Let's install Windows 11 on incompatible hardware


I just read this on ten forums - maybe it's old news? If so sorry!

"typing "start ms-cxh:localonly" into the command prompt during the Windows 11 setup experience will allow you to create a local account directly without needing to skip connecting to the internet first."

www.windowscentral.com

An even better Microsoft Account bypass for Windows 11 has already been discovered

Microsoft has announced that it's removing a popular command line that made it easy to skip signing into a Microsoft Account during Windows 11 setup — now a better bypass has been discovered.
www.windowscentral.com www.windowscentral.com
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 14-ce3514sa
    CPU
    Core i5
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 evo plus 2TB
    Cooling
    Could be better
    Internet Speed
    200mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    Originally installed with a 500gb H10 Optane ssd
Yes, it is true, however I would never remember the syntax unless I write it down. It took me some time to learn the oobe\bypassnro.
I made a note in my smartphone, so I won't search back and forth when I need it. Also if anything else fails, there is always Rufus. Just create a patched USB flash drive with Rufus and install Windows 11 with that. Not only it bypasses compatibility check in order to install Windows 11 on older unsupported computers, but also allows you to create a local account.
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (5472), 24H2 (4652)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Extensa 5630EZ
    CPU
    Mobile DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, 2000 MHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Extensa 5630
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel(R) GMA 4500M (Mobile 4 series)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC268 @ Intel 82801IB ICH9 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB SATA Device (250 GB, SATA-III)
    Internet Speed
    VDSL 50 Mbps
    Browser
    MICROSOFT EDGE
    Antivirus
    WINDOWS DEFENDER
    Other Info
    Legacy MBR installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, no WDDM 2.0 graphics drivers, no SSE4.2, cannot get more unsupported ;) This is only my test laptop. I had installed Windows 11 here before upgrading my main PC. For my main PC I use everyday see my 2nd system specs.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro v24H2 (build 26100.4652)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom-built PC
    CPU
    Intel Core-i7 3770 3.40GHz s1155 (3rd generation)
    Motherboard
    Asus P8H61 s1155 ATX
    Memory
    2x Kingston Hyper-X Blu 8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics card(s)
    Gainward NE5105T018G1-1070F (nVidia GeForce GTX 1050Ti 4GB GDDR5)
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD audio (ALC887)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia KDL-19L4000 19" LCD TV via VGA
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 32-bit 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WD Blue SA510 2.5 1000GB SSD as system disk, Western Digital Caviar Purple 4TB SATA III (WD40PURZ) as second
    PSU
    Thermaltake Litepower RGB 550W Full Wired
    Case
    SUPERCASE MIDI-TOWER
    Cooling
    Deepcool Gamma Archer CPU cooler, 1x 8cm fan at the back
    Keyboard
    Mitsumi 101-key PS/2
    Mouse
    Sunnyline OptiEye PS/2
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Legacy BIOS (MBR) installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, WDDM 3.0 graphics drivers, WEI score 7.4
Yes I use rufus too :-) I guess the command might be useful if someone already has Windows 11 on usb via the Microsoft website and doesn't want to burn a new one (or hasn't downloaded the iso to computer).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 14-ce3514sa
    CPU
    Core i5
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 evo plus 2TB
    Cooling
    Could be better
    Internet Speed
    200mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    Originally installed with a 500gb H10 Optane ssd
Hazel123 said:
Yes I use rufus too :-) I guess the command might be useful if someone already has Windows 11 on usb via the Microsoft website and doesn't want to burn a new one (or hasn't downloaded the iso to computer).
Click to expand...
Such as when installing on a virtual machine. It is easier to just mount the ISO on the virtual CD-ROM than create a USB with Rufus and pass control to the guest.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (5472), 24H2 (4652)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Extensa 5630EZ
    CPU
    Mobile DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, 2000 MHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Extensa 5630
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel(R) GMA 4500M (Mobile 4 series)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC268 @ Intel 82801IB ICH9 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB SATA Device (250 GB, SATA-III)
    Internet Speed
    VDSL 50 Mbps
    Browser
    MICROSOFT EDGE
    Antivirus
    WINDOWS DEFENDER
    Other Info
    Legacy MBR installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, no WDDM 2.0 graphics drivers, no SSE4.2, cannot get more unsupported ;) This is only my test laptop. I had installed Windows 11 here before upgrading my main PC. For my main PC I use everyday see my 2nd system specs.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro v24H2 (build 26100.4652)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom-built PC
    CPU
    Intel Core-i7 3770 3.40GHz s1155 (3rd generation)
    Motherboard
    Asus P8H61 s1155 ATX
    Memory
    2x Kingston Hyper-X Blu 8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics card(s)
    Gainward NE5105T018G1-1070F (nVidia GeForce GTX 1050Ti 4GB GDDR5)
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD audio (ALC887)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia KDL-19L4000 19" LCD TV via VGA
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 32-bit 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WD Blue SA510 2.5 1000GB SSD as system disk, Western Digital Caviar Purple 4TB SATA III (WD40PURZ) as second
    PSU
    Thermaltake Litepower RGB 550W Full Wired
    Case
    SUPERCASE MIDI-TOWER
    Cooling
    Deepcool Gamma Archer CPU cooler, 1x 8cm fan at the back
    Keyboard
    Mitsumi 101-key PS/2
    Mouse
    Sunnyline OptiEye PS/2
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Legacy BIOS (MBR) installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, WDDM 3.0 graphics drivers, WEI score 7.4
Hi,
I have managed to install win11 24h2 on older hp laptop (unsupported cpu and no tpm) with uefi and legacy both options available.
I installed win 11 using rufus and disabled the legacy option in BIOS. Booted usb drive in uefi mode and installed the win in gpt format.
Everything went well and i was able to logon to windows.
As soon as I added my old HDD as secondary drive which is in MBR format, the windows wont load past Logon screen...just blank screen with cursor.
Here ctrl alt del loads task manager and i can see that Explorer service is not loaded..and I manually cant start that service...

