Installing Windows 11 doesn’t have to be limited to brand-new machines with strict requirements. Even older hardware—like a Core 2 Quad with just 4 GB of RAM—can handle it surprisingly well. The trick is using the official Windows 11 ISO together with Rufus, a tool that lets you bypass Microsoft’s checks for TPM, Secure Boot, and CPU support. With Rufus, you get full control over which requirements to disable, making it possible to bring modern Windows onto aging but still capable PCs—without getting your hands dirty with installation config files or OOBE answer files.

1. What You’ll Need

• A computer with at least:

  • 2+ cores (Core 2 Duo/Quad or better)

  • 4 GB RAM (bare minimum, 8 GB preferred)

  • 64-bit CPU

  • At least 64 GB free disk space

• A USB drive (8 GB or larger)

• Another PC to prepare the USB stick

• Windows 11 ISO (from Microsoft)

• Rufus (free USB imaging tool)

2. Download the Windows 11 ISO

1. Go to the official Microsoft site: Windows 11 Download Page.

2. Scroll to Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO).

3. Select Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO).

4. Pick your language and download.

3. Download and Launch Rufus

1. Get Rufus from rufus.ie.

2. Insert your USB drive.

3. Run Rufus (no install required).

4. Create the Bootable USB

1. In Rufus, choose your USB drive.

2. Under Boot selection, pick the Windows 11 ISO you downloaded.
   
   

3. Once you select the ISO, Rufus will display special Windows installation options (this is key for bypassing requirements).

You’ll see checkboxes like:

• Remove requirement for 4 GB+ RAM, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0

  • Lets older PCs (like your Core 2 Quad) install Windows 11.

• Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account

  • Allows you to set up Windows 11 with a local account, no internet needed.

• Remove requirement for CPU family and model check

  • Skips the “unsupported processor” block.

• Disable data collection (skip privacy questions) (optional)

  • Cuts down on setup prompts.

👉 Which to check?

• Always check the TPM/Secure Boot/CPU bypass if you’re on old hardware.

• Check the Microsoft account removal if you prefer local accounts.

• Leave the others up to your privacy/security preferences.

4. Leave the Partition scheme as:

   • MBR if your PC uses Legacy BIOS (most older machines).

   • GPT if it has UEFI firmware.

5. File system: NTFS.

6. Hit Start. Rufus will warn you it will erase the USB drive—accept it.

5. Install Windows 11

1. Boot your old PC from the USB stick:

   • Enter BIOS (usually DEL, F2, or F12 during startup).

   • Select your USB drive as boot device.

2. Windows setup will launch.

3. Proceed as normal:

   • Choose language/keyboard.

   • Partition your drive (or upgrade if you like).

   • Follow on screen prompts.

With the Rufus tweaks, you won’t be blocked by TPM, Secure Boot, or CPU checks.

6. After Installation

• Expect Windows Update to complain about being on unsupported hardware, but it will still deliver security updates (Microsoft just warns you).

• Performance may be limited by RAM (4 GB is really barebones). Try to keep background apps minimal.

• For best results, add more RAM and run Windows in “performance” power mode.