There’s a workaround to bypass the trusted platform module (TPM) version 2.0 to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware and prevent the “This PC can’t run Windows 11” error, and here’s how. Although Windows 11 seems like a great update, compatibility with older hardware doesn’t look as good since Microsoft is adding some artificial restrictions leaving many computers without the possibility to upgrade.
Some of these restrictions include the need for TPM 2.0 hardware, which must be enabled before you can proceed with the Windows 11 installation. The reason is that the company wants to make the OS more secure since a TPM provides cryptographic functions, such as generating and storing encryption keys to enable features like Windows Hello, BitLocker, and other functionalities. In addition, Windows 11 may also require Secure Boot enabled. Furthermore, your computer needs to have one of the supported processors from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm. Otherwise, the OS won’t install.
Although there are many new unwanted changes with Windows 11 regarding compatibility, and you meet the hardware requirements, but the problem is the TPM 2.0 chip, someone on Twitter (@cadenzza_) has found out a workaround to bypass the TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements from within the Windows 11 setup without the need to create a custom ISO image.
In this guide, you will learn the steps to bypass the TPM and Secure Boot requirements during the installation of Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. Read the warning.
Bypass Windows 11 TPM and Secure Boot requirements
To bypass the TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements during the installation of Windows 11, use these steps:
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Start the PC with the Windows 11 USB flash drive.
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Use the Shift key + F10 keyboard shortcut in the setup screen.
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Type the following command to launch the Registry Editor from Command Prompt and press Enter:
regedit
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Browse to the following Registry path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup
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Right-click the “Setup” folder (key), select the New submenu and choose the DWORD (32-bit) Value option.
Windows 11 Setup regedit -
Name the key BypassTPMCheck and press Enter to fix the Windows 11 TPM 2.0 requirement.
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Double-click the BypassTPMCheck key and change the value from 0 to 1.
Windows 11 fix TPM 2.0 -
Click the OK button.
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Right-click the “Setup” folder (key), select the New submenu and choose the DWORD (32-bit) Value option.
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Name the key BypassSecureBootCheck and press Enter to fix the Windows 11 Secure Boot requirement.
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Double-click the BypassSecureBootCheck key and change the value from 0 to 1.
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Click the OK button.
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Click the Close (X) button to close the Registry.
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Click the Close (X) button to close the Command Prompt.
Once you complete the steps, you can continue with the Windows 11 installation on a device without TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot, and the OS should install normally.
It’s important to point out that Microsoft will let you install previews of Windows 11 without hardware restrictions through the Windows Insider Program. Instead, the policies will be enforced when you’ll need to install to the final version.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.