Microsoft has officially released the Windows 11 24H2 update, which comes with its usual set of system requirements. For many, especially those using unsupported hardware, upgrading to this new version might seem impossible. But fear not! In this post, I’ll share my journey of attempting to install Windows 11 24H2 on unsupported hardware and show you how you can do it too, linking to the methods I’ve previously covered in detail on my website.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Windows 11 24H2 only works on processors that come with PopCnt and SSE4.2, there’s no workaround if the CPU doesn’t support that.
Key Takeaways
- Bypassing Windows 11 requirements is still possible on 24H2.
- Upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 on unsupported hardware works with some techniques but not all.
- Clean install methods using Rufus might yield better results than in-place upgrades.
Requirements
To install Windows 11 24H2 on unsupported hardware, you’ll need:
- A Windows 11 24H2 ISO file (available on the official downloads page)
- A USB flash drive for clean install methods
- Basic knowledge of running PowerShell or Command Prompt
- A system that doesn’t meet the Windows 11 hardware requirements.
Why Install Windows 11 24H2 on Unsupported Hardware?
You may be wondering: Why even bother installing Windows 11 24H2 on unsupported hardware?
If you’re running a PC with older specs, upgrading to the latest version can provide improved performance, security patches, and features. Although Microsoft blocks certain hardware from receiving updates, these methods allow you to enjoy Windows 11 on your trusty old machine.
Testing Methods for Bypassing Windows 11 24H2 Requirements
1. Using the Appraiserres.dll Method
One method to bypass the Windows 11 requirements involves editing the appraiserres.dll file. I’ve previously explained this method in detail here. In summary, this involves:
- Downloading the Windows 11 ISO file
- Mounting the ISO file
- Copying the ISO file contents to a folder
- Deleting the contents inside the appraiserres.dll file to skip the CPU, TPM and Secure Boot checks
This method worked on previous versions, but does it still work for 24H2? Unfortunately, I found out that it no longer bypasses the requirements in 24H2.
2. Rufus for In-Place Upgrade
Another popular method is using Rufus to create a bootable USB for Windows 11 and performing an in-place upgrade. If you’re unfamiliar with this method, check out my full guide, where I explain how Rufus can remove the CPU, RAM, TPM and Secure Boot checks.
In this test, I downloaded Rufus, created a bootable USB, and attempted an in-place upgrade. Unfortunately, this method also failed on 24H2, as the unsupported processor and lack of TPM blocked the upgrade.
3. Rufus for Clean Install
While the in-place upgrade didn’t work, the Rufus clean install method remains a solid option for installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. If you need detailed steps on how to do a clean install, check out my guides on creating bootable USB drives with Rufus here or this step-by-step USB installation guide. (Note, the installation guide is for Windows 10, but can still be followed to install Windows 11 using a Windows 11 USB created with Rufus.)
In this test, I formatted the USB drive using Rufus, installed Windows 11 24H2, and successfully bypassed the requirements. However, it only worked when doing a clean install, meaning you’ll lose all your apps, files and settings.
4. Using the CMD or Server Setup Method
If the above methods don’t work for you, there’s also the command prompt (CMD) or server setup method. I’ve walked through this method in another post on upgrading Windows 11 on unsupported hardware using CMD.
In this test, I used the CMD method and managed to bypass the hardware checks by launching the setup file with specific arguments. This allowed me to keep all my apps, files, and settings during the upgrade.
Conclusion
After trying multiple methods, it’s clear that bypassing Windows 11 24H2 requirements on unsupported hardware remains possible, though with mixed results. While the appraiserres.dll and Rufus in-place upgrade methods failed, a clean install using Rufus or the command prompt method still work.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free upgrade on an unsupported system, I recommend trying the Rufus clean install method, but remember, you’ll need to back up your files first and your apps and settings will also be reset.
Alternatively, the CMD Server method offers an in-place upgrade method for those wanting to keep their files, settings and apps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I still bypass Windows 11 24H2 requirements on unsupported hardware?
Yes, some methods like Rufus clean install and the CMD Server method still work, though results may vary based on your hardware.
2. Does the appraiserres.dll method still work on Windows 11 24H2?
No, deleting the contents of the appraiserres.dll file no longer bypasses the system requirements for the Windows 11 24H2 update.
3. What is the easiest method to install Windows 11 24H2 on unsupported hardware?
The Rufus clean install method seems to be the most reliable for unsupported hardware.
4. Can I keep my apps and settings during the upgrade to Windows 11 24H2?
Yes, if you use the command prompt (CMD) or PowerShell “Server” method, you can keep your apps and settings while upgrading to Windows 11 24H2.
5. Is there a way to bypass Windows 11 24H2 requirements without losing my files?
Yes, using the CMD “Server” method allows you to keep your files, apps, and settings during the upgrade.
There some more ways to bypass the requirements:
https://github.com/AveYo/MediaCreationTool.bat
How does that bypass the requirements? That script only allows you to download the ISO file.
I don’t know if I’m missing something…