How to Fix or Bypass “This PC Can’t Run Windows 11” Error

If you’re trying to install Windows 11 and see the error “This PC Can’t Run Windows 11”, you’re not alone. This problem often appears when setting up from a bootable USB or upgrading from Windows 10. The error can be frustrating, but the good news is: it can be fixed or bypassed.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover:

• Why the error happens
• Step-by-step fixes (TPM, Secure Boot, USB, BIOS updates)
• Registry bypass methods for unsupported PCs
• Brand-specific solutions for HP, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, and more
• FAQs based on real user searches

By the end, you’ll have everything you need to successfully install or upgrade to Windows 11.

Why Does “This PC Can’t Run Windows 11” Appear?

The error usually means your PC doesn’t meet one or more Windows 11 requirements. Here are the most common reasons:

• TPM 2.0 disabled or missing
• Secure Boot disabled in BIOS/UEFI
• PC using Legacy Boot mode instead of UEFI
• Unsupported CPU or insufficient RAM
• Corrupted bootable USB installer
• Outdated BIOS/firmware

 Minimum System Requirements for Windows 11

If your PC passes these but still shows the error, the problem is usually BIOS settings or USB configuration.

Method 1 – Check PC Compatibility (Step 1 Before Any Fix)

Before making changes, confirm if your PC is Windows 11 compatible.

Option 1: PC Health Check Tool

1. Download Microsoft’s PC Health Check app.
2. Run the tool → Click Check Now.
3. It will confirm if your system meets requirements.

Option 2: WhyNotWin11 Tool

This free community tool gives detailed compatibility checks (TPM, Secure Boot, CPU family).

Method 2 – Enable TPM 2.0 in BIOS/UEFI

Most modern PCs already have TPM 2.0 but it’s disabled.

How to Enable TPM:

1. Restart → Enter BIOS/UEFI (common keys: F2, F10, Del, Esc).
2. Go to Security / Advanced / Trusted Computing.
3. Look for:
4. Intel: PTT (Platform Trust Technology)
5. AMD: fTPM (Firmware TPM)
6. Enable it → Save changes → Reboot.

After enabling TPM, retry installation.

Method 3 – Enable Secure Boot

Windows 11 requires Secure Boot.

Steps:

1. Enter BIOS.
2. Navigate to Boot Settings.
3. Switch Boot Mode to UEFI (not Legacy).
4. Enable Secure Boot.
5. Save and restart.

Tip: If you dual-boot Linux, enabling Secure Boot may affect boot loaders.

Method 4 – Recreate Bootable USB (Most Overlooked Fix)

Many people get the error because their USB installer is set to Legacy boot.

Best USB Creation Methods

Option 1 – Rufus (Recommended)

1. Download Rufus.
2. Insert USB (8 GB+).
3. Select Windows 11 ISO.
4. Partition scheme: GPT.
5. Target system: UEFI (non-CSM).
6. Create bootable USB.

Option 2 – Media Creation Tool

• Official Microsoft method, creates a UEFI-compatible USB automatically.

Method 5 – Update Your BIOS/UEFI

Some older motherboards don’t expose TPM or Secure Boot until a BIOS update.

Steps:

1. Find your motherboard model.
2. Visit manufacturer’s support page.
3. Download latest BIOS update.
4. Apply update (via BIOS flash tool or USB).

Warning: Don’t turn off your PC during BIOS update.

Method 6 – Registry Bypass (Install Without TPM/Secure Boot)

If your PC doesn’t support TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot, you can still bypass the requirement.

Steps:

1. Start Windows 11 installer.
2. At error screen → Press Shift + F10 → Command Prompt.
3. Type regedit → Enter.
4. go to - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup

5. Create new key: LabConfig.
6. Inside it, add DWORD values:
7. BypassTPMCheck = 1
8. BypassSecureBootCheck = 1
9. Close Registry → Continue installation.

Note: Unsupported installs may miss updates or security features.

7 – Upgrade Instead of Clean Install

If clean install fails, try in-place upgrade:

1. Boot into Windows 10.
2. Mount Windows 11 ISO or plug USB.
3. Run setup.exe.
4. Choose Keep files and apps.

This bypasses most boot issues.

Method 8 – Brand-Specific BIOS Keys & Fixes

Different brands use different BIOS access keys.

Troubleshooting Advanced Issues

Error: “PC can’t run Windows 11” even with TPM & Secure Boot enabled

• Check if disk is GPT format (use diskpart).
• Ensure BIOS is UEFI only (not CSM/Legacy).

Error during USB boot

• Recreate USB with Rufus in UEFI mode.
• Try another USB port (prefer USB 2.0).

Unsupported CPU

• Use Rufus bypass build (automatically skips CPU check).

People Also Ask (Extended FAQ)

Can I install Windows 11 without TPM?

Yes, using registry or Rufus bypass. Not officially recommended.

What happens if I install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware?

It usually works, but Microsoft warns you may not get updates.

Is bypassing TPM safe?

It works, but you lose features like BitLocker, Windows Hello.

Can I downgrade back to Windows 10?

Yes, within 10 days of upgrade → Settings > Recovery.

Do I need Secure Boot permanently?

No, only for installation. You can disable later (not recommended).

My PC has TPM 1.2, can I still install?

Yes, with bypass method. But official support is for TPM 2.0 only.

Does Microsoft block unsupported PCs?

Currently, they still receive updates (as of 2025). Future may change.

Can I use Windows 11 Lite ISOs?

Unofficial builds exist, but risky (security, stability).

Will bypass void my warranty?

No, but OEM support may refuse help if OS isn’t officially supported.

Can I enable TPM on old custom-built PCs?

Often yes, via BIOS settings or firmware update. Some older boards lack support.

Conclusion

The “This PC can’t run Windows 11” error is common but solvable. Most of the time, it’s caused by disabled TPM, Secure Boot, or misconfigured USB installers. By enabling the right BIOS options, recreating your USB, or updating your BIOS, you can fix the issue.

For unsupported PCs, registry or Rufus bypass methods let you install Windows 11, though with risks.

Recommendation: If possible, enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot for the safest install. Use bypass only as a last resort.