How to Install Windows 11 24H2 on Unsupported PCs

Microsoft has officially launched Windows 11 version 24H2, bringing new features and improvements to the platform. But what if your PC doesn’t meet the official hardware requirements? Don’t worry—you can still get Windows 11 24H2 up and running on your unsupported machine with a few workarounds. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to install Windows 11 24H2, even if your PC doesn’t meet the specs.

Important Note: Hardware Limitations

It’s important to note that if your processor does not support SSE4.2 instructions, you won’t be able to install Windows 11 24H2. Unfortunately, there are no workarounds for such systems, and your best bet is to stick with Windows 11 version 23H2 or earlier.

How to Update Unsupported PCs to Windows 11 24H2

If you’re ready to update your unsupported PC to Windows 11 24H2, here are two methods that still work despite Microsoft’s hardware checks:

Method 1: The Simple Command Method

This is the easiest way to upgrade without third-party tools.

1. Download the Windows 11 24H2 ISO from the official Windows website.
2. Mount the ISO file by right-clicking it and selecting “Mount.”
3. Open the Sources folder in the mounted ISO.
4. Launch PowerShell:
   • Hold down Shift and right-click in the folder, then select “Open PowerShell window here.”
5. Run the setup command:
   • Type cmd in the PowerShell window and press Enter.
   • Then, run setupprep.exe /product server.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions. Although the setup screen might say “Windows Server,” rest assured, you are installing the correct edition of Windows 11 for your PC.

Method 2: Registry Editing Method

This method requires a bit more technical work but can be equally effective if you’re comfortable editing your registry.

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to the following path:
   HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags.
3. Create a new key:
   • Right-click and select New > Key, then name it HwReqChk.
4. Create a new multi-string value:
   • Inside HwReqChk, right-click and select New > Multi-String Value. Name it HwReqChkVars.
5. Double-click the new value and enter:makefileCopy codeSQ_SecureBootCapable=TRUE SQ_SecureBootEnabled=TRUE SQ_TpmVersion=2 SQ_RamMB=8192
6. Download the Windows 11 24H2 ISO from Microsoft, mount the file, and run setup.exe to install Windows 11.

How to Perform a Clean Install of Windows 11 24H2 on Unsupported PCs

If you’re looking for a fresh installation rather than an upgrade, here’s how you can do it using Rufus, a free tool that helps create bootable USB drives:

1. Download the Windows 11 24H2 ISO from Microsoft’s website.
2. Download Rufus from its official website and launch it.
3. Insert a USB drive and select it from the Device drop-down menu in Rufus.
4. Select Disk or ISO image and click Select to choose the Windows 11 24H2 ISO file.
5. Check the option that says Remove requirement for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0 to bypass the hardware limitations.
6. Click Start and let Rufus create the bootable USB.
7. Once completed, restart your PC, boot from the USB drive, and follow the instructions to clean install Windows 11 24H2 on your unsupported hardware.

Conclusion: Installing Windows 11 24H2 on Unsupported Hardware

While installing Windows 11 24H2 on unsupported hardware may seem tricky, it’s certainly possible with the right tools and methods. Whether you choose to update your existing system or perform a clean installation, these steps should help you get Windows 11 24H2 up and running on your older PC.