How to Upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 on Unsupported Hardware

Upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 can be a challenge for those using unsupported hardware. In this guide, I’ll take you step-by-step through the process of performing an in-place upgrade from Windows 10 or an older version of Windows 11 to the latest Windows 11 24H2 on unsupported hardware. Whether you have a processor that’s not supported or lack TPM, this tutorial will help you bypass those limitations while keeping your files and apps intact.

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

• In-place upgrade possible on unsupported hardware: You can upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 without meeting hardware requirements.
• No TPM or secure boot needed: The process bypasses the need for TPM and secure boot, allowing installation on older systems.
• All files and apps are kept: Follow the instructions carefully to retain all your files, settings, and apps.

Requirements

To upgrade to Windows 11 24H2, you’ll need:

• Windows 11 24H2 ISO file
• Windows PowerShell (Admin access)
• Basic knowledge of mounting ISO files and using command prompts

Why Upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 on Unsupported Hardware?

If your system doesn’t meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements, this guide offers a way to still take advantage of the new features in version 24H2 without buying a new machine, provided your processor supports SSE 4.2 instructions and PopCnt. By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy the updated Windows experience while keeping your current hardware setup.

Steps to Upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 on Unsupported Hardware

Step 1: Download the Windows 11 ISO File

First, download the ISO file from the official Microsoft website:

1. Open your browser and search for ‘Windows 11 download’.
2. Click on the official Microsoft link to the download page.
3. Scroll down to find the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image” section.
4. Select “Windows 11 multi edition” from the dropdown menu and click “Download.”
5. You’ll need to select the language matching your current system:
   • In Windows PowerShell (run as Administrator), execute the following commands to check your system language:
     
     Get-WinSystemLocale
     
     OR
     
     dism /online /get-intl
     
     This will display your installed language and system locale.
     
     
6. Select the appropriate language from the ISO download page based on this information.

Step 2: Mount the ISO File

Once the ISO file has downloaded:

1. Right-click on the file and select “Mount” or open it with File Explorer.
2. Take note of the drive letter assigned to the mounted ISO. In my video example, I had the driver letter D.

Step 3: Run the Windows 11 Setup from Command Prompt

Now, start the installation process via Command Prompt:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type the following, replacing D with the drive letter of your mounted ISO:
   
   D:\setup.exe /product server
   
   This will start the Windows 11 setup wizard and also bypass the hardware requirements.

If you need further details on upgrading Windows 11 on unsupported hardware using the Command Prompt, you can refer to this guide.

Step 4: Complete the Windows 11 Setup

Follow the instructions on the Windows setup wizard:

1. Change the “Choose how Setup Downloads Updates” to “Not right now” on the first setup screen.
2. Accept the license terms and ensure that the option to “Keep files, settings, and apps” is selected to ensure you don’t lose any data.
   Note: If this option is unavailable, it means there is a mismatch between the ISO file language and the system language. Try downloading the Windows 11 ISO file again but select the language currently installed on the system you want to upgrade.
3. Proceed with the installation, and Windows 11 24H2 will be installed without any hardware restrictions.
4. Once the upgrade is finished, check for and install the latest Windows 11 updates.

Conclusion

You can now enjoy Windows 11 24H2 even if your hardware doesn’t meet Microsoft’s official requirements. By following these steps, you’ll retain all of your files, settings, and apps during the upgrade process. If this guide was helpful, don’t forget to check for updates after installation to ensure your system remains secure and up-to-date.

For further optimization of your Windows 11 system, consider using tools like WinToys. You can follow this guide on optimizing Windows with WinToys to improve privacy and performance after the upgrade.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I upgrade from Windows 10 directly to Windows 11 24H2?

Yes, this guide covers how to upgrade directly from Windows 10 22H2 to Windows 11 24H2.

Will I lose my files or apps during the upgrade?

No, if you follow the instructions correctly and select the appropriate language, your files and apps will be preserved.

What should I do if my system doesn’t have TPM or Secure Boot?

This guide shows how to bypass TPM and Secure Boot requirements during the installation process.

What if I don’t see the option to keep my files and apps?

Make sure you selected the correct language when downloading the ISO file. If the language doesn’t match, you won’t see the option to keep your data.

Can I still get updates after installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware?

Yes, regular updates work fine on unsupported hardware, though major upgrades may need to be done manually.