Upgrading to Windows 11 can feel confusing. Depending on your PC's age, components, and configuration, Microsoft might block the free upgrade—even though it's widely available. Many users face incompatibility warnings, and unsupported systems risk missing security updates.
That said, Windows 11 is essentially Windows 10 with a fresh interface. Most Windows 10 PCs run it smoothly. We don't universally recommend upgrading yet, but this guide, based on hands-on testing across dozens of systems, helps you check readiness.
Start with Microsoft's official PC Health Check tool (direct download). If you pass, wait for the official update. If not, follow this expert checklist:
Most modern PCs have TPM built into the motherboard or CPU (Intel PTT, AMD fTPM, or similar). Check via PC Health Check or run Win + R, type tpm.msc, and hit Enter. If present but disabled, enter BIOS (usually Del, F2, or F10 at boot).
Look under "Advanced," "Security," or "Trusted Computing." Enable TPM (names vary: Intel PTT, AMD PSP fTPM, Security Device). Use arrow keys or PgUp/PgDn to toggle. Save and exit.
If only TPM 1.2, bypass via registry (at your risk): Open regedit, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup, create/edit DWORD AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU to 1.
In BIOS, find Secure Boot under "Security," "Boot," or "Authentication." Set to "On." Verify in Windows: Search System Information and check "Secure Boot State" (should be "On") and BIOS mode (UEFI).
Photo by Sean Hollister / The Verge
Older PCs might use legacy BIOS with MBR disks. Windows 11 requires GPT (UEFI standard). Converting MBR to GPT risks data loss—use Microsoft's tool cautiously or back up first. For safety, clean install or dual-boot.
Bypass via the same registry tweak above. Check official lists:
Typically, Intel 8th Gen+, AMD Ryzen 2000+.
Free 64GB+ via Disk Management: Search Create and format hard disk partitions, right-click C: drive, Shrink Volume (e.g., 131072MB).
Download Windows 11 ISO/Media Creation Tool. Use Rufus or Microsoft's tool on 8GB+ USB. Boot from USB (F12 or similar), select unallocated space for dual-boot or target drive for clean install (backup first!).
Post-install, switch OSes: Start > Change advanced startup options > Restart > Use another OS.
Update (Oct 7): Create AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU DWORD if needed. See guide.
