How to Install Windows 11 on Any Laptop (2025 Guide)

Windows 11 has introduced a modern interface, new features, and better performance—but strict hardware requirements have left many laptops behind. Whether using a brand-new device or an older model, you can still install Windows 11 on any laptop even if it lacks TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot.

This guide covers official and workaround methods to help you get Windows 11 running on any system in 2025.

Minimum System Requirements for Windows 11

Before proceeding, here are the official requirements from Microsoft:

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster, two or more cores, 64-bit compatible
• RAM: 4 GB or more
• Storage: 64 GB minimum
• TPM: Version 2.0
• Secure Boot: Required
• Display: 9-inch or larger with 720p resolution
• Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.0 driver

You can use Microsoft's PC Health Check Tool or the open-source WhyNotWin11 tool to check your system compatibility.

Method 1: Install Windows 11 on a Supported Laptop (Standard Method)

If your laptop meets the requirements, here's how to install Windows 11 officially.

Option 1: Upgrade via Windows Update

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
2. Check for updates
3. If eligible, you'll see an option to upgrade to Windows 11
4. Click Download and Install

Option 2: Use Installation Assistant

1. Visit Microsoft's Windows 11 download page
2. Download and run the Windows 11 Installation Assistant
3. Follow the prompts to upgrade your device

Option 3: Create a Bootable USB for Clean Installation

1. Use the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft to create a bootable USB
2. Boot from the USB (change the boot order in BIOS if needed)
3. Select Custom Install to format and install Windows 11 cleanly

Method 2: Install Windows 11 on an Unsupported Laptop

If your laptop doesn't meet TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, or processor requirements, follow one of the two methods below.

Option A: Use Rufus to Create a Modified Windows 11 USB (Recommended)

Steps:

1. Download the official Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft
2. Download and open Rufus from Rufus.ie
3. Insert a USB drive (minimum 8 GB)
4. Select the ISO file in Rufus
5. Under Image Option, choose:
6. "Extended Windows 11 Installation (no TPM / no Secure Boot / 8GB-RAM check)"
7. Click Start and wait for the bootable USB to be created
8. Boot from the USB on your laptop and follow the setup process

This method bypasses all restrictions without needing registry hacks.

Option B: Manual Registry Bypass During Installation

If you're already in the Windows setup and hit the "This PC can't run Windows 11" error:

1. Press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt
2. Type regedit and hit Enter
3. Navigate to:
4. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup
5. Right-click > New > Key > Name it LabConfig
6. Inside LabConfig, create these DWORD (32-bit) values:
   • BypassTPMCheck = 1
   • BypassSecureBootCheck = 1
   • BypassRAMCheck = 1
7. Close Registry Editor and CMD, then continue the installation

Post-Installation Checklist

After installing Windows 11:

• Connect to the internet and activate Windows
• Install all pending updates from Settings > Windows Update
• Visit your laptop manufacturer's site for the latest drivers
• Reinstall essential apps and restore backup data if needed
• Link your Microsoft account to sync preferences and OneDrive

Things to Know About Unsupported Installs

• Microsoft allows installation, but shows an "unsupported hardware" message
• You might not receive future features or security updates (though many still do)
• No official support or warranty is provided for unsupported hardware

Despite warnings, many users report stable performance on older devices with SSDs and at least 8 GB RAM.

Conclusion

Installing Windows 11 on any laptop is possible, even if your device isn't officially supported. Use Microsoft's tools for a standard upgrade or opt for Rufus to bypass restrictions on older hardware.

Remember to back up your data, ensure your laptop has at least 8 GB of RAM and an SSD for better performance, and enjoy the new Windows experience.

FAQs

1. Can I install Windows 11 without TPM or Secure Boot?

Yes. Use Rufus to create a modified bootable USB or apply registry hacks during installation.

2. Is it safe to install Windows 11 on unsupported laptops?

Yes, but you may miss some updates. Always back up your data before proceeding.

3. Will I lose my files during the upgrade?

Upgrading keeps your files. A clean install erases everything. Always back up important data.

4. Can I go back to Windows 10?

Yes. Within 10 days of upgrading, go to Settings > System > Recovery > Go Back. After 10 days, you'll need to reinstall manually.

5. Do I need to activate Windows again after installing?

It should activate automatically if you're using the same hardware with Windows activated before.

If you want to sell your old devices, then click here.