With the much-anticipated release of Windows 11, many tech enthusiasts have been eager to test the operating system on virtual platforms such as VMware and VirtualBox. However, not all attempts have been smooth sailing. Some users have encountered the dreaded “This PC Can’t Run Windows 11” error, throwing a wrench in their installation endeavors. If this resonates with your experience, particularly if you’ve faced this setback while working with a VMware, VirtualBox, or even a physical machine, then you’re not alone. At risewindows, we faced a similar challenge. When we tried setting up Windows 11 on a VirtualBox configured with 2GB RAM, 2Core CPUs, and a 60GB HDD, the same error halted our progress. But don’t despair just yet. We found a workaround by manipulating the Registry, allowing us to bypass the stringent system prerequisites. As a result, we successfully installed Windows 11, even without the widely discussed TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, on a machine with just 2GB RAM and a 2 Core CPU. If you’re finding it tough to get Windows 11 up and running on unsupported hardware, there’s hope yet. And, importantly, this can be achieved without altering the official Windows 11 ISO.
How to Fix the “This PC Can’t Run Windows 11” Error and install Windows 11 on Unsupported PCs?
Follow the below-given steps for all unsupported PCs, including VirtualBox or VMware, that do not meet the minimum hardware requirements to install Windows 11. This risewindows article will show how you can bypass RAM. CPU, SecureBoot, TPM 2.0, and installing a new Windows 11 from scratch.
Step 1. First, download Windows 11 latest ISO from the Microsoft website.
Step 2. After that, start installing Windows 11 on your machine.
Step 3. Press Shift + F10 (or Shift + Fn + F10) to open the Command Prompt when you see the error “This PC Can’t Run Windows 11.”
Step 4. Now, type regedit and press Enter key from the keyboard on the prompt to open the Registry Editor window.
Step 5. Afterward, go to the below-mentioned key on the left sidebar when the Registry Editor window opens:-
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup
Step 6. Next, right-click on the Setup folder and select New > Key.
Step 7. Then, name the newly created key as LabConfig.
Step 8. After that, right-click on the LabConfig key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Step 9. Now, name it as BypassTPMCheck.
Step 10. Next, double-click on the BypassTPMCheck REG_DWORD and set its Value data to 1.
Step 11. Then, press the OK button.
Step 12. Now, to disable the Secure Boot check, again right-click on the LabConfig folder and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it as BypassSecureBootCheck and set its Value data to 1.
Step 13. Next, to bypass the RAM check, again right-click on the LabConfig folder and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it as BypassRAMCheck and set its Value data to 1.
Step 14. Now, to bypass the CPU check, again right-click on the LabConfig folder and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it as BypassCPUCheck and set its Value data to 1.
Step 15. You have bypassed Secure Boot, TPM, RAM, and CPU checks. Your Registry should look like the below image:-
Step 16. After that, close the Registry Editor and Command Prompt windows.
Step 17. Now, close the Windows Setup window. Click the Yes button when prompted.
Note: Do not restart your computer. You will need to repeat the above steps if you reboot your computer at this stage.
Step 18. Then, click on the Install now button to install Windows 11 again.
Now, you will not get any errors. You can continue installing Windows 11 directly without a mistake.
Conclusion
Despite Windows 11’s stringent hardware requirements, it’s possible to install the OS on machines that don’t meet the official prerequisites. By manipulating the Registry, tech enthusiasts can bypass checks for Secure Boot, TPM, RAM, and CPU. This guide showcases how one can overcome the “This PC Can’t Run Windows 11” error and successfully set up Windows 11 on unsupported PCs or virtual platforms like VirtualBox or VMware.
