Let's install Windows 11 on incompatible hardware

HarleyQuinn · Nov 1, 2025

I tried to install same old drivers and system gave me error again in 24h2, these drivers are from my hp recovery tool (OEM), they are not infected by any malware, but what if they were?

Sadly many home users downloading stuff from internet and try to install, it's good windows letting people know that there are some vulnerabilities in the file that can be exploited by malicious actors.

But on the other hand I read some reddit posts where advanced users&gamers were complaining windows auto activates virtualization after updates. Which is kinda frustrating because you know it's a kernal level option....

from tomshardware

"Virtualization-based security, aka VBS, allows Windows to create a secure memory enclave that's isolated from unsafe code. Another built-in feature called Hypervisor-Enforced Code Integrity (HVCI) uses the capabilities of VBS to prevent unsigned or questionable drivers and software from getting into memory. Together VBS and HVCI add a layer of protection that limits how much damage malware can do, even if it gets past your antivirus software.

Unfortunately, VBS and HVCI have a significant performance cost, particularly when it comes to gaming. In our tests, we found that games ran as much as 15 percent slower with these settings on as with them off. This is true whether you're using an old graphics card or even a speedy RTX 4090. It used to be the case that simply upgrading from Windows 10 to 11 would not enable VBS, but lately we've seen it get turned on after updates so you should not assume that it's disabled on your system, even if you had it turned off before."

from reddit

https://www.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/1fums7b/comment/lycwbc2

spapakons · Nov 1, 2025

That's true, enabling Memory Integrity options slows down the computer because it checks any code before it executes. So unless you have virtual machines, turn them off to improve performance.

Wolfzz · Nov 1, 2025

YouTube videos about bypassing Windows 11 hardware restrictions are now "illegal"

YouTube videos about bypassing Windows 11 hardware restrictions are now "illegal"

YouTube censorship has become so widespread that it now has its own Wikipedia page. Yet the recent removal of a few tech-focused videos may be the most...

www.techspot.com

CarlSD · Nov 1, 2025

Wolfzz said:
YouTube videos about bypassing Windows 11 hardware restrictions are now "illegal"

YouTube videos about bypassing Windows 11 hardware restrictions are now "illegal"

YouTube censorship has become so widespread that it now has its own Wikipedia page. Yet the recent removal of a few tech-focused videos may be the most...

www.techspot.com

... can apparently cause "harm or death" :lmao:

I like this comment:

DrSuess Today 2:11 PM
Yes, they can cause harm and death to Microsoft's and PC makers bottom lines.

XxXxX · Nov 1, 2025

CarlSD said:
... can apparently cause "harm or death"

I like this comment:

yet on the MS store is Rufus which is available for download
i wonder how long Rufus will remain in the MS store.

best of luck Steve ..

HarleyQuinn · Nov 2, 2025

HarleyQuinn said:
I mean I think microsoft aware of me, aware of us all unsupported users and they just let us use new builds. They let us install security updates..

Okay I've changed my mind, I think microsoft just can't deal with millions of users. It's too much code work or labor hours for eliminate unsupported pcs. I'm convinced if they could, they would :lmao:

spapakons · Nov 2, 2025

They don't want to eliminate unsupported computers, they are no stupid to severe their huge user base. On the other hand they want to play nice with manufacturers and help them sell more computers, so they won't officially remove the Windows 11 system requirements. They just turn a blind eye to the unsupported computers. Most of Windows users are not experts and have no idea how to bypass compatibility check and install Windows 11 on their aging system. A few of us that did it won't harm Microsoft profits.

Peter Bloke · Nov 10, 2025

Careful not to advertise, and this is a comment and a sort of request for help, hope its ok. I have several old computers as I run a mental illness creative project and I was so delighted that I didn't have to spend a small fortune when all of them, despite being supposedly incompatible to Windows 11 tight demands for hardward, upgraded to Windows 11 easily using Rufus.

