ZDNET Recommends: Upgrading Windows 11 from Unsupported PCs
Microsoft will stop delivering security updates to Windows 10 PCs unless you enroll them in the Extended Security Updates program. If your PC is over five or six years old, it may not be compatible with Windows 11 due to CPU limitations.
However, there are workarounds for most PCs, including using an undocumented hack that bypasses compatibility checks. ZDNET has documented these steps:
**Option 1: Use Registry Edit**
This method requires a registry edit that tells the Windows 11 Setup program to skip CPU checks and allow installation on older TPMs.
To use this option:
* Change one key in the Windows registry
* Download the Windows 11 ISO
* Mount the ISO file in File Explorer
* Run Windows Setup
**Option 2: Use Rufus Utility**
This method uses a free, open-source utility to create installation media with tweaks automatically. To use this option:
* Download and install Rufus version 4.6 or later
* Create a USB flash drive of at least 16 GB in size
* Reformat the drive as part of the process
* Open Rufus and select the USB drive, “Disk or ISO image” option, and choose the Windows 11 ISO
* Click Start to begin creating the drive
Both options have their limitations and may not work for very old PCs. Before attempting an upgrade, ensure your PC meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11.
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Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-upgrade-an-incompatible-windows-10-pc-to-windows-11-2-free-options