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ZDNET Highlights
- Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 10 earlier this month.
- Many PCs with Windows 10 don’t pass Microsoft’s strict requirements testing.
- It is possible to bypass this and install Windows 11 in 10 easy steps.
I built my current desktop in 2020, and it has had Windows 10 installed for the duration of its lifecycle. I went with what I had at the time – a solid, midrange Asus motherboard and an Intel Core i9-9900 CPU, both of which are still performing quite well in 2025.
Also: How to upgrade your ‘incompatible’ Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 – 2 free options
But there’s a problem: This motherboard – and many like it – is just as close to being eligible for Windows 11. It does not have Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0, so Microsoft considers it ineligible for Windows 11.
TPM is a secure cryptoprocessor and a vital component of your PC, designed to reduce security risks and handle encryption keys on the system. However, the average PC user is unlikely to be familiar with TPM, and it’s the only thing keeping my otherwise solid PC from being upgraded.
In the weeks and days before Windows 10 ended support on October 14, I first experienced the pop-ups and notifications from Microsoft saying “It’s time to buy a new PC.” Microsoft is hoping consumers will skip dealing with the potential headache of an upgrade and spend money for a new PC to “get up to speed” with Windows 11.
But if you’re like me and you have a PC that will otherwise run Windows 11 just fine, don’t give up so quickly. Solutions exist and we’ve covered them extensively on ZDNET. Senior editor Ed Bott has written a comprehensive guide on how to upgrade your “incompatible” PC to Windows 11, and it has helped many of our readers (just take a look at the comments) upgrade systems that were initially deemed ineligible – including me.
Also: Windows 11 upgrade not working? Try My 4 Favorite Troubleshooting Tricks
The method that worked for me – and I bet it applies to most people with PCs around five years old – involves 10 short steps and a third-party program. Rufus,
This method may be the best option for you if…
- Your PC is from around 2020.
- Your hardware is otherwise in good health.
- Windows says your system is not eligible due to TPM checking.
- Otherwise your PC meets all other requirements (sufficient storage, etc.).
Note: You will need a blank USB thumb drive with at least 8GB of storage space. Don’t forget to delete everything from the thumb drive; Otherwise, it will be removed in the process.
10 Steps to Install Windows 11
- download Rufus,
- go here And download the Windows 11 Multi-Edition ISO under “Disk Images (ISO) for x64 devices” in the Downloads folder on your PC.
- Insert your empty thumb drive and launch Rufus.
- In Rufus, select your thumb drive in the Devices menu. Under Boot Selection, click “Disk or ISO Image”.
- Click Select and locate the Windows 11 ISO file you just downloaded in your Downloads folder.
- Click Start.
- When the Windows User Experience window pops up, make sure the first box is checked: “Remove requirement for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0”. Rest of the boxes depend on your choice.
- Click OK, and then Start.
- Once this is done, open the USB drive in File Explorer. Double-click Setup. This will run the Windows 11 installation.
- Final Step: When the “Install Windows 11” window pops up, click “How to change how setup downloads updates” and make sure you select “Not now.” Click Next and proceed with the rest of the installation.
At this point, your computer will exit Windows and enter the OS installer, which may take some time. It will restart a few times during this process, which is normal. If all goes well–and it should! – Your PC will boot into the new version of Windows 11.
Also: Windows 10’s final update is huge — with a record 173 bug fixes
If you encounter any issues during this installation, I recommend reviewing the comprehensive guide or our Windows 11 troubleshooting guide.
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