Any idea whats happening here ?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Widows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Hp, Dell
I'm not up on two drives matters :-) But maybe you needed both drives in the machine before installing windows. Although there's probably a way to sort this - someone else will know! Possibly the computer is seeing the second drive as a boot drive and there's nothing on it? If so there may be something in bios to help you set which is the boot drive (or change the boot order in bios).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 14-ce3514sa
    CPU
    Core i5
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 evo plus 2TB
    Cooling
    Could be better
    Internet Speed
    200mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    Originally installed with a 500gb H10 Optane ssd
Hazel123 said:
I'm not up on two drives matters :-) But maybe you needed both drives in the machine before installing windows. Although there's probably a way to sort this - someone else will know! Possibly the computer is seeing the second drive as a boot drive and there's nothing on it?
Click to expand...
Sorry I missed that part in my post.
The mbr old (secondary)drive has windows 10 installed in legacy mode. And yes, i installed windows11 to new ssd in gpt mode with standalone ..single drive in the laptop
But that should not affect the new windows booting right? Windows will see the old drive just as a data drive?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Widows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Hp, Dell
I'm not sure - maybe it's seeing two boot drives? Is the SSD set to boot first in bios? I'm not sure if you can have both MBR and GPT modes - but as I say I'm no expert. It may have confused the bios. I've only done this with a secondary empty drive before (when I wanted to boot from the bigger slower drive (because the primary one was too small for windows and soldered in) and had to change the primary drive in bios.

Maybe you need both installs with legacy bios/mbr. How old is the computer?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 14-ce3514sa
    CPU
    Core i5
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 evo plus 2TB
    Cooling
    Could be better
    Internet Speed
    200mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    Originally installed with a 500gb H10 Optane ssd
Hazel123 said:
I'm not sure - maybe it's seeing two boot drives? Is the SSD set to boot first in bios? I'm not sure if you can have both MBR and GPT modes - but as I say I'm no expert. It may have confused the bios. I've only done this with a secondary empty drive before (when I wanted to boot from the bigger slower drive (because the primary one was too small for windows and soldered in) and had to change the primary drive in bios.

