Windows 11 is out now. Microsoft announced its new operating system at a dedicated event on 24 June, with a big design overhaul and native support for Android apps among the most significant changes.
It\’s available to download as of 5 October, although most Windows 10 devices will be waiting until 2022 for the free upgrade to appear. However, there\’s an easy way to get Windows 11 now on all compatible devices.
Microsoft has updated the hardware requirements for Windows 11. Not all Windows 10 devices will be eligible, as they have to meet a new set of criteria. See more in our separate guide: Will my PC run Windows 11?
Among them is a CPU with support for a TPM 2.0 module. That counts out a lot of older hardware, as TPM 2.0 was released in October 2014.
Microsoft’s has updated its ‘PC Health Check’ app, which tells you if your device will work with Windows 11 – it\’s available via the Windows 11 website. However, there\’s still a chance it\’ll say your computer isn\’t compatible, when in reality TPM 2.0 isn\’t enabled.
This can be changed by heading to the BIOS (or UEFI) settings for your device. Holding down Esc, Del or a function key (often F2) while the device is powering on is the most common way to access them, with the TPM option usually described as ‘PTT’ or ‘PSP fTPM’.
However, even if you don’t have a TPM 2.0 processor, don’t rush out to buy new hardware. There is a way to bypass it, alongside the 4GB RAM and Secure Boot requirements, but it involves making changes to the registry. As such, we\’d highly recommend backing up all your files and other data first.
How to get Windows 11 without TPM 2.0
This method involves setting up a lab-like environment. Microsoft will allow device manufacturers to disable the TPM requirement on their version of Windows 11 – you\’ll be doing the same here:
- Head to the official Windows 11 download page to get the new OS now – there are three options to choose from
- Follow the step-by-step guide
- If it doesn’t meet the hardware requirements, you’ll see a message saying ‘This PC can’t run Windows 11’
- From this screen, hit Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt window
- Type ‘regedit’ and hit enter
- The Windows Registry Editor will now open. In the address bar, type ‘HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\Setup’ and hit enter
- You should now see a ‘Setup’ key. Right-click it and choose New > Key
- Close this window using the red X in the top-right corner
- Close the Command Prompt window by typing ‘exit’ and hitting enter
- You’ll now be back at the ‘This PC can’t run Windows 11’ message. Click the back button in the top-left corner
- You should now be able to complete the installation as normal
It’s worth noting that following these steps could affect the performance or stability of Windows 11. Proceed with caution, and try it on a device other than your main PC if possible.
Top Christmas Deals
Only the best deals on the best products handpicked by our expert editors
Amazon Echo Dot (3rd-gen)
From: Amazon
Was: £39.99
Now: £17 (Get 2 for £29.99 with 2ECHODOT)
View Deal
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
From: Samsung
Was: £409
Now: £329 (£80 off with cashback)
View Deal
Xiaomi Mi 11 (8GB/128GB) + Mi True Wireless Earphones 2S
From: Xiaomi
Was: £828.99
Now: £599 (£150 off + free Mi True Wireless Earphones 2S)
View Deal
Lenovo Tab P11 Pro (128GB) w/ keyboard + stylus
From: Currys
Was: £599
Now: £549 (£50 off)
View Deal
iD Mobile: Unlimited data with £50 Currys gift card
From: iD Mobile
Now: £16 per month
View Deal
Samsung Galaxy A12 + Nintendo Switch + Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
From: Virgin Media
Now: From £22 per month
View Deal
Oppo A54 5G with free Nintendo Switch OLED
From: Virgin Media
Now: From £24 per month
View Deal
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G with Galaxy Buds 2
From: Virgin
Now: From £29 per month (2GB)
View Deal
Nintendo Switch
From: ShopTo via eBay
Was: £259.99
Now: £239.99 (£20 off)
View Deal
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro (6GB RAM, 128GB) + Mi Band 5
From: Xiaomi
Was: £268.99
Now: £199 (£30 off + Free Mi Band 5)
View Deal
< > Top Christmas Deals
Only the best deals on the best products handpicked by our expert editors
Asus Vivobook 15
From: Staples
Was: $449.99
Now: $279.99 ($170 off)
View Deal
Fitbit Charge 5
From: Amazon US
Was: $179.95
Now: $129.95 ($50 off)
View Deal
Disney+ Up to 6 months
From: Amazon Music
Was: $47.94
Now: Free with Amazon Music Unlimited ($9.99 per month/$7.99 for Prime Members)
View Deal
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
From: Best Buy
Was: $1799.99
Now: $1399.99 ($400 off)
View Deal
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage)
From: Best Buy
Was: $899.99
Now: $699.99 ($200 off)
View Deal
Fitbit Luxe
From: Amazon US
Was: $149.95
Now: $99.95 ($50 off)
View Deal
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
From: Amazon US
Was: $49.99
Now: $29.99 ($20 off)
View Deal
Theragun: Cyber Monday Sale US
From: Theragun
Now: From $174 (Up to $300 off)
View Deal
Samsung Galaxy Buds+
From: Walmart
Was: $149.99
Now: $79.99 ($70 off)
View Deal
Apple MacBook Air, M1, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 512GB (2020)
From: Amazon US
Was: $1,249
Now: $1,099 ($149 off)
View Deal
< >
Related articles for further reading
- Windows 11 release date, price and new features
- Will my PC run Windows 11?
- When will my PC get Windows 11?
- Windows 11 is here, but not much has really changed
