Forum Discussion
melindates
May 19, 2025Iron Contributor
How can I install Windows 11 on unsupported Dell laptop?
My Dell laptop (XPS 15 9560 4K UHD Touch) is currently running with Windows 10 and Microsoft reminds me Windows 10 with end of support this year. However, there is no direct way to upgrade from Windo...
PhoenixAdler
May 19, 2025Iron Contributor
You're thinking about installing Windows 11 on unsupported Dell laptop that doesn’t officially support it, right? I’ve tinkered around with similar setups before, and honestly, while it’s tempting to go the unofficial route, there are some downsides you should keep in mind. Here’s my take based on personal experience and what I’ve seen others go through:
- When you bypass the official requirements, you’re basically forcing Windows 11 to run on hardware it wasn’t designed for. This can lead to random crashes, driver problems, or features not working properly. I’ve had times where certain hardware – like Wi-Fi or touchpad – just refused to work right after the install.
- Since the system isn’t officially supported, Microsoft might flag your device for not receiving updates or security patches. Sometimes, updates can even break the system or cause boot issues if the hardware isn’t fully compatible.
- Features like TPM and Secure Boot are there for security reasons. Bypassing them could make your system more vulnerable, especially if you’re handling sensitive data. Plus, some security updates might not install properly, leaving your system less protected.
- Without proper support, you might see degraded performance, battery issues, or overheating. Drivers optimized for unsupported hardware can cause problems, especially on older laptops. When things go wrong (and they often do in unsupported setups), fixing issues can be a nightmare. You might have to dig through forums or do manual driver installs, which is a hassle.
I once tried installing Windows 11 on unsupported Dell laptop. It worked initially, but after a few updates, I started getting weird crashes and some hardware refused to work properly. Reinstalling or fixing drivers was a pain, and I ended up going back to Windows 10. It’s just not worth the hassle if you rely on your laptop for work or important stuff.