Maybe you need both installs with legacy bios/mbr. How old is the computer?
Click to expand...
I have disabled the legacy mode in bios, so my booting device is the only one listed under uefi and that is the newly installed ssd in gpt Mode
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Widows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Hp, Dell
With both disks connected, probably the old disk (Windows 10 MBR) had higher boot priority, so it became C: drive. Windows 11 boot but then try to load Windows from the old disk and fail. Go in UEFI firmware and make sure the new disk (Windows 11 GPT) has higher priority and try to boot again. If it fails, probably the drive letter is other than C: and you have to fix it. You can download Sergei Strelec WinPE, create a bootable USB flash drive with Rufus and boot it. There are several options including boot into Windows 11 WinPE or Windows 10 WinPE. Choose either and then wait to load. Click on the start button to open start menu with a lot of tools. Find the one to fix drive letters and run it.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (5472), 24H2 (4652)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Extensa 5630EZ
    CPU
    Mobile DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, 2000 MHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Extensa 5630
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel(R) GMA 4500M (Mobile 4 series)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC268 @ Intel 82801IB ICH9 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB SATA Device (250 GB, SATA-III)
    Internet Speed
    VDSL 50 Mbps
    Browser
    MICROSOFT EDGE
    Antivirus
    WINDOWS DEFENDER
    Other Info
    Legacy MBR installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, no WDDM 2.0 graphics drivers, no SSE4.2, cannot get more unsupported ;) This is only my test laptop. I had installed Windows 11 here before upgrading my main PC. For my main PC I use everyday see my 2nd system specs.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro v24H2 (build 26100.4652)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom-built PC
    CPU
    Intel Core-i7 3770 3.40GHz s1155 (3rd generation)
    Motherboard
    Asus P8H61 s1155 ATX
    Memory
    2x Kingston Hyper-X Blu 8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics card(s)
    Gainward NE5105T018G1-1070F (nVidia GeForce GTX 1050Ti 4GB GDDR5)
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD audio (ALC887)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia KDL-19L4000 19" LCD TV via VGA
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 32-bit 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WD Blue SA510 2.5 1000GB SSD as system disk, Western Digital Caviar Purple 4TB SATA III (WD40PURZ) as second
    PSU
    Thermaltake Litepower RGB 550W Full Wired
    Case
    SUPERCASE MIDI-TOWER
    Cooling
    Deepcool Gamma Archer CPU cooler, 1x 8cm fan at the back
    Keyboard
    Mitsumi 101-key PS/2
    Mouse
    Sunnyline OptiEye PS/2
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Legacy BIOS (MBR) installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, WDDM 3.0 graphics drivers, WEI score 7.4
Windows 11 extended support:
I know various Windows 11 have differing dates for end of support.
When a regular Windows 11 reaches end of support, do we have to uninstall then install the next one?
Or can we simply install over what we currently have? And keep all our files.
Do updates automatically bring our current Windows 11 edition to the next edition?
I am asking as I want correct info for my not very knowledgeable cousin.
What would be the smoothest way to go?
She currently has Windows 10 and is dreading having to learn Windows 11.
I keep telling her, it is pretty much the same with some 3rd party programs (like Open Shell).

