How to Install Windows 11 on PCs Without TPM 2.0
Microsoft has just revealed an «official» method to bypass one of Windows 11’s most controversial requirements, TPM 2.0, and still install it on unsupported computers. That said, the drawbacks — such as the possibility of not receiving updates and potential functionality issues — remain unchanged.
The «workaround» has been published on a Microsoft support page that details all the ways Windows 11 can be installed. It states that the TPM 2.0 verification can be «skipped» as long as TPM 1.2 is present and, mandatorily, all other required specifications are met, including next-generation processors.
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Redmond explains that achieving this requires modifying the Windows 10 registry — an advanced and risky procedure. In this regard, the company adds a warning that incorrectly modifying the registry could damage the operating system and may even require a full reinstallation.
Installing Windows 11 on PCs Without TPM 2.0, According to Microsoft
- Open the Registry Editor.
- Create a backup.
- Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup
- Create a new «REG_DWORD» value named «AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU» and set it to 1.
- Go to the Microsoft download page.
- Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant and follow the instructions.
Modifying the registry — as well as installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware — carries significant risk. Only the most technically experienced users and those who want to experiment with these kinds of alternatives on secondary machines should attempt this.
Redmond emphasizes that installing Windows 11 via this method on unsupported hardware does not exempt users from the associated restrictions. In other words, there is no guarantee of receiving updates, including — but not limited to — security patches. Additionally, these machines may experience a higher rate of failures.
If your computer meets the hardware requirements, which can be verified using the PC Health Check tool, and the update still hasn’t appeared in Windows Update, it’s simply a matter of waiting. Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 gradually.
If your computer does not meet the Windows 11 requirements, there is no obligation to upgrade. Windows 10 remains an excellent operating system and will receive support until October 2025.
The Actual Steps to Bypass TPM 2.0
Microsoft’s documented method involves editing the Windows registry before running the installer. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Open the Registry Editor (press Win + R, type
regedit, hit Enter) - Navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup - Create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named
AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU - Set its value to
1 - Restart the PC and run the Windows 11 installer normally
That’s it. The installer will still warn you, but it won’t block you. The key thing to understand is that this doesn’t make TPM appear — it just tells the installer to proceed anyway.
The Rufus Alternative
If you’d rather not touch the registry, Rufus (the free USB creation tool) has a built-in option to create a Windows 11 installer that skips TPM and Secure Boot checks entirely. When you select a Windows 11 ISO in Rufus, it asks whether you want to remove the requirements — just tick that box. It’s arguably the cleaner approach for a fresh install.
What You’re Actually Giving Up
This is the part Microsoft doesn’t make obvious enough. Installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware means you might not receive future feature updates. Security patches have continued to arrive for most users so far, but Microsoft has explicitly said this could change. You’re essentially agreeing to run in an unsupported configuration.
On some older machines, there are also minor compatibility issues — mainly around certain sleep/wake states and some driver quirks. Nothing catastrophic, but worth knowing before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I still get Windows 11 security updates without TPM 2.0?
So far, yes — Microsoft has continued delivering security patches to unsupported hardware. But they’ve warned this may not continue forever, so it’s a risk you’re accepting.
What’s the difference between the registry method and the Rufus method?
The registry method is for upgrading from Windows 10 in place. The Rufus method is better for clean installs from USB. Both skip TPM checks, but the Rufus approach is generally cleaner for new installations.
Can I revert to Windows 10 if something goes wrong?
Yes, Windows 11 keeps a recovery option for 10 days after the upgrade. After that, you’d need to do a clean reinstall of Windows 10 from a USB drive.
Does bypassing TPM 2.0 affect Windows Hello or BitLocker?
Potentially. Some Windows Hello features that rely on TPM for credential storage may not work as expected. BitLocker can still run but may use software encryption instead of hardware, which is slower.
Is it legal to install Windows 11 without TPM 2.0?
Yes, if you have a valid Windows license. Microsoft permits it — they just don’t support it officially. You’re not violating any terms by proceeding.
