        *Potentially cause issues with future updates.
  • MarciaFudge's avatar
    MarciaFudge
    Iron Contributor

    Installing Windows 11 on unsupported CPU like the Intel Core i7-6700 (which is a 6th generation Skylake processor) is technically possible, but it involves bypassing Microsoft's official system requirements and may come with stability or security risks.

    Here's what you need to consider and potential ways to proceed:

    1. Understand the Risks

    • Security & Compatibility: Windows 11 has certain hardware requirements (e.g., TPM 2.0, Secure Boot) for security reasons. Bypassing these can leave your system vulnerable.
    • Stability: Unsupported hardware might cause driver or stability issues.
      Updates: Future Windows updates might prevent your system from updating or cause issues.

    2. Check Requirements and Bypass Options

    • TPM 2.0 & Secure Boot: Your motherboard might not support TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot, which are required by Windows 11.
    • Compatibility Bypass: You can modify installation files or registry settings to bypass these checks.

    3. Steps to Install Windows 11 on Unsupported CPU

    • Create a Windows 11 installation media.
    • Modify the Registry During Installation.

     

    Since your hardware is compatible with Windows 10, installing Windows 10 first and then upgrading to Windows 11 might be more straightforward and safer. Keep in mind that Microsoft’s official stance is that unsupported hardware may not receive updates or support. Always back up your data before attempting risky modifications.

  • If you want to install Windows 11 on an unsupported CPU, keep in mind that this is not officially supported by Microsoft and may lead to stability, security, or compatibility issues. However, if you still choose to proceed, here are general steps and considerations:

    How to Install Windows 11 on Unsupported CPU:

    1. Create a Bootable Windows 11 USB Drive:  
        Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft’s official website.
        Use tools like Rufus or Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB.

    2. Modify the Registry During Installation:
    During the Windows 11 installation process, you need to bypass the CPU compatibility check:
       When prompted with the compatibility check, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
       Type regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor.
    Navigate to:
        HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SYSTEM\ Setup\ labconfig
    Create new DWORD (32-bit) Values named:
        BypassCPUCheck and set it to 1
        BypassTPMCheck and set it to 1
        BypassSecureBootCheck and set it to 1 (if necessary)

    These changes tell the installer to ignore the unsupported hardware checks.

    3. Proceed with Installation:  
       Close Registry Editor and Command Prompt.
       Continue with the Windows 11 installation process.

    4. Post-Installation:  
      After installation, your system may not activate properly or may experience issues.
      You can try installing the latest drivers and updates manually.

  • Microsoft does not support installing Windows 11 on unsupported CPUs primarily for reasons related to system stability, security, and user experience. Microsoft does not support installing Windows 11 on unsupported CPU primarily for reasons related to system stability, security, and user experience. Windows 11 relies on hardware features like TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) and secure boot to enhance security. Some unsupported CPUs may not support these features, making the system more vulnerable.

    Microsoft tests Windows 11 extensively on supported hardware configurations. Installing Windows 11 on unsupported CPU means users are venturing outside the tested and certified environment, which could lead to unforeseen problems. Installing Windows 11 on unsupported CPUs is considered a non-standard configuration. Microsoft explicitly states that such installations are not supported, which means users may not receive updates, including security patches, or may encounter compatibility issues.

Resources