These include two Dell 790's with 8Gb of memory a Dell 7010 desktop, a Asus X553S laptop, and Toshiba Satellite C50-A-19T laptop

However, for some reason, one laptop just won't upgrade. as easily. An Asus laptop with i5 processor. I keep getting told that I'm using a different language and my settings and apps will be deleted. I've used both the United Stated English and International English versions of Windows 11 and both claim I'm using a different language and want to delete all my apps and settings . I've followed command prompt to find the language on the system is in fact US English. I actually changed all users language setting to English (US) and then over to English (india) at one point and it made no difference.

I don't want to be beaten by one daft laptop...very frustrated. I have backed up all the harddrive using settings-update & security - files backup - go to back up and restore (Windows 7) create a system image.

I go to the Rufus boot, click on setup.exe and follow the instructions but, as stated no matter what version of Windows 11 I've chosen US English or International English, I'm told at the "choosing what to keep" page that I can keep my files but my settings and apps will be deleted.

Any suggestions as it's incredibly frustrating? Or have I already saved my setting and apps to the hard drive, or can I simply save to a flash drive to restore later?

I'm not a real computer expert so keep it idiot level please.

XxXxX · Nov 10, 2025

if you can backup the data on that system to an external drive
just do a clean install using the Rufus bootable Windows USB

that should bypass any problems on that system and start off with a clean slate.
it maybe worthwhile taking note of that systems product key first, just in case for activation.

How to Find Your Windows 11 Product Key With 3 Easy Methods

Trying to find your Windows 11 product key? Learn how to find your Windows 11 product key with just a few simple commands.

www.techrepublic.com

the main reason for that is if you are having problems now they will most likely remain after any upgrade.
best of luck Steve ..

Try3 · Nov 10, 2025

If it's not what you have already done then I suggest you check the language using all three methods in
See Default System Language - TenForumsTutorials
You might also find this @Bree approach useful
Convert en-US to en-GB in a Repair install using the same Version ISO - Bree post #34 - ElevenForum

Best of luck,
Denis

spapakons · Nov 10, 2025

What version of Windows do you have? The official Microsoft ISO contains Home, Pro, Pro for Workstations and Education and some variants of these. If it is Enterprise you need a different ISO or you have to downgrade to Pro. If it is Windows 11 Home S you have to convert to standard Windows 11 Home first. If it is Windows 11 Home Single Language or whatever other variant, you have to upgrade to standard Windows 11 Home first. Please post a screenshot of Settings, System, Info and of Command Prompt showing the language.

MareZex · Nov 14, 2025

Hello everyone, I'm currently using an old HP Pavilion 17 laptop that isn't officially supported. I'm enrolled in the Insider Beta ring and I've been receiving and installing updates normally. I'm currently on the 24H2 build 26120. However, I recently got an option in Windows Update to download a new Beta build, 26220. Since it's a new build, I had to run a script that disables hardware and TPM version checks. But after the process finishes and the laptop restarts, the installation doesn’t continue, instead, it boots back into the old build and shows the error 0xc1900101 from the image.

Is there any way to bypass this error, or is this the end of the road for this laptop?

Try3 · Nov 14, 2025

It's possible that it's merely the end of the road for some of its hardware drivers.
I think the only way of being sure would be to work through updating them all.

Best of luck,
Denis

Buddywh · Nov 14, 2025

MareZex said:
new Beta build, 26220. .... shows the error 0xc1900101 from the image.

Seems to be a driver incompatibility.

I'd try un-installing absolutely every HP driver and as well the HP support suite (it can take some doing to clean it out completely) and letting Windows detect hardware, download and install it's default drivers instead.

Or maybe this is just one of those types of issues you should expect with a Beta build.

spapakons · Nov 14, 2025

If your computer is not compliant, you shouldn't use Windows Update. You should download the respective ISO from UUP Dump and then bypass compatibility check to upgrade OFFLINE (without internet connection). This both avoids a hidden online compatibility check and prevents Windows Update from trying to replace your drivers.

pietcorus2 · Nov 14, 2025

spapakons said:
If your computer is not compliant, you shouldn't use Windows Update. You should download the respective ISO from UUP Dump and then bypass compatibility check to upgrade OFFLINE (without internet connection). This both avoids a hidden online compatibility check and prevents Windows Update from trying to replace your drivers.

