# Everything You Should Know About Installing and Upgrading to Windows 11 (2024 Update)
Since its launch in October 2021, Windows 11 has undergone substantial updates, with the most recent being the **Windows 11 24H2 Update**. This update adds new features, including AI capabilities, and modifies system requirements that could impact both supported and unsupported PCs. Whether you’re eager for these new features or just need to perform an upgrade, this guide will provide you with all the essential information about installing or upgrading to Windows 11, including how to circumvent system requirements on older devices.
## How Can I Obtain Windows 11?
The simplest method to acquire Windows 11 is via **Windows Update** on an eligible Windows 10 PC. However, if you can’t find the update or have multiple PCs to upgrade, there are additional avenues:
1. **Installation Assistant**: This utility facilitates a standard upgrade installation through Windows Update.
2. **Media Creation Tool**: This tool assists in creating a bootable USB drive or obtaining an ISO file for installation.
3. **Direct ISO Download**: You can obtain the ISO file directly from Microsoft’s site for a fresh install or upgrade.
## Will I Need to Purchase Windows 11?
Windows 11 is a **complimentary upgrade** for users on Windows 10. However, if you’re installing it on a new custom-built PC, you will need to purchase a Windows 10 or 11 license, typically costing between $120 and $140. Alternatively, there are unofficial outlets for acquiring product keys at lower prices, but these sources can be inconsistent.
## What Are the Requirements for My PC to Be “Supported”?
To run Windows 11 officially, your PC must adhere to the following system specifications:
– **Processor**: A compatible 1 GHz or faster dual-core 64-bit processor (Intel 8th generation or newer, AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer, or Qualcomm).
– **RAM**: 4GB or greater.
– **Storage**: 64GB or more.
– **UEFI Secure Boot**: Supported and enabled.
– **TPM**: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
– **Graphics**: DirectX 12 compatible GPU with WDDM 2.0 driver.
– **Display**: A resolution of 720p or higher, with a screen size larger than 9 inches.
Both **Windows 11 Home** and **Pro** necessitate a Microsoft account for setup, although there are methods to set up using a local account.
## How Can I Determine if My PC is Supported?
You can verify if your PC is supported by utilizing **Microsoft’s PC Health Check app**. This application will inform you whether your PC meets the requirements and the reasons for any incompatibility. If your PC fails to meet the processor, TPM, or Secure Boot prerequisites, you can still pursue an unsupported installation.
## How Do I Activate TPM and Secure Boot?
### Activating TPM:
– For **Intel systems**, seek **Platform Trust Technology (PTT)** within your BIOS settings.
– For **AMD systems**, look for **fTPM** or **Platform Security Processor (PSP)**.
### Activating Secure Boot:
– Secure Boot can typically be activated in the **Security** or **Boot** section of your BIOS.
– If your PC fails to boot after activating Secure Boot, you may need to transition your drive from **MBR** to **GPT** by using the **mbr2gpt** command in Windows.
## New System Prerequisites for the 2024 Update: Copilot+ PCs
The **Windows 11 24H2 Update** introduces **Copilot+** features, necessitating more powerful hardware:
– **Processor**: A Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of a minimum of 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS).
– **RAM**: 16GB of DDR5 or LPDDR5.
– **Storage**: 256GB or higher.
Currently, only a select few processor families, including the **Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite**, **Intel Core Ultra 200-series**, and **AMD Ryzen AI 300-series**, satisfy these requirements.
## What If My PC is Unsupported?
### New Limitations in 24H2:
While the foundational system requirements remain unchanged, the 24H2 update enforces restrictions that prevent older CPUs (such as Intel Core 2 Duo and AMD Phenom) from using the update. These legacy CPUs do not have **SSE 4.2** instructions, which are now mandatory.
### Installing on Unsupported PCs:
There are two primary types of unsupported PCs:
1. **PCs with Secure Boot and any TPM**: These are generally simpler to upgrade.
2. **PCs lacking Secure Boot or TPM**: These require extra effort and manual workarounds.
### Circumventing System Requirements:
