Are you ready to bid farewell to Windows 10 before it's obsolete? On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will cease security updates for Windows 10 unless you're willing to pay for the Extended Security Updates program. If your PC is a few years old, you might find yourself blocked from upgrading to Windows 11 due to stringent hardware requirements, including a compatible CPU and TPM 2.0. But fear not! There are ways to bypass these limitations.

Can You Really Upgrade?

While Microsoft has set strict criteria, many PCs built for Windows 10 can still find a route to Windows 11. With major updates in the past years, enthusiasts have discovered a few workarounds that you can take advantage of!

Your Upgrade Options

Before diving into the upgrade, here are two methods to get Windows 11 running on your machine. Pick wisely!

Option 1: Simple Registry Hack

This method is straightforward but requires your PC to meet most Windows 11 criteria. Make sure your system uses UEFI and has Secure Boot enabled (recommended) along with TPM. Here's how to proceed:

Step-by-Step Registry Edit

1. Open your registry editor and navigate to the necessary key. 2. Make the adjustments to bypass CPU checks. 3. Save your changes and reboot your PC.

Option 2: Use Rufus Utility for a Seamless Upgrade

If your PC lacks a TPM or has legacy BIOS, Rufus is your best friend. This free tool makes the upgrade process easy and works around Microsoft's checks.

Get Started with Rufus!

1. Download Rufus version 4.6 or later and fetch the Windows 11 ISO. 2. Prepare a USB drive (16 GB or more) and format it for the upgrade. 3. Launch Rufus, select your USB drive, and load the Windows 11 ISO. 4. Ensure you check the box to eliminate hardware requirements, and kickstart the creation of your installer.

After Rufus does its magic, access your USB drive, double-click on 'Setup,' and ignore the compatibility warning that pops up!

Why Wait?

Time is ticking! Take control of your PC's upgrade path and keep it secure. Whether you follow the registry edit or use Rufus, you'll be able to bypass Microsoft's restrictions and run Windows 11.

Share Your Journey!

Have you successfully upgraded? Or did you hit snag? We'd love to hear your experiences! Reach out and share your success stories or troubleshooting challenges. Together, let's make the most of our computing experiences!