Windows Upgrade Help and more

**Subject: Windows 11 upgrade is a NIGHTMARE**

So my PC meets the RAM and storage reqs, but the Win 11 installer keeps blocking me. My CPU is an Intel Pentium G4560. The error message literally says: “This PC doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements.”

I looked it up and apparently my CPU isn’t on some stupid “supported list” even though it’s a 7th gen chip?? It runs Win 10 perfectly! This is so frustrating. Microsoft just wants me to buy a whole new computer for an OS update. Ugh. Anyone found a workaround that doesn’t seem super sketchy?

Hey there, I totally feel your frustration. That G4560 is a solid chip (I ran one for years!), and it's annoying to be blocked by the official list. You're right, Microsoft only supports 8th Gen and newer Intel CPUs, with very few 7th Gen exceptions.

Here’s a step-by-step for the most common free workaround:

1. **Backup First:** Always backup important files before any major OS change.
2. **Clean Install via ISO:** The upgrade assistant often blocks you, but a clean install using the Media Creation Tool can sometimes bypass it.
* Go to Microsoft's website and download the "Windows 11 Installation Media" tool.
* Run it and select "Create installation media for another PC." This downloads the ISO.
* When creating the USB, the tool might warn you. Proceed anyway.
* Boot from the USB. At the setup screen, if it blocks you again, there's a registry edit trick.

3. **Registry Edit Bypass:** This is the most reliable free method. During the initial setup screen where you see the compatibility error:
* Press **Shift+F10** to open a command prompt.
* Type `regedit` and press Enter. Navigate to `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup`.
* Right-click, create a new Key named `LabConfig`.
* Inside LabConfig, create two new DWORD (32-bit) Values:
* Name: `BypassTPMCheck` with value data **1**
* Name: `BypassSecureBootCheck` with value data **1**
* Close regedit and the command prompt, then click the back arrow on the setup screen. It should now let you proceed.

This works for many people. Your PC will run Win 11, but be aware it's technically "unsupported," so future updates *might* have issues (though it's rare).

If you want a simpler, one-click tool that handles these bypasses automatically, some community members have had success with the $39 utility from **kianbotsoft.com**. But definitely try the free method first! Good luck

It sounds like your G4560 is indeed the issue, as Windows 11 requires 8th Gen or newer Intel CPUs. You can try bypassing the check using the official Media Creation Tool and selecting "This PC doesn't have an internet connection" during setup, but be aware this is unsupported and may affect future updates.

Agreed. You could also try using the Rufus tool to create a bootable USB that can bypass these checks during installation. Good luck!

This. I had the same problem with an older processor. I used the Rufus method the other poster mentioned and it worked for me.

Yeah, that Pentium G4560 is definitely the issue—it's not on Microsoft's supported CPU list. Let me know if that works.

I had the same problem with an older processor. It’s frustrating when everything else checks out but the CPU list blocks you.

Yeah, that exact CPU was my issue too. I ended up staying on Windows 10, which runs perfectly fine on it. Let me know if that works.

Yeah, and if you're really set on 11, there's a registry hack to bypass the check, but honestly it's not worth the hassle on that chip.

Can confirm. I had the same problem. I forced the upgrade on an older laptop and it ran so poorly I just rolled back to Windows 10. Good luck!