Upgrade to Windows 11 on Unsupported Hardware Using Command Prompt.

Upgrading to Windows 11 can be tricky, especially if your hardware is unsupported. However, there’s a straightforward way to do it using the command prompt. In this guide, you’ll learn how to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware step-by-step.

Key Takeaways

  • Learn how to upgrade to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware using the command prompt.
  • Understand the importance of selecting the correct language for keeping files and apps during the upgrade.
  • Follow the steps to ensure a smooth upgrade process and avoid losing your data.
Upgrade to Windows 11 on Unsupported Hardware Using Command Prompt

Preparing for the Upgrade

Before you start the upgrade process, make sure you have the Windows 11 ISO file downloaded on your computer. This file is essential as it contains all the necessary installation files for Windows 11.

Steps to Download the Windows 11 ISO File

  • Visit the Microsoft Software Downloads page.
  • Scroll down to the disk image option and select “Windows 11 Multi Edition ISO” from the dropdown menu.
  • Choose the correct product language based on your current system settings. To find this:
    • Go to your PC and search for “region” to open the Region settings.
    • Check the “Regional format” dropdown to see your selected language.
  • Click on the download button to get the ISO file.
Windows 11 ISO file download option highlighted on the Microsoft Software Downloads page.

For a detailed walkthrough, check out my guide to download the latest Windows 11 ISO file.

Mounting the ISO File and Setting Up the Installation

Once the ISO file is downloaded, you’ll need to mount it and copy its contents to a folder on your C drive.

Mounting the ISO File

  • Right-click on the downloaded ISO file and select “Mount.”
  • If prompted, click “Open” to proceed.
Right-click menu showing the option to mount the Windows 11 ISO file.

Copying the ISO Files to a Folder

  • Open File Explorer and drag the mounted ISO file window to one side of the screen.
  • Press and hold the left Shift key, then click on the File Explorer icon to open a new window.
  • Drag the second File Explorer window to the other side of the screen.
  • Navigate to your C drive, create a new folder named “Win11,” and open it.
  • In the ISO window, select all files (Ctrl + A), right-click, and choose “Copy here” to move the files to the Win11 folder.
Copying Windows 11 ISO files to the Win11 folder in the C drive.

Running the Upgrade via Command Prompt

With the files copied to the Win11 folder, it’s time to run the upgrade using the command prompt.

Steps to Run the Upgrade Command

  • Search for “CMD” in your Windows search bar, right-click, and select “Run as administrator.”
  • In the command prompt, type C:\Win11\setup.exe /product server and press Enter.

This command will start the Windows 11 setup wizard. Despite showing that it’s installing Windows Server, the setup will upgrade your current Windows version (e.g., Windows 10 Pro to Windows 11 Pro).

Command prompt with the upgrade command for installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware.

Finalizing the Installation

  • The setup wizard will check your PC for compatibility and then prompt you to accept the terms.
  • Choose what to keep:
    • Keep personal files and apps: Retains everything during the upgrade.
    • Keep personal files only: Removes apps but keeps your files.
    • Keep nothing: Formats your system and removes all files and apps.
  • Click on “Install” to begin the upgrade.
Windows 11 setup wizard showing options for what to keep during the upgrade.

Post-Upgrade Steps

Once the upgrade is complete, you’ll be on Windows 11. However, a few additional steps are recommended to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Verifying the Upgrade

  • Search for “System Info” and check the system details to confirm the upgrade.
  • Open the “System Information” app to verify that your hardware remains unsupported, ensuring it’s the same machine.
System Information screen showing unsupported hardware details post-upgrade.

Managing Windows Updates

  • Go to Windows Update and pause updates for one week to avoid potential issues from leftover updates.
  • After pausing, click on “Resume updates” and enable the option to get the latest updates as soon as they are available.
Windows Update screen showing updates paused with 'Resume updates' button highlighted.

Conclusion

Upgrading to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware is entirely possible using the command prompt. By following this guide, you can bypass the usual system requirements and enjoy the latest features of Windows 11. Remember to manage your updates carefully post-upgrade to avoid any issues.


FAQs

Can I upgrade to Windows 11 on any unsupported hardware?

Yes, this guide shows you how to bypass system requirements using the command prompt, but it’s important to understand that Microsoft does not officially support this method.

Will I lose my files during the upgrade?

As long as you select the correct language and choose to keep your files, settings, and apps, your data should remain intact.

How long does the upgrade process take?

The time varies depending on your hardware. SSDs typically complete the process faster than HDDs, ranging from 30 minutes to over an hour.

Is this method safe for my computer?

While this method works, it’s not officially supported by Microsoft, so proceed at your own risk.

What should I do if the upgrade fails?

If the upgrade fails, verify that you followed all steps correctly, especially choosing the right product language. You can also try the process again or look into alternative methods like using Rufus.

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