Can I upgrade to Windows 11 if my PC is not supported?

Yes. You can now install Windows 11 on any unsupported hardware. I have done with on an 12 years old HP laptop and a Dell workstation by following the steps in this tutorial:

https://www.techmodos.com/install-windows-11-on-pc

While it's technically possible to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware using workarounds, it's important to understand the risks involved. Proceeding with such an installation means accepting potential system instability, lack of updates, and voiding of warranties. Ensure you have backups of your data and are prepared for possible issues.

Devices that don't meet these system requirements might malfunction due to compatibility or other issues. Additionally, these devices aren't guaranteed to receive updates, including but not limited to security updates.

The following disclaimer applies when attempting to install Windows 11 on a device that doesn't meet the minimum system requirements:

This PC doesn't meet the minimum system requirements for running Windows 11 - these requirements help ensure a more reliable and higher quality experience. Installing Windows 11 on this PC is not recommended and may result in compatibility issues. If you proceed with installing Windows 11, your PC will no longer be supported and won't be entitled to receive updates. Damages to your PC due to lack of compatibility aren't covered under the manufacturer warranty. By selecting Accept, you are acknowledging that you read and understand this statement.

Installing Windows 11 on a device that doesn't meet Windows 11 minimum system requirements isn't recommended. If Windows 11 is installed on ineligible hardware, your device won't receive support from Microsoft, and you should be comfortable assuming the risk of running into compatibility issues. 
Windows 11 minimum system requirements: https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/windows/windows-11-specifications?r=1

Devices that don't meet these system requirements might malfunction due to compatibility or other issues. Additionally, these devices aren't guaranteed to receive updates, including but not limited to security updates.

The following disclaimer applies when attempting to install Windows 11 on a device that doesn't meet the minimum system requirements:

This PC doesn't meet the minimum system requirements for running Windows 11 - these requirements help ensure a more reliable and higher quality experience. Installing Windows 11 on this PC is not recommended and may result in compatibility issues. If you proceed with installing Windows 11, your PC will no longer be supported and won't be entitled to receive updates. Damages to your PC due to lack of compatibility aren't covered under the manufacturer warranty. By selecting Accept, you are acknowledging that you read and understand this statement.

If your PC isn’t officially supported for Windows 11 (meaning it doesn’t meet all the hardware requirements), upgrading to Windows 11 if the PC is not supported can be a bit of a gamble. Many people have upgraded unsupported PCs and found it works fine — at least for a while. If your hardware is close to the requirements, it might be okay. Some folks do it for the experience or testing, but they’re prepared for potential glitches or having to roll back.

My honest advice if upgrade to Windows 11 if the PC is not supported:

1. If you really want to upgrade, backup everything first — files, apps, drivers, the works.
2. Create a recovery drive or system image just in case you need to revert.
3. Be ready for troubleshooting — drivers, stability, etc.
4. If it’s a critical machine or you need rock-solid stability, I’d recommend sticking with Windows 10 or waiting until your hardware is supported officially.

There’s some risk involved — especially with unsupported hardware. It can work, but don’t be surprised if you encounter hiccups. If you’re comfortable with troubleshooting and don’t mind the possibility of instability, go ahead. Otherwise, safer to wait until your hardware is officially supported or stick with what’s stable for now.

About upgrading to Windows 11 if the PC is not supported. Some users modify the Windows 11 ISO by editing or removing the checks in the appraiserres.dll file. This method is more complex and can have stability or security implications.

Additional Tips:

• Ensure compatibility: Your hardware (Intel i7, 16GB RAM, NVMe SSD, Nvidia 3060Ti) is quite capable; the main barrier is TPM 2.0.
• Driver support: Make sure to verify that your hardware drivers are compatible with Windows 11.
• Backups: Always back up your data before attempting an unsupported upgrade.

While these workarounds are known and used by some enthusiasts, they are not officially supported by Microsoft. If stability and security are priorities, consider:

• Upgrading your hardware to meet Windows 11 requirements.
• Sticking with Windows 10 until you are ready to upgrade hardware.

