When Microsoft announced Windows 11, it introduced a new set of system requirements that effectively excluded millions of older but still-capable PCs. For businesses, schools, and individual users with legacy hardware, the question quickly became: Is there still a way to upgrade?
The answer is yes - but not without caveats. In this article, we break down how Windows 11 works on unsupported hardware, what risks are involved, and what your best alternatives might be.
Minimum Requirements: A Quick Recap
To install Windows 11 officially, your system must have:
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A compatible 64-bit CPU (Intel 8th Gen or newer, AMD Zen 2 or newer)
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TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot support
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4 GB RAM and 64 GB of storage
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UEFI firmware
These requirements are aimed at improving security and performance, but they also rule out perfectly functional devices still in use across homes, businesses, and classrooms.
Installing Windows 11 on Unsupported Hardware
Microsoft quietly opened a door: you can install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware by modifying the registry or using installation tools that bypass hardware checks. You’ll need to create a bootable USB and agree to Microsoft’s disclaimer that the system is unsupported.
However, be aware:
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⚠️ No official support: Microsoft won’t help you if something goes wrong
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⚠️ Updates not guaranteed: Security updates may stop at any time
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⚠️ Possible instability: Drivers and firmware on older machines may not play nicely
Should You Do It?
If you're just experimenting on a spare machine - go for it. But if this is your main business device, or you're managing devices in a school or organisation, the risk isn't worth it. Performance may suffer, and lack of updates could become a liability.
Better Alternatives
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💻 Stick with Windows 10 - fully supported until October 2025
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🖥 Upgrade your hardware - a cost-effective refurbished PC from Combro can give you Windows 11 compatibility without the premium
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🐧 Try Linux - modern Linux distros like Mint and Ubuntu can revive older machines for web, docs, and email use
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can run Windows 11 on unsupported hardware — but "can" doesn’t mean "should." For mission-critical environments or anything involving sensitive data, running an unsupported OS isn't just inconvenient — it could be dangerous.
Want a Windows 11–ready device without breaking the bank? Check out our collection of certified refurbished laptops and desktops, all upgraded, tested, and guaranteed.
