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How to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware (2025, Field-tested)
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upgrade-from-windows-10-to-window-11.md

How to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware (2025, Field-tested)

This guide shows a clean, reversible path to upgrade from windows 10 to windows 11 on unsupported hardware (older CPU/TPM/Secure Boot issues). It favors data safety, repeatability, and clear rollback options—no modified ISOs or shady tools.

Last updated: 2025-09-30

TL;DR

  1. Back up first (full image + copy Documents/Pictures/PST).
  2. In Windows 10, set one registry flag and run setup.exe from the official Windows 11 ISO to keep apps/files.
  3. If it still blocks, use the installer’s built-in LabConfig bypass during Setup.
  4. Patch, check drivers, re-enable BitLocker, and keep a rollback image.

If you only needed the short version, that’s the safest way to upgrade from windows 10 to windows 11 without weird hacks.

Why this works (and what it doesn’t do)

  • Microsoft’s installer enforces CPU/TPM/Secure Boot checks. You’ll relax those checks, not hack system files.
  • This does not add missing hardware features; it just lets Setup proceed.
  • You accept some support risk—hence the backups and rollback plan.

Prep checklist (10 minutes that save hours)

  • Image backup: Macrium Reflect / Veeam Agent / your favorite.
  • Free space: 30–40 GB on C:.
  • Disk health:
chkdsk /scan
sfc /scannow
  • BitLocker: Suspend protection if it’s on.
  • Firmware: If available, update BIOS/UEFI and enable fTPM/TPM (helps later but not required for the bypass).

Method 1 — MoSetup flag (in-place, keeps apps & files)

Use this first. It’s one registry key and is the smallest hammer to upgrade from windows 10 to windows 11.

  1. Mount the official Windows 11 ISO in Windows 10 (right-click → Mount).
  2. Command Prompt (Admin):
reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup" ^
  /v AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
  1. From the mounted drive (say E:), run E:\setup.exe.
  2. Choose Not right now for updates and select Keep personal files and apps.
  3. Let Setup reboot as many times as it needs.
Remove the flag afterward if you want: 
reg delete "HKLM\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup" /v AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU /f

Method 2 — LabConfig (when Method 1 still blocks)

If the installer still complains (e.g., no TPM at all), use LabConfig inside Windows Setup.

  1. Create a standard USB from the official ISO; boot it.
  2. At the first screen, press Shift+F10 → type regedit.
  3. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup and create a key named LabConfig.
  4. Add these DWORD (32-bit) values set to 1:
    • BypassTPMCheck
    • BypassSecureBootCheck
    • BypassRAMCheck (only if you’re under the RAM requirement)

Close Regedit and continue. You can do an in-place upgrade if launched from Windows 10, or a clean install if you booted from USB.

Optional: “offline” in-place upgrade

  1. Disconnect Ethernet/Wi-Fi.
  2. Mount the ISO and run setup.exe.
  3. Pick Not right now for updates.
  4. Reconnect after the desktop appears and run Windows Update.

Post-upgrade “hardening”

  • Re-enable BitLocker and save the recovery key.
  • Windows Update: pull the latest cumulative/.NET updates.
  • Drivers: make sure Device Manager is clean; install vendor GPU/chipset drivers if needed.
  • Health scan:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • Restore point: create one named “Post-Win11-OK”.

Rollback plan (no drama if you dislike the outcome)

For ~10 days after an in-place upgrade: Settings → System → Recovery → Go back.
If it’s gone or fails, restore your full-disk image. This is why we can safely upgrade from windows 10 to windows 11 on machines that aren’t officially supported.

Troubleshooting quick hits

  • 0xC1900101 errors (drivers): update drivers in Win10 first; unplug extra USB gear; remove overclocks.
  • Boot loop at ~70%: disconnect secondary drives, retry; fall back to LabConfig if needed.
  • Secure Boot greyed out: switch firmware to UEFI (disable Legacy/CSM) first; not required for the bypass.
  • Activation: if Win10 was activated, Win11 usually activates on the same hardware.

FAQ

Does this keep my apps and files?
Yes—if you run setup.exe from the ISO inside Windows 10 and choose Keep personal files and apps. Still, do a full image backup first.

Is this legal/safe?
You’re toggling installer checks, not pirating software. The risk is supportability, not data integrity.

Can I clean install instead?
Sure. Boot the USB, add LabConfig at the first screen, and perform a clean install.

Will I still get updates?
Monthly updates typically work. For a future feature release that balks, repeat the ISO-based upgrade.

What if I have zero TPM?
Use LabConfig (BypassTPMCheck=1). If your firmware supports fTPM, consider enabling it later.

Copy-paste checklist

:: Prep (Win10, Admin shell)
chkdsk /scan
sfc /scannow

:: Minimal bypass
reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup" ^
/v AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f


:: Start upgrade from mounted ISO (replace E:)
E:\setup.exe


:: After upgrade
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Final note

If someone asks you how to upgrade from windows 10 to windows 11 on an older PC, hand them this: back up, set the MoSetup flag, run setup.exe, and keep LabConfig in your back pocket. That’s the practical, low-risk way to get it done in 2025.

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