Thanks,
Kim
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 physical Windows 11 virtual
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    12
    Motherboard
    Asus
    Memory
    128
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia
    Screen Resolution
    1360x768
    Hard Drives
    2
    PSU
    850
    Case
    Cooler Master
    Cooling
    fans
    Keyboard
    ergonomic
    Mouse
    wired
    Browser
    several
    Antivirus
    abast
Yes, you can upgrade from Windows 10 or from one Windows 11 version to the other, provided your computer is compatible. No need to uninstall the previous version first. You can upgrade to 23H2 any 64-bit computer bypassing compatibility check. However you need a CPU with SSE4.2 instructions to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2.This means at least first generation Intel Core-i3 or equivalent AMD. Forget Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Quad. Also there is nothing to learn about Windows 11, unless you access the Settings often. For the average user the interface is the same with new icons.
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (5472), 24H2 (4652)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Extensa 5630EZ
    CPU
    Mobile DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, 2000 MHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Extensa 5630
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel(R) GMA 4500M (Mobile 4 series)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC268 @ Intel 82801IB ICH9 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB SATA Device (250 GB, SATA-III)
    Internet Speed
    VDSL 50 Mbps
    Browser
    MICROSOFT EDGE
    Antivirus
    WINDOWS DEFENDER
    Other Info
    Legacy MBR installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, no WDDM 2.0 graphics drivers, no SSE4.2, cannot get more unsupported ;) This is only my test laptop. I had installed Windows 11 here before upgrading my main PC. For my main PC I use everyday see my 2nd system specs.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro v24H2 (build 26100.4652)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom-built PC
    CPU
    Intel Core-i7 3770 3.40GHz s1155 (3rd generation)
    Motherboard
    Asus P8H61 s1155 ATX
    Memory
    2x Kingston Hyper-X Blu 8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics card(s)
    Gainward NE5105T018G1-1070F (nVidia GeForce GTX 1050Ti 4GB GDDR5)
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD audio (ALC887)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia KDL-19L4000 19" LCD TV via VGA
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 32-bit 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WD Blue SA510 2.5 1000GB SSD as system disk, Western Digital Caviar Purple 4TB SATA III (WD40PURZ) as second
    PSU
    Thermaltake Litepower RGB 550W Full Wired
    Case
    SUPERCASE MIDI-TOWER
    Cooling
    Deepcool Gamma Archer CPU cooler, 1x 8cm fan at the back
    Keyboard
    Mitsumi 101-key PS/2
    Mouse
    Sunnyline OptiEye PS/2
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Legacy BIOS (MBR) installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, WDDM 3.0 graphics drivers, WEI score 7.4
spapakons said:
You can upgrade to 23H2 any 64-bit computer bypassing compatibility check. However you need a CPU with SSE4.2 instructions to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2.This means at least first generation Intel Core-i3 or equivalent AMD.
Click to expand...
AveYo's TPM bypass still works for incompatible processors on 24h2

The latest version retrieved and is included with this: GitHub - illsk1lls/Win-11-Download-Prep-Tool: Downloads the latest Win 11 x64 ISO direct from MS - Then SysPreps each index, removing: Network requirements during install, TPM requirements, S-Mode, and RAM requirements.

It gets the latest fido to generate a direct MS link then edits the ISO adding AveYo's TPM bypass to the root, for easy in place upgrades on incompatble machines, it also adds an update reset script in case dynamic(through windows update) updates have issues.

You can also find the link directly for it in the readme/description on the github page
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    PE
spapakons said:
Yes, you can upgrade from Windows 10 or from one Windows 11 version to the other, provided your computer is compatible. No need to uninstall the previous version first. You can upgrade to 23H2 any 64-bit computer bypassing compatibility check. However you need a CPU with SSE4.2 instructions to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2.This means at least first generation Intel Core-i3 or equivalent AMD. Forget Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Quad. Also there is nothing to learn about Windows 11, unless you access the Settings often. For the average user the interface is the same with new icons.
Click to expand...
My cousin has a Dell laptop, not too old. And I am pretty sure it has the qualifications, Windows has been putting the pressure on to upgrade. Thanks for the info!
Kim
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 physical Windows 11 virtual
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    12
    Motherboard
    Asus
    Memory
    128
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia
    Screen Resolution
    1360x768
    Hard Drives
    2
    PSU
    850
    Case
    Cooler Master
    Cooling
    fans
    Keyboard
    ergonomic
    Mouse
    wired
    Browser
    several
    Antivirus
    abast
Kim Parker said:
Windows 11 extended support:
I know various Windows 11 have differing dates for end of support.
When a regular Windows 11 reaches end of support, do we have to uninstall then install the next one?
Or can we simply install over what we currently have? And keep all our files.
Do updates automatically bring our current Windows 11 edition to the next edition?
I am asking as I want correct info for my not very knowledgeable cousin.
What would be the smoothest way to go?
She currently has Windows 10 and is dreading having to learn Windows 11.
I keep telling her, it is pretty much the same with some 3rd party programs (like Open Shell).

