Forum Discussion
Why my pc still can't update to windows 11 from windows 10?
Double checked the Windows 10 update center and only feature update for Windows 10 is available. The PC is a HP ProDesk 400 business desktop. It has:
Intel i5-6500 processor 3.2 GHz
16 GB DDR4-SDRAM
256 GB SSD
Intel HD Graphics 530
I heard it is possible to install Windows 11 on unsupported PC. How can I do this if my pc can't update to Windows 11 from Windows 10? By the way, I want to keep the programs and personal files.
5 Replies
- SaomruiIron Contributor
You can't update to Windows 11 from Windows 10,Windows 11 mandates features like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and specific CPU models. Some older hardware may not meet these requirements, leading to compatibility issues or the need for hardware upgrades. While most apps work fine, some legacy or specialized software may encounter issues post-upgrade. Windows 11, especially shortly after release, might have bugs or stability issues that can affect productivity. Some device drivers may not be fully optimized for Windows 11, potentially causing hardware malfunctions.
The new UI and taskbar layout differ from Windows 10, which may require some adjustment. Some features present in Windows 10 (like certain classic control panel options) have been deprecated or moved, which could affect workflows. On certain hardware, Windows 11 may not perform better than Windows 10, especially if the system is below recommended specs. Windows 11 might use more system resources, potentially affecting performance on older or less powerful machines.
If you decide to proceed when you can't update to Windows 11 from Windows 10, doing a clean install might mitigate some issues but will require reinstalling applications and restoring data. An in-place upgrade, as described, can preserve your apps and files but may carry over some existing quirks or incompatibilities.
- BaylorTitanIron Contributor
Since you want to upgrade in place (not a clean install) while keeping all programs and personal files, the easiest method is to bypass the checks using a modified installation. There is one common and safe approaches to get it fixed if you can't update to Windows 11 from Windows 10.
1. Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft.
2. Mount the Windows 11 ISO (right-click → Mount).
3. Go to the root folder of mounted Windows 10 volume.
4. Right click and choose "Open powershell window here."
5. Type the following command to proceed:
setup.exe /product server
6. This will open the Windows product server install window. Now, follow the prompt and download Windows 11 update.
7. When it is done, select the option to keep personal files and apps. This will let you safely upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 without losing data.
- MuoziIron Contributor
If you can't update to Windows 11 from Windows 10, don't worry. Here's a general guide to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware:
- Backup your data
Before proceeding, make sure to back up all important files and data. - Create a Windows 11 installation media
Download the official Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft's site.
Use the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB. - Modify the Registry to bypass hardware checks (optional, for in-place upgrade)
If upgrading from Windows 10, you can try to bypass compatibility checks:
Download and run the Registry Editor.
Navigate to:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup
Create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU and set its value to 1. - Perform the upgrade
Mount the Windows 11 ISO or boot from the USB.
When you start the setup, it may check compatibility.
If you modified the registry, it should proceed with the installation. - Post-installation tweaks
You might need to enable TPM and Secure Boot in BIOS if supported, or you can bypass TPM/secure boot checks during setup by using specific command-line switches or registry edits.
- Backup your data
- NenoeiuIron Contributor
Your HP ProDesk 400 meets the performance requirements for Windows 11, but the reason it's not showing the upgrade in Windows Update is almost certainly Microsoft's official hardware restrictions as follows:
- TPM 2.0: Your model likely has TPM 1.2 or no TPM at all.
- Secure Boot: May be disabled in BIOS.
- CPU: Intel i5-6500 (Skylake) isn’t on Microsoft’s “supported CPUs” list, even though it's powerful enough.
That's why this pc can't update to Windows 11 from Windows 10.
No worries. WinBoootMate software can create a bootable USB for Windows 11 that removes TPM/Secure Boot/CPU checks.
Step 1: Go to Microsoft's Windows 11 download page and get the ISO file.
Step 2: Insert a USB drive (8GB or larger) and select:
- Boot selection → Choose your Windows 11 ISO.
- Partition scheme → GPT (if your disk is GPT) or MBR (if MBR).
- Target system → UEFI (non-CSM) or BIOS depending on your setup.
Step 3: When you click Start, it will show a prompt:
✅ Remove requirement for 4GB+ RAM, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, CPU check.
✅ Optionally disable account sign-in requirements.
After creation, run setup.exe from the USB while inside Windows 10 (don’t boot from USB).
Step 4: Choose the option "Keep personal files and apps" for update from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
- docileomIron Contributor
Can't update to Windows 11 from Windows 10? Well. Your HP ProDesk 400 with an Intel i5-6500 and 16GB RAM is a fairly capable machine, but it's likely not meeting all the official Windows 11 hardware requirements, particularly the TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, which are often the main blockers for compatibility checks.
Why can't update to Windows 11 from Windows 10 officially:
- TPM 2.0 Requirement: Most older CPUs like the i5-6500 lack TPM 2.0 support, or it might be disabled in BIOS.
- Secure Boot: This might also be disabled or not supported.
- Other requirements: Certain firmware and hardware features might not meet Windows 11 standards.
How to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware:
- Since you want to keep your programs and files intact, the best approach is to perform an in-place upgrade or install Windows 11 manually, bypassing the compatibility check. Bypassing these checks can lead to stability or security issues, and Microsoft might not offer updates or support for such installations.