Clean install Windows 11 25H2 on unsupported hardware

To perform a clean install of Windows 11 25H2 on unsupported hardware, use Rufus to create a custom USB bootable media with the latest release of the operating system and the option to bypass the restrictions.
You can then begin the setup and proceed with the on-screen instructions as you would with the standard process.

UPDATED 10/6/2025: You can perform a clean install of Windows 11 25H2 on unsupported hardware. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step required to complete the setup. This method works whether you are upgrading from any previous version of Windows 11 or Windows 10, since it involves wiping out the hard drive and starting fresh with a new installation.

Windows 11 25H2 (2025 Update) is the next major release of the operating system for supported devices, which was released on September 30, 2025. However, many PCs currently running Windows 11 do not meet the official hardware requirements. On these systems, the update will not be available through the “Windows Update” settings, and you won’t be able to use the Installation Assistant or the standard USB bootable media created with the Media Creation Tool.

Despite these limitations, it’s still possible to upgrade by erasing the hard drive and installing a fresh copy of the Windows 11 2025 Update. Please note that enabling this feature will place your device in an unsupported state, which may result in unexpected issues at any time. Microsoft also isn’t required to provide security updates, driver updates, or technical support. Proceed at your own risk, fully understanding that there are no guarantees.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to clean install Windows 11 25H2 on unsupported hardware with a custom USB bootable media. You will still need to have a processor that supports the POPCNT (Population Count) instruction.

Important: It’s recommended that you make a full backup of your computer before proceeding. You’ve been warned. It’s important to note that since Microsoft doesn’t support these methods, these instructions can stop working at any time. Tested as of October 2025 with build 26200.

Clean install Windows 11 25H2 on unsupported hardware

The clean installation process involves downloading the ISO file and creating a custom USB bootable media before proceeding with the setup.

Also, you have to ensure the computer can boot from a USB flash drive, which may require adjusting the UEFI settings or accessing the boot menu. Since firmware settings vary by computer, please refer to your manufacturer’s support website for more specific details.

1. Download Windows 11 25H2 ISO file

To download the official Windows 11 25H2 ISO file, follow these steps:

Open the Microsoft Support website.
Select the Windows 11 option under the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64” section.
Click the Confirm button.
Select the installation language.
Click the Confirm button.
Click the Download button to save the Windows 11 25H2 ISO file.

Once you complete the steps, the final ISO for Windows 11 25H2 will be downloaded to your computer. You can continue with the instructions below to use the Rufus tool to create bootable USB media.

2. Create Windows 11 25H2 bootable media

To create a Windows 11 25H2 bootable media for unsupported hardware, connect a USB flash drive of at least 16GB and use these steps:

Open the Rufus website.
Click the link to download the latest version under the “Download” section.
Double-click the rufus.x.xx.exe file to launch the tool.
Select the USB flash drive from the drop-down menu under the “Device” section to create Windows 11 bootable media.
Click the Select button.
Select the Windows 11 25H2 ISO file.
Click the Open button.
Select the “Standard Windows 11 Installation” option under the “Image option” setting.
Select the GPT option under the “Partition scheme” section.
Choose the UEFI (non-CSM) option under the “Target system” section.
Specify a descriptive name for the bootable USB drive in the “Volume label” section. For example, “Windows 11 25H2 Setup”.
Use the default settings for the File system and Cluster size options.
Check the Quick format option.
Check the “Create extended label and icon files” option.
Click the Start button.
Check the “Remove requirement for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0” option to install version 25H2 on unsupported hardware.

Check the “Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account” option to bypass the internet and Microsoft account requirements and create a local account.
(Optional) Check the “Create a local account with username” option and specify an account name to create a local account automatically.
Check the “Disable BitLocker automatic device encryption” option to prevent the setup from enabling BitLocker during the installation.
Click the OK button.

After completing the steps, the tool will create a USB bootable media for unsupported hardware containing the Windows 11 25H2 installation files.

If you choose the option to create a local account automatically, the setup will create the account without a password. After the installation, it’s recommended that you create a password and PIN from the “Sign-in options” page.

3. Windows 11 25H2 unsupported PC install process

To perform a clean install of Windows 11 25H2 on unsupported hardware, follow these steps:

Start the PC with the Windows 11 25H2 USB flash drive.
Press any key to continue.
Choose the installation language and format.
Click the Next button.
Choose the keyboard and input method.
Click the Next button.
Select the “Install Windows 11” option.
Check the “I agree everything” option to confirm that this process will delete everything on the computer.
Click the “I don’t have a product key” option.

Quick note: The computer will activate automatically if you’re reinstalling the operating system. If this is a new device that has never included a version of Windows, you will have to provide a product key.
Select the edition of “Windows 11” your license key activates (if applicable).
Click the Next button.
Click the Accept button.
Select each partition on the hard drive and click the Delete button. (Usually, the “Drive 0” is the drive that contains all the installation files.)
Select the hard drive (Drive 0 Unallocated Space) to install Windows 11 25H2.
Click the Next button.
Click the Install button.
Choose your region setting on the first page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) after the installation.
Click the Yes button.
Select your keyboard layout setting.
Click the Yes button.
Click the Skip button if you do not need to configure a second layout.
The computer will automatically connect to the network using an Ethernet connection. You must set up the connection manually on a wireless connection (a security key may be required).
(Optional) Confirm a name for the computer.
Click the Next button. (The device will restart automatically.)
Select the “Set up for personal use” option for Windows 11 Pro. The “Home” edition does not have this option.
Click the Next button.
Click the Sign in button.

Quick note: If you select the option to skip the internet and online account and choose the option to create a local account, the wizard will skip this part and continue with the initial setup.
Confirm your Microsoft account email to create a Windows 11 account.
Click the Next button.
Confirm your Microsoft account password.
Click the Next button.
Click the Create PIN button.
Create a new four-digit PIN.
Click the OK button.
Confirm the privacy settings that best suit your situation by turning on or off the toggle switch for each setting.
Click the Next button.
Click the Next button again.
Click the Accept button.
Click the More options setting.
Click the “Set up as a new PC” option.
Click the “Set up as a new PC” option again (if applicable).
(Optional) On the “Let’s customize your experience” page, select one or more ways you plan to use the device to allow the setup to suggest tools and service customization during this experience.
Click the Accept button to continue. Or click the Skip button to skip this part of the setup.
(Optional) Use the code to link your Android phone or click the Skip option.
(Optional) Use the code to download the OneDrive on your phone or click the Skip option.
Click the “Not now” button if you will be using a browser other than Microsoft Edge.

Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 25H2 will finish the clean installation on the computer that doesn’t meet the minimum hardware requirements.

It’s worth noting that Microsoft periodically updates the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE). As a result, your experience may vary slightly depending on when you perform the installation. The wizard also varies depending on your region, as the company has different ways to customize the operating system depending on your geographical location.

Update October 6, 2025: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.