Starting Oct. 14, Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10. That leaves many, many computers potentially vulnerable to all sorts of security issues. Many Windows 10 computers are fully compatible with Windows 11 and can be upgraded for free. Many others are "incompatible" and seem to require new hardware or full replacement.
But wait! Turns out many Windows 10 computers might actually be compatible with Windows 11 despite notifications that say otherwise. All you need to do is make some simple tweaks to a few settings. These don't require cracking open your computer and should take only a few minutes to complete.
In my case, Microsoft had said my 6-year-old computer wasn't compatible, but I followed these steps and now it is. Broadly speaking, if it's roughly that age or newer, you should be able to upgrade with the steps below. Older than that, it's less likely but still might be possible. Here's what you need to do.
First, check why
Before you start messing with settings, run Microsoft's PC Health Check app, which is likely already on your computer. Just press the Windows key on your keyboard and type "Health Check." If not, you can download PC Health Check for free. Open the app and check for Windows 11 compatibility. Specifically, why doesn't it pass? If it says there are issues with Secure Boot and TPM, those might be fixable and what we detail below. If there are other issues, like an incompatible processor, that's more of a challenge.
An example of what the PC Health Check app will show if your computer is Windows 11 compatible, along with the reasons why (or why not). CNET
If it is a processor issue, and you plan to do a "clean install" of Windows 11 -- by wiping your computer clean and reinstalling all your programs and files -- that should bypass the CPU check. That method is not officially supported, though. Since you'll still need Secure Boot and TPM compatibility, my guess is there aren't that many of you reading this who have a motherboard that is compatible but a CPU that isn't.
Secure Boot and TPM 2.0
For myself, all I wanted to do was play Battlefield 6. Imagine my surprise and annoyance that Steam told me my computer was incompatible. Yes, like you, I've been kicking the can for Windows 11 down the road and now I've finally kicked the post of the dead-end sign. Turns out the same things BF6 needs are the same things that cause Windows 10 to assume your computer isn't ready for Windows 11. There are two main things: Secure Boot and Trusted Platform Module, or TPM.
Oh, and it's worth noting, the adjustments detailed here won't make computers with incompatible hardware magically compatible, such as those with ARM-based processors, some AMD processors and much older 32-bit systems. Don't worry if you're not sure; you'll find out what's inside your computer if you've forgotten in the next steps.
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