In summary: Yes, you can upgrade to Windows 11 if the PC is not supported by using registry hacks or media modifications, but do so cautiously, understand the risks, and ensure you have backups.

It is technically possible to upgrade to Windows 11 if the PC is not supported, including PCs that lack TPM 2.0, but there are important considerations and potential risks involved. Microsoft officially recommends certain hardware requirements for Windows 11, including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, to enhance security and stability. If your PC doesn't meet these requirements, the upgrade process may be blocked, but there are workarounds.

Is It Safe to Upgrade on Unsupported Hardware?

• Risks: Bypassing hardware checks can lead to system instability, driver compatibility issues, or security vulnerabilities.
• Support: Microsoft may not support or provide updates for modified systems, which could impact your system's security.

How to upgrade to Windows 11 if the PC is not supported?
Note: Proceed at your own risk. Always back up important data before attempting these modifications. Microsoft provides a way to bypass the TPM and CPU checks during installation:

1. Create a Windows 11 installation media (USB/DVD) using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website.
2. Modify the Registry during setup:
   Boot from the installation media.
3. When prompted for language and keyboard, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
   * Type: regedit and press Enter.
   * Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup
   * Create a new key called LabConfig.
4. Inside LabConfig, create two DWORD (32-bit) values:
    * BypassTPMCheck and set it to 1.
    * BypassSecureBootCheck and set it to 1.
5. Close Registry Editor, and continue with the installation.

This method tricks the installer into skipping the TPM and Secure Boot requirements.

Buy a new TPM 2.0 chip and install it on the old motherboard. This is a tricky way to let you upgrade to Windows 11 if the hardware is unsupported by Windows 11 due to lack of TPM 2.0 module.

First, Find a compatible TPM chip

Go to the manufacturer’s support page and search for TPM module compatibility list.

Common brands: ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock have their own proprietary TPM chips.

Example:

• ASUS: TPM-M R2.0
• MSI: MS-4462 TPM 2.0 Module
• Gigabyte: GC-TPM2.0 SPI 2.0

⚠️ Important: TPM modules are not universal. You must buy the one specifically designed for your motherboard.

Buy from your motherboard brand’s official store or trusted retailers (e.g., Amazon, Newegg, AliExpress). Expect the price to range from $15 to $40 USD.

Second, Install TPM 2.0 Chip on a Motherboard

1. Power off and unplug the PC from the wall.

2. Remove the side panel using a screwdriver.

3. Check the motherboard manual to find the TPM header location. It’s typically labeled TPM, SPI_TPM, or JTPM.

4. Align the pins on the TPM chip with the header. 

5. Gently push it down until it is fully seated.

Finally, Enable TPM in BIOS

1. Reassemble the PC and turn it on.

2. Immediately press Del, F2, or another key to enter BIOS/UEFI.

3. Go to the Security or Advanced tab.

4. Look for options like: TPM Device, Security Device Support, or Trusted Platform Module

5. Set it to Enabled.

6. Save and exit BIOS.

Once it is done, your PC is now supported by Windows 11 with a new TPM 2.0 chip. Make sure the processor is also supported by Windows 11. Otherwise, you have to apply additional steps to upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 if the PC is not supported such as changing the registry.

Yes, it is totally possible to upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 even if the PC is not supported by Windows 11. One simple tricks is by changing the registry.

Step 1: Download Windows 11 ISO

Go to Microsoft’s official ISO download page.

Select the edition and language, then download the ISO file.

Step 2: Mount the ISO

Right-click the ISO file and choose Mount.

Open the mounted ISO and run setup.exe – but don’t click "Next" yet.

Step 3: Modify the Registry to Skip TPM Check

Before proceeding with installation:

Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup

If MoSetup doesn’t exist, create it manually.

Right-click the right pane > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

Name it: AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU

Double-click it and set the value to 1.

Close the Registry Editor.

Step 4: Start Installation

Go back to the ISO window.

Run setup.exe and proceed with installation. This will let you upgrade to Windows 11 if the PC is not supported.

Choose Keep personal files and apps if you want to preserve data.

It will now bypass the TPM 2.0 and CPU checks. You can now upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 on an unsupported PC hardware.