Download the official Windows 11 ISO file from the Microsoft software download page.
To create a Windows 11 bootable USB drive with Rufus, download the Rufus executable and the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft's website, then run Rufus and select the USB drive and ISO file. Next, choose the correct partition scheme and target system, click "Start," and accept the data erasure warning to begin the process. Once the USB is created, you can boot from it to install or upgrade Windows 11.
Step 1: Download Windows 11 ISO and Rufus
Go to the official Microsoft download page for Windows 11 and download the Windows 11 disk image (ISO).
Go to the Rufus website and download the latest version of the Rufus executable (no installation is required).
Step 2: Create the bootable USB
Insert your USB flash drive (at least 8GB) into your computer and launch Rufus.
Under "Device," select your USB drive. Be certain it's the correct one, as all data on it will be erased.
Under "Boot selection," click "SELECT" and choose the Windows 11 ISO file you downloaded.
For most modern computers, set the "Partition scheme" to "GPT" and the "Target system" to "UEFI (non-CSM)".
(Optional) You can change the "Volume label" and check the "Create extended label and icon files" option.
(Optional for unsupported hardware) Check the "Remove requirement for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0" option if needed.
Click "Start".
A warning will appear stating that the USB drive will be formatted. Click "OK" to proceed and begin the process.
Step 3: Install Windows 11
> After the process is complete, restart your computer and enter its BIOS or UEFI settings.
> Change the boot order to make the USB drive the first boot device.
> Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI, which should start the Windows 11 installation from the USB drive.
> Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. You may need to select "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" and format the target disk during the installation process.
Download the official Windows 11 ISO file from the Microsoft software download page.
Mount the ISO file (usually by double-clicking it in File Explorer).
Open Command Prompt or Windows Terminal as an administrator.
Navigate to the sources folder within the mounted ISO drive (e.g., if the drive letter is D:, type D: and press Enter, then type cd sources and press Enter).
Run the command: setupprep.exe /product server or setup.exe /product server.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade, selecting the option to keep your files and apps.
Important Considerations:
Microsoft does not officially support installing Windows 11 on ineligible hardware and warns that devices may not receive updates, including security updates, or may encounter compatibility issues.
It's recommended to back up your data before attempting this process.
The command used for the Windows 11 hardware requirement bypass is setupprep.exe /product server. The setup.exe /product server command also works.
How the command works
This command is used during an in-place upgrade to Windows 11 on hardware that does not officially meet the minimum system requirements (e.g., TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, or compatible CPU).
Bypasses Checks: The command essentially "tricks" the installer into thinking it is performing a Windows Server installation, which has fewer hardware restrictions than the standard consumer version of Windows 11.
Installs Client OS: Despite using the "server" product parameter, the process installs the standard client edition of Windows 11 (Home, Pro, etc.) that matches your existing Windows 10 license, and retains your files, settings, and apps.
Official Process Parameter: While this is a workaround for unsupported hardware, the /product command-line option itself is an official part of the Windows Setup options