If you’re considering installing Windows 11 on a PC that doesn’t meet Microsoft’s official system requirements, you’re not alone. Many users want the new features and interface but run into barriers like missing TPM 2.0, older CPUs, or unsupported boot modes.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what happens when you install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, the risks involved, how to check compatibility, and what to do if your device doesn’t meet the criteria.
Windows 11 brings a refreshed design, enhanced productivity features like Snap Layouts, integrated Microsoft Teams, and better gaming performance.
To run Windows 11 officially, your PC must meet strict system requirements.
Before upgrading, check if your device meets these specs:
Processor: 1GHz or faster, 2+ cores on a 64-bit processor
RAM: 4 GB minimum
Storage: 64 GB or more
System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
TPM: Version 2.0
Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible / WDDM 2.x
Display: >9” with 720p resolution
Internet Connection: Required for updates and setup
| Component | Windows 10 | Windows 11 |
|---|---|---|
Processor |
1 GHz or faster, 32-bit or 64-bit |
1 GHz or faster, 2+ cores, 64-bit only |
RAM |
1 GB (32-bit) / 2 GB (64-bit) |
4 GB minimum |
Storage |
16 GB (32-bit) / 20 GB (64-bit) |
64 GB minimum |
System Firmware |
Legacy BIOS or UEFI |
UEFI with Secure Boot |
TPM (Trusted Platform Module) |
Not required |
TPM version 2.0 |
Graphics Card |
DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 |
DirectX 12 with WDDM 2.x |
Display |
800×600 minimum resolution |
720p (HD), >9” diagonal |
Internet Connection |
Not required for setup (local accounts) |
Required for setup & updates |
Microsoft Account |
Optional |
Required for Home edition setup |
Feature Support |
Broad hardware compatibility |
Limited to newer hardware |
The easiest way is to use Microsoft’s PC Health Check Tool.
It is vital to check your machine is compatible with the new Windows 11 update. Click the link below to download our free upgrade guide for Windows 11, which includes pre-checks for compatibility.
Microsoft allows users to install Windows 11 manually even on unsupported devices, but this choice comes with serious complications and is not reccomnmended.
While installation might succeed, here are the common risks:
No Security Updates – Microsoft may block updates at any time for unsupported systems.
System Instability – Crashes, driver conflicts, or performance issues can occur.
Void Warranties & Support – OEMs and Microsoft will not provide support for unsupported installations.
Performance Degradation – Missing features, slower response times, or boot failures.
Data Loss Risks – Especially during upgrades, always back up first.
Windows 10 remains fully supported with security updates until October 14, 2025.
If your system can’t run Windows 11, here are your options you can stick with Windows 10 for now but it is inevitable you will need to upgrade to Windows 11 before October 2025. Don’t get caught short by upgrading to Windows 11 too late.
Your options are either to upgrade your hardware to meet Windows 11 specs or to upgrade your devices if an upgrade is not possible.
As best practice, we would always recommend replacing any hardware which is older than 3-years to ensure your technology is working at optimum levels eliminating downtime for your business.
At Syn-Star, we help businesses and individuals assess upgrade risks and avoid downtime. Whether you’re unsure if your hardware qualifies or need help with migration, we’re here for you.
Get in touch for a proactive upgrade plan now!
Email us at hello@syn-star.co.uk
or book your free IT review today
Click the link below to download our free upgrade guide for Windows 11, which includes pre-checks for compatibility.
Yes, it’s legal, but unsupported by Microsoft. You won’t receive assistance or guaranteed updates.
Sometimes, but not always. Microsoft has stated that updates may be withheld from unsupported devices which could leave you at risk.
You’ll need to bypass the check manually, which involves a huge technical risk. Future Windows updates could fail and your operations could be affected.
When upgrading to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware there’s a much higher risk of data corruption or loss.
The best option would be to consult an expert, we offer a free IT review if you considering migrating to Windows 11. This review can outline which devices can simply be upgrades and which devices will need to be replaced to ensure they are compatible with Windows 11.
We recommend getting in touch as soon as possible, with still a few months to go till Windows 10 end of support you still have time to implement a proactive upgrade plan with payment options still available.
Anne-Marie Blazdell is a Marketing & Communications Manager with expertise in digital marketing, content creation, and IT solutions. With a strong foundation in graphic design, she trained at Farnborough College of Technology and Southampton Solent University before advancing into marketing and business IT support.
Since joining Syn-Star in 2022, Anne-Marie has specialised in crafting SEO-optimised website content, managing social media, and helping businesses navigate the complexities of IT. Her work bridges the gap between technology and business, making IT more accessible and effective.
Anne-Marie Blazdell
Anne-Marie Blazdell is a Marketing & Communications Manager with expertise in digital marketing, content creation, and IT solutions. With a strong foundation in graphic design, she trained at Farnborough College of Technology and Southampton Solent University before advancing into marketing and business IT support.
Since joining Syn-Star in 2022, Anne-Marie has specialised in crafting SEO-optimised website content, managing social media, and helping businesses navigate the complexities of IT. Her work bridges the gap between technology and business, making IT more accessible and effective.
Learn more about IT Support
Partnerships
You’re device is on an Unsupported Windows Operating System for your security, please contact us.
Team Productivity:
You and your team are able to see where they are using their time and how productive they are actually being. Also they are able to clock in and out, so really good for flexi-working.
Team Monitoring:
If you would like to know what your team is doing and how productive they are being, we are able to monitor them and create screenshots of what they are working on. This can be run in normal or stealth mode.
Book a FREE fact finding session to discuss the different options.
We proactively seek opportunities to support good causes for our community.
From sponsoring local community football teams, to engaging with charity fundraiser days, we believe it’s important to continually strive to do good for the better of others.
We have members who volunteer with youth organisations, are engaged with the Round Table, run marathons and volunteer at events where we may be needed. Every charity receives a discounted IT and Telecoms service too.
Protecting your digital data is crucial for every business and this can start with the industry-leading security we offer. The Syn-Star specialists can help with identifying any vulnerabilities within your IT systems and act accordingly to ensure cyber-attacks and data breaches are mitigated.
Your business will never fall behind with its technology when you work with Syn-Star.
We understand IT and Telecoms for your business is an investment, but it’s important to use the best resources available to enable the growth of your business. Our IT Consultancy and Virtual IT Director Services are available to support you with how you use your business technology for years to come.
Syn-Star can conduct quick and easy phishing exercises to identify people within your team who need to improve on their knowledge around fraudulent emails and how they can be alerted to these threats.
At Syn-Star, our experts can proactively work to understand exactly what software you need to support with the business operations. Whether you need a listening ear on what software to choose, or would like to seek some specialist knowledge, we’re here to help where we can.
At Syn-Star, we keep Telecoms simple. There’s so much available to help UK companies with their communications. VoIP systems, fixed landline, cloud phone systems, SIP trunking and more. Contact us for further details.
Desk phones, cordless phones or conference phones, Syn-Star can provide you with whatever you need.
From conference calling facilities to the headsets which work best for your team, we’re able to provide all the equipment you need and complete any telecoms job from start to finish.
There is no need to be in the office to make and receive phone calls from your company’s number. Our market-leading Telecoms platform gives you the flexibility of desk phones, soft phones and mobile apps as standard.
Whether your team works remotely, or perhaps staff are on a business trip anywhere in the world, calls can still be made, and people are reachable via phone wherever they go.
With a range of products, our team can support you by installing exactly what you need for internet connectivity. We work with the very best products to provide speedy bandwidths which play a part in the increased productivity of your team.