When downloaded from the ( official) MS-site , I get the first version still , so not updated still .........
HOW (??) to get this latest ISO ( x64, Pro, Dutch ) from UUP Dump , only got a file I have to convert (?)...............

Bree · Nov 14, 2025

MareZex said:
Hello everyone, I'm currently using an old HP Pavilion 17 laptop that isn't officially supported. I'm enrolled in the Insider Beta ring and I've been receiving and installing updates normally. I'm currently on the 24H2 build 26120. However, I recently got an option in Windows Update to download a new Beta build, 26220. Since it's a new build, I had to run a script that disables hardware and TPM version checks. But after the process finishes and the laptop restarts, the installation doesn’t continue, instead, it boots back into the old build and shows the error 0xc1900101 from the image.

Is there any way to bypass this error, or is this the end of the road for this laptop?

Only if you can't resolve your driver issues....

Buddywh said:
Seems to be a driver incompatibility.

Correct.

The error code 0xC1900101 is usually caused by a driver compatibility issue.

Failed update Windows 11 24H2 Install error - 0xc1900101 - Microsoft Q&A

spapakons said:
If your computer is not compliant, you shouldn't use Windows Update.....

My unsupported System Two runs Insider builds up to and including Canary - that gets a Feature Update through Windows Update more or less weekly. The Dev build, less often.

I use this script before letting Windows Update start the upgrade....

Code:

reg.exe delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\CompatMarkers" /f
reg.exe delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\Shared" /f

REM reg.exe delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\TargetVersionUpgradeExperienceIndicators\GE24H2" /f

reg.exe add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\HwReqChk" /f /v HwReqChkVars /t REG_MULTI_SZ /s , /d "SQ_SecureBootCapable=TRUE,SQ_SecureBootEnabled=TRUE,SQ_TpmVersion=2,SQ_RamMB=8192,"
reg.exe add "HKLM\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup" /f /v AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU /t REG_DWORD /d 1
pause

...works every time.

Dronix · Nov 14, 2025

Bree said:
I use this script before letting Windows Update start the install....

reg.exe delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\CompatMarkers" /f reg.exe delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\Shared" /f REM reg.exe delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\TargetVersionUpgradeExperienceIndicators\GE24H2" /f reg.exe add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\HwReqChk" /f /v HwReqChkVars /t REG_MULTI_SZ /s , /d "SQ_SecureBootCapable=TRUE,SQ_SecureBootEnabled=TRUE,SQ_TpmVersion=2,SQ_RamMB=8192," reg.exe add "HKLM\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup" /f /v AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU /t REG_DWORD /d 1 pause

I also pre-extracted it from the recorded Rufus image. But the third line is slightly different.

reg.exe delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\CompatMarkers" /f 2>NUL
reg.exe delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\Shared" /f 2>NUL
reg.exe delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\TargetVersionUpgradeExperienceIndicators" /f 2>NUL
reg.exe add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\HwReqChk" /v HwReqChkVars /t REG_MULTI_SZ /s , /d "SQ_SecureBootCapable=TRUE,SQ_SecureBootEnabled=TRUE,SQ_TpmVersion=2,SQ_RamMB=8192," /f
reg.exe add "HKLM\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup" /v AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
echo. & pause

Bree · Nov 14, 2025

Dronix said:
I also pre-extracted it from the recorded Rufus image. But the third line is slightly different.....

reg.exe delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\TargetVersionUpgradeExperienceIndicators" /f 2>NUL

Actually, I've found that the TargetVersionUpgradeExperienceIndicators are irrelevant. Windows Update ignores them, the upgrade will proceed successfully whether or not you delete them.

Dronix · Nov 14, 2025

Bree said:
Actually, I've found that the TargetVersionUpgradeExperienceIndicators are irrelevant. Windows Update ignores them, the upgrade will proceed successfully whether or not you delete them.

I understand you. I just didn't understand why Rufus uses it?

Let's install Windows 11 on incompatible hardware

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