How to upgrade Windows 10 to 11 24H2 (Even if Your PC Isn’t Supported)

Windows 11 24H2 is out, and you want in. But Microsoft’s official requirements are strict—TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, newer CPUs. If your PC doesn’t make the cut, don’t worry. You can still upgrade to Windows 11 24H2. Here’s exactly how to do it, safely and step by step.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. Upgrading unsupported hardware can mean you won’t get future updates or support from Microsoft. Back up your data before you start.

1. Check Your Current Windows 10 Version

Press Win + R, type winver, and hit Enter. Make sure you’re running Windows 10, version 2004 or newer.

2. Back Up Everything Important

Seriously. Back up your files to an external drive, OneDrive, or another cloud service. If something goes sideways, you’ll be glad you did.

3. Download Windows 11 24H2 ISO

• Go to the official Microsoft download page.
• Scroll down to “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)”.
• Select “Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO) – 24H2” and your language, then download.

4. Create a Bootable USB (Optional but Recommended)

You can use Rufus to create a bootable USB drive that skips compatibility checks.

Here’s how:

1. Download and open Rufus.
2. Plug in a USB drive (at least 8GB).
3. Select the Windows 11 ISO you just downloaded.
4. When prompted, choose options to remove TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot checks.
5. Click Start and wait for Rufus to finish.

5. Run the Installer and Skip the Checks

If you want to upgrade without a USB, mount the ISO directly:

1. Right-click the ISO file and select “Mount.”
2. Open the new drive that appears and run setup.exe.
3. When prompted, choose Keep personal files and apps (if you want to keep your stuff).

Bypass TPM, Secure Boot, and CPU Checks

If you see a “This PC can’t run Windows 11” message, you need to bypass the block.

Option 1: Rufus-created USB

• The installer should skip most checks.

Option 2: Manual Registry Edit

If using the mounted ISO:

1. When you see the “This PC can’t run Windows 11” message, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
2. Type regedit and press Enter.
3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup.
4. Right-click “Setup” > New > Key. Name it LabConfig.
5. Inside LabConfig, right-click and create two new DWORD (32-bit) values:
   • BypassTPMCheck = 1
   • BypassSecureBootCheck = 1
   • (Optional:) BypassCPUCheck = 1
6. Close everything and restart the setup from the beginning.

6. Complete the Installation

Follow the prompts. The PC will reboot a few times. When it’s done, you’ll be running Windows 11 24H2—even on unsupported hardware.

7. Post-Upgrade Checklist

• Reconnect to Wi-Fi and update drivers.
• Open Windows Update and install all available updates.
• Check activation status: Settings > System > Activation.
• Restore any files you backed up.

What to Expect

• Updates: Microsoft may block some updates in the future on unsupported hardware. Minor updates usually work, but feature upgrades may require repeating this process.
• Performance: Windows 11 usually runs well, but your experience may vary depending on your PC.
• Support: You won’t get official support from Microsoft.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading to Windows 11 24H2—even on unsupported PCs—is possible if you’re careful and follow these steps. Just remember, you’re venturing off the official path, so always keep backups and know how to roll back if needed.

Have questions? Leave a comment below, and I’ll help you out!

Ready to take the leap? Back up your stuff and start upgrading—your “unsupported” PC has more life in it yet!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!