If you've fired up your trusty old Windows 10 laptop and been greeted with something like: "This PC can't run Windows 11. Your computer's hardware doesn't meet the minimum system requirements."
...you might've sighed, closed the lid, and Googled "cheap laptops." But before you add another perfectly usable machine to the e-waste pile, let me reassure you: that laptop probably has a lot more to give.
I've been helping a few friends and family through this, and the good news is there are two decent options that could keep your laptop alive and well beyond October 2025 (when Windows 10 support officially ends).
Option 1: Install Linux Mint
If you don't absolutely need Windows-specific software, Linux Mint is a fantastic choice - especially the lightweight Xfce edition.
- It runs smoothly on older hardware.
- It comes with everything most people need: web browser, office apps, media player, email, etc.
- You can still use Microsoft Office via Office 365 in your browser (and there's a free tier).
- It's totally free and easy to install.
You can download Linux Mint here
I've personally installed Mint on several "too old for Windows 11" laptops and been surprised at how well they perform. It's not just usable - it's pleasant.
Option 2: Force Install Windows 11
If you really want to stick with Windows, there is a way to bypass the hardware checks and install Windows 11 anyway.
Here's what to do:
- Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft.
- Mount the ISO (just double-click it in File Explorer - it'll show up as a new drive).
- Open Command Prompt and run:
e: (Replace e: with whatever drive letter your ISO mounted as.)
cd sources
setupprep.exe /product server
- Follow the prompts and select "Keep personal files and apps" if you want to preserve everything.
- And that's it. Windows 11 should install, even if your hardware "isn't supported".
- Back up your files first. Seriously. Things can and do go wrong, especially with forced upgrades.
- If your machine still runs on an old spinning hard drive, consider swapping in an SSD first. It'll make a huge difference.
- Got spare RAM slots? Fill them. Windows 11 runs much better with 8GB or more.
- Microsoft may one day disable updates on unsupported systems, though so far they've mostly just been grumpy about it.
I've personally run Windows 11 on:
- A 2012 Core i3 laptop (after upgrading to SSD + 8GB RAM)
- A 2016 Atom netbook with 2GB RAM (just to see if I could)
- Several other hardware configurations from the mid 2010s
It's not lightning fast, but it works - and for web browsing, documents, and video calls, it's fine.
Don't Bin . Breathe New Life Into It.
We live in an age of unnecessary upgrades. If your laptop powers on and works, it probably doesn't deserve to be binned just because it missed the TPM memo.
Try Linux. Try the upgrade trick. There is life in the old machine yet.
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