How to Install Windows 11 22H2 on Unsupported Hardware

Are you eager to try out the latest version of Windows, but your computer hardware is not supported? Don’t worry; there are still ways to install Windows 11 22H2 on unsupported hardware.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps to install Windows 11 22H2 on your computer.

Install Windows 11 22H2 on Unsupported Hardware

Understanding the Hardware Requirements of Windows 11 22H2

Before we proceed, it is crucial to understand the hardware requirements of Windows 11 22H2. Microsoft has increased the minimum system requirements to ensure better performance and security. Your computer must have the following specifications:

A compatible 64-bit processor with at least two cores clocked at 1 GHz or higher
4 GB RAM or more
64 GB or more of storage
A DirectX 12 compatible graphics card or integrated GPU with a WDDM 2.0 driver
A display with at least 720p resolution and 9-inch diagonal size or larger
A UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability
TPM version 2.0
Internet connection and a Microsoft account for activation

If your computer does not meet these requirements, you will not be able to install Windows 11 22H2 officially. However, there are workarounds that we will discuss next.

Method 1: Use the Windows 11 PC Health Check App

Microsoft has released a PC Health Check app that scans your computer and tells you whether it is compatible with Windows 11. However, the app does not provide a detailed explanation of the incompatibility issue. If your computer is not compatible, the app suggests that you upgrade your hardware or buy a new computer. But, you can still use this app to bypass the hardware compatibility check during the installation process.

Here’s how to do it:

Download the Windows 11 PC Health Check app from Microsoft’s website.
Install and run the app.
Click on the “Check Now” button to scan your computer’s hardware compatibility.
If your computer is not compatible, close the app and follow the next method.
If your computer is compatible, navigate to this folder: C:\Windows\System32.
Find the “appraiserres.dll” file and rename it to “appraiserres.dll.old.”
Copy and paste the “appraiserres.dll” file from this folder to the System32 folder.
Re-run the Windows 11 PC Health Check app, and it will now show that your computer is compatible with Windows 11.

Method 2: Use the Windows 11 ISO File

Another method to install Windows 11 22H2 on unsupported hardware is to use the Windows 11 ISO file. This method involves creating a bootable USB drive with the Windows 11 ISO file and then installing Windows 11 using that drive.

Here are the steps:

Download the Windows 11 ISO file from the Microsoft website.
Create a bootable USB drive using software like Rufus or Windows USB/DVD Download Tool.
Insert the USB drive into your computer and restart it.
Press the key to enter the boot menu, usually F12 or Esc, and select the USB drive as the boot device.
Windows 11 setup should now start, follow the on-screen instructions.
When you reach the “Ready to Install” screen, press Shift + F10 to open the command prompt.
Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup.
Right-click on the “Setup” folder and select “New” and then “Key.”
Name the new key “LabConfig.”
Click on the “LabConfig” key and select “New” and then “DWORD (32-bit) Value.“
Name the new DWORD value “BypassTPMCheck” and set its value to 1.
Close the Registry Editor and return to the Windows 11 setup screen.
Continue with the installation process as usual, and Windows 11 should now install on your unsupported hardware.

Method 3: Use the Windows Insider Program

The Windows Insider Program allows users to test the latest builds of Windows 11, even if their hardware is not officially supported. However, keep in mind that Insider builds may contain bugs and stability issues that can affect your computer’s performance.

Here’s how to join the Windows Insider Program:

Open the Settings app on your Windows 10 computer.
Click on “Update & Security” and then “Windows Insider Program.”
Click on “Get Started.“
Link your Microsoft account and select the Insider Preview build channel you want to join.
Follow the on-screen instructions to enroll your computer in the Windows Insider Program.
Once enrolled, go to “Settings” and then “Update & Security” to download and install the latest Windows 11 Insider build.

Method 4: Use Virtualization

If your hardware does not meet the requirements of Windows 11, you can still try it out using virtualization software like Oracle VirtualBox or VMware Workstation. This method involves creating a virtual machine that runs Windows 11 on top of your existing operating system.

Here are the steps:

Download and install virtualization software like Oracle VirtualBox or VMware Workstation.
Download the Windows 11 ISO file from the Microsoft website.
Create a new virtual machine and configure its settings according to your computer’s specifications.
Mount the Windows 11 ISO file to the virtual machine’s optical drive.
Start the virtual machine and follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 11.

FAQs

Is it safe to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware?

Installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware may cause stability and performance issues, so it is recommended to use it only for testing purposes.

What are the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11?

Windows 11 requires a compatible 64-bit processor with at least two cores clocked at 1 GHz or higher, 4 GB RAM or more, 64 GB or more of storage, a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card or integrated GPU with a WDDM 2.0 driver, a display with at least 720p resolution and 9-inch diagonal size or larger, a UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, TPM version 2.0, internet connection, and a Microsoft account for activation.

Can I install Windows 11 using a bootable USB drive?

Yes, you can create a bootable USB drive with the Windows 11 ISO file and use it to install Windows 11 on your computer.

What are the risks of using the Windows Insider Program to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware?

Insider builds of Windows 11 may contain bugs and stability issues that can affect your computer’s performance. Therefore, it is not recommended to use them as a permanent solution.

Can I revert to my previous operating system after installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware?

Yes, you can revert to your previous operating system within ten days of installing Windows 11. Go to “Settings” and then “Update & Security” and select “Recovery.” Click on “Get Started” under “Go back to the previous version of Windows.”

Can I use the Media Creation Tool to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware?

The Media Creation Tool checks for hardware compatibility before allowing you to download and install Windows 11. Therefore, it is not a reliable method to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware.

What is the difference between TPM 1.2 and TPM 2.0?

TPM 2.0 is the updated version of TPM 1.2 and provides better security features and performance. Windows 11 requires TPM version 2.0 or higher for installation.

How do I check if my computer has TPM 2.0?

You can check if your computer has TPM 2.0 by opening the “Device Manager” and expanding the “Security devices” category. Look for “Trusted Platform Module” or “TPM” in the list of devices. If you see it, right-click on it and select “Properties” to see the TPM version.

Conclusion

Installing Windows 11 22H2 on unsupported hardware requires some technical knowledge and workarounds, but it is still possible. We have discussed four methods to install Windows 11 on your computer, even if it does not meet the minimum system requirements. It is essential to understand that these methods may have drawbacks and can affect your computer’s stability and performance. Therefore, it is recommended to use them only for testing purposes and not as a permanent solution.