Summary of "Install Windows 11 on Unsupported PCs — Quick and Easy"

Installing Windows 11 on Unsupported PCs: Step-by-Step Tutorial

This tutorial provides a detailed guide on how to install Windows 11 on PCs that do not meet Microsoft’s official hardware requirements, such as TPM 2.0 and minimum CPU generation.

Windows 11 Hardware Requirements and Limitations

TPM 2.0 and Processor Requirements: Windows 11 officially requires TPM 2.0 and relatively recent processors (Intel 8th generation minimum).
Unsupported but Capable PCs: Many older PCs, such as a 10-year-old gaming PC with an Intel 4th generation i7, do not qualify officially but can still run Windows 11.
Windows 10 Support Ending: Support for Windows 10 ends on October 14, 2025, motivating users to upgrade to Windows 11.

Preparation Steps

Before starting the installation, take the following precautions:

Backup Data: Backup all important data as the installation process will wipe the system drive.
Disconnect Extra Drives: Physically disconnect any additional drives to avoid accidental data loss during installation.
License Key: Do not purchase a Windows 11 license key before confirming the installation works. You can skip entering a license key during setup.

Tools and Downloads

Windows 11 ISO: Download the official Windows 11 ISO file directly from Microsoft’s website. Avoid using Microsoft’s USB creation tool.
Rufus Utility: Download and use Rufus, a trusted third-party utility, to create a bootable USB installer with custom settings that bypass Windows 11 hardware checks.

Using Rufus to Bypass Hardware Requirements

Rufus allows you to disable Windows 11 requirements such as:

TPM 2.0
Secure Boot
Minimum RAM

Additional options include skipping Microsoft account creation and other default setup settings.

Steps:

Select the downloaded Windows 11 ISO in Rufus.
Configure the USB installer to bypass hardware checks according to your needs.

BIOS/UEFI Configuration

Boot Mode: Determine if your PC uses Legacy BIOS or UEFI boot mode. Most modern systems use UEFI with GPT partitioning.
Accessing BIOS/UEFI: Press keys like Delete, F2, F11, or F12 during boot (varies by manufacturer).
Changing Boot Mode: If necessary, switch from Legacy BIOS to UEFI. Take pictures of original settings to revert if needed.
Boot Priority: Adjust boot priority to boot from the USB stick created with Rufus.

Installation Process

Boot the PC from the Rufus-created USB stick.
Proceed with the Windows 11 installation as usual.
Skip the license key prompt initially.
After installation, activate Windows 11 with a license key if desired.

Additional Tips and Caveats

Avoid Certain Debloat Scripts: Some command-line debloat scripts can break system functionality, such as causing clock synchronization issues.
Regional Options: Selecting certain regional options (e.g., “world English”) during setup can reduce bloatware but may cause clock and app compatibility problems.
Time Zone Adjustments: Adjusting time zone settings post-installation can fix some issues but might reintroduce bloatware.

General Advice

The method is straightforward and requires no hacking or deep technical skills.
It is safe if precautions are followed carefully.
Users should research and verify software safety independently.

About the Speaker

The tutorial is presented by an individual content creator who shares personal experience using a 10-year-old gaming PC. The speaker references their website and other videos for related topics and provides practical tips based on hands-on experimentation. No other speakers or external sources are cited.