Thanks,
Kim
Click to expand...
If she's on Windows 10 she could maybe wait until October and then install Windows 11 25H2 which comes out at that time. That should be supported for another 2 years (assuming the laptop isn't Windows 11 ready?). If she wants to wait a bit longer, then there is the 1 year Extended update support from October 2025 to October 2026 which is free if you have 1000 microsoft points. Otherwise it costs about £26. The only downside there is you have to be signed in with a microsoft account, so if she isn't currently, then she might not want to.

If the laptop is upgradeable to Windows 11, just let it upgrade via Windows update (but make a system image first in case it doesn't go well, then you can go back to where you started). If it's not officially upgradeable to Windows 11 then you'd need to install Windows 11 manually, via usb stick - and that would wipe over (ie delete) the windows 10 install - so again, make a system image first! And also back up all files externally first.

I think that's right - or is it possible to do an inplace upgrade on top of Windows 10 if its unsupported hardware?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 14-ce3514sa
    CPU
    Core i5
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 evo plus 2TB
    Cooling
    Could be better
    Internet Speed
    200mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    Originally installed with a 500gb H10 Optane ssd
BobOmb said:
AveYo's TPM bypass still works for incompatible processors on 24h2

The latest version retrieved and is included with this: GitHub - illsk1lls/Win-11-Download-Prep-Tool: Downloads the latest Win 11 x64 ISO direct from MS - Then SysPreps each index, removing: Network requirements during install, TPM requirements, S-Mode, and RAM requirements.

It gets the latest fido to generate a direct MS link then edits the ISO adding AveYo's TPM bypass to the root, for easy in place upgrades on incompatble machines, it also adds an update reset script in case dynamic(through windows update) updates have issues.

You can also find the link directly for it in the readme/description on the github page
Click to expand...
Oh my goodness, never heard of this particular software. I know Rufus can do similar, but this program I definitely want to check out. On my way!
Thanks,
Kim

Just came from reading the description of AveYo's Bypass. Now after it downloads an iso (or after an ISO is dragged) it works its magic. Can it come to a stop then? Rather than continue the install. I want to practice in a virtual, using Vmware Workstation.
Thanks
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 physical Windows 11 virtual
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    12
    Motherboard
    Asus
    Memory
    128
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia
    Screen Resolution
    1360x768
    Hard Drives
    2
    PSU
    850
    Case
    Cooler Master
    Cooling
    fans
    Keyboard
    ergonomic
    Mouse
    wired
    Browser
    several
    Antivirus
    abast
Rufus works well :-)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 14-ce3514sa
    CPU
    Core i5
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 evo plus 2TB
    Cooling
    Could be better
    Internet Speed
    200mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    Originally installed with a 500gb H10 Optane ssd
Kim Parker said:
Oh my goodness, never heard of this particular software. I know Rufus can do similar, but this program I definitely want to check out. On my way!
Thanks,
Kim
Click to expand...
Just to clarify, that software will only work if the CPU supports the SSE4.2 instructions, not on a much older CPU without them. Even if you manage to install 24H2 or 25H2 on a CPU without SSE4.2 using some trick, it WON'T boot! I had created a hybrid 23H2/24H2 USB flash drive so I could use the 23H2 Setup version to install 24H2 on my test laptop without SSE4.2 (1st system specs). I managed to install 24H2 but when it tried to restart it was stuck at the blue Windows logo without even showing the spinning curves. It needs PopCnt instruction from SSE4.2 in order to proceed loading Windows.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (5472), 24H2 (4652)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Extensa 5630EZ
    CPU
    Mobile DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, 2000 MHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Extensa 5630
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel(R) GMA 4500M (Mobile 4 series)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC268 @ Intel 82801IB ICH9 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB SATA Device (250 GB, SATA-III)
    Internet Speed
    VDSL 50 Mbps
    Browser
    MICROSOFT EDGE
    Antivirus
    WINDOWS DEFENDER
    Other Info
    Legacy MBR installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, no WDDM 2.0 graphics drivers, no SSE4.2, cannot get more unsupported ;) This is only my test laptop. I had installed Windows 11 here before upgrading my main PC. For my main PC I use everyday see my 2nd system specs.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro v24H2 (build 26100.4652)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom-built PC
    CPU
    Intel Core-i7 3770 3.40GHz s1155 (3rd generation)
    Motherboard
    Asus P8H61 s1155 ATX
    Memory
    2x Kingston Hyper-X Blu 8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics card(s)
    Gainward NE5105T018G1-1070F (nVidia GeForce GTX 1050Ti 4GB GDDR5)
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD audio (ALC887)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia KDL-19L4000 19" LCD TV via VGA
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 32-bit 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WD Blue SA510 2.5 1000GB SSD as system disk, Western Digital Caviar Purple 4TB SATA III (WD40PURZ) as second
    PSU
    Thermaltake Litepower RGB 550W Full Wired
    Case
    SUPERCASE MIDI-TOWER
    Cooling
    Deepcool Gamma Archer CPU cooler, 1x 8cm fan at the back
    Keyboard
    Mitsumi 101-key PS/2
    Mouse
    Sunnyline OptiEye PS/2
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Legacy BIOS (MBR) installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, WDDM 3.0 graphics drivers, WEI score 7.4
Hazel123 said:
If she's on Windows 10 she could maybe wait until October and then install Windows 11 25H2 which comes out at that time. That should be supported for another 2 years (assuming the laptop isn't Windows 11 ready?). If she wants to wait a bit longer, then there is the 1 year Extended update support from October 2025 to October 2026 which is free if you have 1000 microsoft points. Otherwise it costs about £26. The only downside there is you have to be signed in with a microsoft account, so if she isn't currently, then she might not want to.

