Install Windows 11 on Unsupported Hardware: Step-by-Step for 24H2 Update

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by Diana Todea 

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How to Install Windows 11 24H2 on Unsupported PCs (No Clean Install)

Installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC can fail due to TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, or CPU requirements. If your device lacks these, the standard install won’t start.

This guide shows a reliable method to install Windows 11 24H2 on unsupported hardware without wiping your files or risky hacks.

How to Install Windows 11 24H2 Using a Modified ISO and USB Installer

Table of contents

Step-by-Step Guide ✅

  1. Download the Windows 11 24H2 ISO

    -Go to Microsoft’s official website or a trusted source and download the latest Windows 11 24H2 ISO file.
    -Save the file somewhere accessible on your PC.
    For reference, Windows 11 24H2 is now broadly available, although some update blocks or limitations still apply depending on your system version.

  2. Download Rufus

    Visit rufus.ie and download the latest version of the Rufus tool.
    Open Rufus after the download finishes. No installation is required.

  3. Prepare Your USB Drive

    – Plug in a USB drive with at least 8 GB of space. All existing data on it will be erased.

    -In Rufus:
    -Under Device, select your USB drive.
    -Under Boot selection, click Select and choose the Windows 11 24H2 ISO file.
    -Choose GPT if your PC uses UEFI, or MBR if it uses legacy BIOS.

  4. Disable Hardware Checks

    – After selecting the ISO, Rufus will show a prompt asking whether you want to remove certain Windows 11 requirements.
    -Check all available boxes, including:
    • Remove the requirement for TPM 2.0
    • Remove the requirement for Secure Boot
    • Remove the requirement for supported CPUs
    • Disable Microsoft account requirement (optional)
    -Click OK, then Start to begin creating your custom installer.

    If your PC is running an older 8th, 9th, or 10th Gen Intel processor, you might still be in luck. Windows 11 24H2 still supports Intel 8th-10th Gen CPUs officially, even though Microsoft’s messaging may be unclear.

  5. Boot from the USB Drive

    -Restart your PC and enter the boot menu. This usually involves pressing a key like F12, F2, or Esc right after turning on your computer.
    -Select the USB drive from the list of boot devices.

  6. Begin Installation

    -When the Windows installer loads, click Next, then Install Now.
    -If asked for a product key, you can skip it and activate Windows later.
    -You can choose either:
    • Upgrade to keep your files and apps, or
    • Custom if you want a fresh start
    -Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

    If you’re unable to upgrade through Windows Update, check out this guide on how to force the Windows 11 update manually as an alternative approach.

Wrapping up 📜

Installing Windows 11 24H2 on unsupported hardware is easy with Rufus. This method bypasses TPM, Secure Boot, and CPU requirements without losing files. It’s safe and simple, though not officially supported. Windows 11 24H2 also adds an FAQ in Settings to check system compatibility and features.

FAQ ❓

Can I install Windows 11 24H2 on an unsupported CPU?

Yes. Using Rufus to create a custom USB installer will allow you to bypass the CPU check.

Will this method delete my files?

No, as long as you choose the upgrade option during setup. A clean install will erase files, so double-check your selection.

Do I need to edit the registry or use PowerShell?

No. This method removes the need for manual tweaks. Rufus takes care of it for you.

Will I receive future Windows updates?

Security updates usually work, but major feature updates may require repeating the same process. In some environments like WSUS, you may encounter issues like the 0x80240069 update block if your organization uses managed update policies.

Is it legal to bypass Windows 11’s hardware requirements?

Yes. Microsoft allows installations on unsupported hardware, but warns that these devices are not eligible for official support.

Diana Todea

Diana Todea Shield

With a keen interest in online privacy, she is going all out in making sure we share practical and up-to-date methods to stay safe in the digital space. She’s got a cybersecurity certification from Infosec and a data privacy specialization from UCI.

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