How do I force my computer to update to Windows 11 from Windows 10?

Hi, thank you for reaching out. I’m happy to help.

Windows 11 processor requirements start with 8th-generation Intel processors and a few 7th-generation models. Unfortunately, your device uses a 6th-generation processor, which is not included in the list of supported processors for Windows 11.

List of supported processors: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-hardware/design/minimum/supported/windows-11-supported-intel-processors

Microsoft has announced a 1-year security extension for eligible Windows 10 devices. Please see the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10:

https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/whats-new/extended-security-updates

To update to Windows 11 from Windows 10. While Windows 11 has broadened compatibility, your i5-6300HQ processor might be on the edge of the supported range. This is a crucial check. Go to the Microsoft website and look for the specific Windows 11 system requirements. If your hardware isn't listed as fully compatible, you might encounter issues. If you've exhausted all other options for updating WIndows 11 from Windows 10, a clean install of Windows 11 might be your last resort. This will remove all existing software and settings and install a fresh copy. Back up your data thoroughly before attempting a clean install!

Your CPU (Intel Core i5-6300HQ) is a 6th gen processor. Microsoft officially states that 8th Gen Intel CPUs or newer are supported for Windows 11, so your CPU might not be officially compatible due to CPU requirements. If the upgrade tool refuses to proceed when you update to Windows 11 from Windows 10, you can modify the registry to bypass hardware checks:

1. Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft.

Mount the ISO, run the setup.exe to start an in-place upgrade.

When prompted with compatibility checks, edit the registry to bypass:

Before starting, open Registry Editor (regedit).

Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup

Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU and set it to 1.

Close Registry Editor and proceed with the upgrade.

2. Perform the Upgrade

Once the registry tweak is done, run the setup.exe from the ISO or installation assistant.

Follow the prompts for upgrading to Windows 11 from Windows 10 — it will preserve your files and installed programs.