How to create Windows 11 bootable USB to bypass requirements with Rufus

Rufus lets you install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware by bypassing TPM, Secure Boot, and RAM requirements.
The tool can also skip the Microsoft account and internet requirements during setup.
The advanced options allow you to disable automatic BitLocker and device encryption.
Rufus simplifies creating bootable USB media compared to the Media Creation Tool.

UPDATED 12/30/2025: You can use Rufus to create a Windows 11 bootable USB that bypasses the TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and memory requirements on unsupported hardware. In addition, you can use the tool to create a custom installation media that bypasses the internet and the Microsoft account requirements. You can prevent the system from automatically enabling BitLocker or Device Encryption, and in this guide, I will show you how to complete this configuration.

Although you can use the Media Creation Tool, Rufus makes it easier to create a USB flash drive to install Windows 11 since you can provide an existing ISO file or download the files directly from Microsoft. Furthermore, the tool now includes some configuration settings that allow you to bypass the system requirements during a clean install and an in-place upgrade.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to use Rufus to create bootable media to install Windows 11.

Create Windows 11 bootable USB with requirement bypass
FAQs about creating a bootable USB media for unsupported PC

Create Windows 11 bootable USB with requirement bypass

To create a Windows 11 bootable USB to bypass system requirements, connect a USB flash drive of at least 8GB and follow these steps:

Open the Rufus website.
Click the link to download the latest version under the “Download” section.
Double-click the Rufus executable file to launch the tool.
Select the flash drive to create a Windows 11 bootable USB drive in the “Device” section.
Click the Select button.
Select the Windows 11 ISO file.
Click the Open button.
Select the “Standard Windows 11 Installation” option under the “Image option” section.
Select the GPT option under the “Partition scheme” section.
Choose the UEFI (non-CSM) option under the “Target system” section.
(Optional) Specify a descriptive name for the bootable USB flash drive under the “Volume label” section.
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.
(Optional) Check the “Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account” option to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account using a local account.
(Optional) Select the “Create a local account with username” option, then specify the account name to install the operating system with a local account.
(Optional) Clear the “Set regional options to the same values as this user’s” option to use the current language as the default for new installations.
(Optional) Clear the “Disable data collection” option to prevent Microsoft from collecting certain data.
(Optional) Check the “Disable BitLocker automatic device encryption” option.
Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, Rufus will create a bootable USB drive to install version 25H2 on unsupported hardware.

Alternatively, you can use Ventoy to create a USB drive, then simply download and drop the Windows 11 ISO file into it to make it bootable.

FAQs about creating a bootable USB media for unsupported PC

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about creating a bootable USB drive with Rufus.

Can Rufus really install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware?

Yes. Rufus can create a Windows 11 bootable USB that bypasses TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and minimum RAM requirements, allowing installation on unsupported PCs.

Which Windows 11 requirements can Rufus bypass?

Rufus can bypass TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, minimum RAM checks, Microsoft account and internet requirements, and automatic BitLocker or device encryption during setup.

Can I use Rufus to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account?

Yes. Rufus includes an option to remove the Microsoft account and internet connection requirements, allowing you to set up Windows 11 with a local account during installation.

Is Rufus better than the Media Creation Tool for installing Windows 11?

For unsupported hardware and custom installs, yes. Rufus offers more control than the Media Creation Tool, including bypassing requirements, configuring accounts, and managing encryption.

Does Rufus disable BitLocker permanently?

No. Rufus only prevents BitLocker or device encryption from being automatically enabled during installation. You can enable BitLocker manually later if your hardware supports it.

Can I use Rufus for an in-place upgrade to Windows 11?

Yes. Rufus supports both clean installs and in-place upgrades while bypassing hardware requirements, provided you start the setup from within Windows.

Is Rufus safe to use?

Yes. Rufus is a widely trusted, open-source utility used by IT professionals and enthusiasts to create bootable USB media for Windows and other operating systems.

What version of Windows 11 does Rufus support?

Rufus supports current Windows 11 releases, including version 25H2, using either a locally downloaded ISO or files downloaded directly from Microsoft.

Is Ventoy a good alternative to Rufus?

Ventoy is a viable alternative if you want to boot multiple ISO files from a single USB drive, but Rufus offers more granular Windows 11–specific configuration options.

Update December 30, 2025: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.