Alex Ruben
How to Install Windows 11 on Unsupported PCs Using CMD
Are you eager to experience Windows 11 but find that your PC doesn’t meet the official system requirements? Fear not! This guide will walk you through a simple and safe method to install Windows 11 on older hardware using the Command Prompt (CMD). You won’t need any additional software, just a bootable USB drive and a few commands. Follow this tutorial carefully to enjoy the latest features of Windows 11 on your unsupported PC.
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- A USB drive with at least 8GB capacity.
- A PC that you want to install Windows 11 on.
- A stable internet connection to download the Windows 11 ISO file.
- Backup all important data as this process may involve formatting your drives.
Step 1: Create a Bootable Windows 11 USB Drive
To begin, you need to create a bootable USB drive with Windows 11. You can use a tool like Rufus or the official Microsoft Media Creation Tool. Follow these steps:
- Download and open Rufus or the Media Creation Tool.
- Select the Windows 11 ISO file you have downloaded.
- Choose your USB drive from the device list.
- Click on ‘Start’ to create the bootable USB drive.
Step 2: Access the Boot Menu
Once the bootable USB is ready, insert it into your PC and restart. Enter the boot menu by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2, F12, or Esc). Select your USB drive from the list and hit Enter.
Step 3: Open Command Prompt
When the Windows Setup screen appears, press Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt. This is where you’ll input several commands to prepare your hard drive for Windows 11 installation.
Step 4: Identify Your Disk
Type the following command to launch DiskPart:
diskpart
Then list the available disks with the command:
list disk
Identify your boot disk based on size and note the disk number (e.g., Disk 0).
Step 5: Clean and Format the Disk
Once you’ve identified your boot disk, clean and format it. Use the following commands:
select disk [your_disk_number]
clean
convert gpt
If your disk is already GPT, skip the conversion command. Next, create an EFI partition:
create partition efi size=500
format fs=fat32 quick
assign letter=[your_preferred_drive_letter]
For example, you can assign assign letter=S for the EFI partition.
Step 6: Create a Primary Partition
Now, create the primary partition for Windows installation:
create partition primary
format quick
assign letter=[your_preferred_drive_letter]
Replace [your_preferred_drive_letter] with a letter of your choice, like C.
Step 7: Navigate to the Sources Folder
Exit DiskPart by typing:
exit
Next, navigate to your USB drive (e.g., G: if it is G) and go to the sources folder:
cd sources
Step 8: Check Available Windows Versions
To check the Windows versions available, run the following command:
dism /get-wiminfo /index:[your_USB_drive_letter]:\sources\install.wim
This command will list different indexes. Choose the index number corresponding to the edition of Windows 11 you want to install (e.g., Windows 11 Pro).
Step 9: Apply Windows 11 Image
To apply the Windows image to your primary partition, use:
dism /apply-image /imagefile:[your_USB_drive_letter]:\sources\install.wim /index:[index_number] /applydir:[your_windows_partition_letter]:\
Step 10: Make the Drive Bootable
Make the drive bootable by typing:
bcdboot [your_windows_partition_letter]:\windows /l en-us /s [your_EFI_partition_letter]: /f ALL
Step 11: Restart and Complete Installation
Now, restart your PC and remove the USB drive. Your PC should boot into Windows 11. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup. If the PC does not boot, check BIOS settings to ensure UEFI mode is enabled.
Step 12: Bypass Internet Requirements
If you are installing on unsupported hardware and need to set up a local account, press Shift + F10 during the network setup prompt to open CMD and type:
OOBE\BYPASSNRO
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are some additional tips to ensure a smooth installation:
- Always back up your data before starting the installation process.
- If you encounter installation issues, verify that your hardware is compatible with Windows 11.
- Keep your USB drive connected until the installation is complete to avoid boot issues.
In conclusion, you have successfully installed Windows 11 on an unsupported PC using CMD. This method opens up new possibilities for older hardware, allowing you to take advantage of the latest Windows features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this method on any PC?
This method is primarily for PCs that do not meet the official Windows 11 system requirements. Ensure your hardware is compatible.
What if I encounter errors during installation?
Double-check each command for typos and ensure you are working on the correct disk. It may also help to consult online forums for specific error codes.
Will I receive Windows updates after installing?
Yes, once installed, you should be able to receive Windows updates unless your hardware is not supported by Microsoft.