If the laptop is upgradeable to Windows 11, just let it upgrade via Windows update (but make a system image first in case it doesn't go well, then you can go back to where you started). If it's not officially upgradeable to Windows 11 then you'd need to install Windows 11 manually, via usb stick - and that would wipe over (ie delete) the windows 10 install - so again, make a system image first! And also back up all files externally first.

I think that's right - or is it possible to do an inplace upgrade on top of Windows 10 if its unsupported hardware?
Click to expand...
I think I will wait for 25H2 myself, sounds good. Never heard of Microsoft points. Looked it up, and as you said you have to have a Microsoft Account, then use Bing to search. Are the points from there on added up automatically? There is supposed to be a dashboard, how to find that?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 physical Windows 11 virtual
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    12
    Motherboard
    Asus
    Memory
    128
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia
    Screen Resolution
    1360x768
    Hard Drives
    2
    PSU
    850
    Case
    Cooler Master
    Cooling
    fans
    Keyboard
    ergonomic
    Mouse
    wired
    Browser
    several
    Antivirus
    abast
Kim Parker said:
I think I will wait for 25H2 myself, sounds good.
Click to expand...
Waiting is not necessary. If you upgrade to 24H2 now then 25H2 will be a simple minor update.

25H2 and 24H2 share a common set of system files. The 25H2 features will be in the 24H2 Cumulative Updates, but dormant. The Feature Update to 25H2 will be done by installing a small enablement package that turn on the dormant features. This is how 22H2 was updated to 23H2, and how Windows 10 feature updates have worked, from version 2004 > 20H2, and then each subsequent version up to 22H2.

Kim Parker said:
Never heard of Microsoft points. Looked it up, and as you said you have to have a Microsoft Account, then use Bing to search. Are the points from there on added up automatically? There is supposed to be a dashboard, how to find that?
Click to expand...
Yes. You need to sign in to Edge with your MS account, then all your Bing search points get added to your MS account.

The Rewards Dashboard is here:
https://rewards.bing.com/
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD
    Internet Speed
    150 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, and 24H2 on 3rd October 2024 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Hyper-V host machine.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package. In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media. Also running Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Hyper-V host machine.
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