When it comes to upgrading or installing Windows 11, Microsoft has imposed strict hardware and security requirements, making it difficult for older PCs to meet the grade. Additionally, the company makes it challenging to use a local account during the installation process. Fortunately, Rufus, a free Windows installation tool, can help you bypass these restrictions.
To start, download the Windows 11 ISO file from Microsoft’s website and select the Standard Windows installation option in Rufus. Next, remove the hardware requirements by checking the box for “Remove requirement for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0.” This will allow you to install Windows 11 on an unsupported computer.
Once Rufus has formatted your USB drive with the necessary Windows 11 installation files, insert it into the computer you want to upgrade or install Windows 11 from scratch. For an upgrade, open the USB drive in File Explorer and double-click the EXE file for Windows 11. On a clean PC, boot off the USB drive to install a free copy of Windows 11.
During the setup process, sign into Windows 11 using your preferred account type. If you want to use a local account, Rufus can help you create one by specifying the username and removing requirements for an online Microsoft account. Follow the same steps as before, but this time, choose the option to create a local account with a username.
After the setup is complete, you’ll be taken to the Windows 11 desktop. If you upgraded from Windows 10, make sure that all your apps, files, and settings are intact so you can begin using the new version. If you’re starting fresh with Windows 11, you can now install the apps you need and tweak the settings as you see fit.
In conclusion, Rufus provides a convenient way to bypass Windows 11’s restrictions, allowing you to upgrade or install the operating system on an unsupported computer. By following these steps, you’ll be able to create a local account and begin using Windows 11 without any hassle.
Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-install-windows-11-the-way-you-want-and-bypass-microsofts-restrictions/