Many users are thinking about upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on their computer to move to another next-generation operating system. Installing Windows 11 on a PC is done in several ways: by upgrading to Windows 11 from a previous version of the OS, or you can install the system from scratch.
Users of the Windows 10 operating system can upgrade to Windows 11 for free. However, installing Windows 11 has some nuances.
You should keep in mind that the Windows 11 operating system places high demands on your computer hardware. Therefore, all devices are tested for compatibility.
The process of a “clean” installation of the system or an upgrade to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware is terminated if the scan reveals a discrepancy with the system requirements. A large number of PCs do not meet the requirements set by Microsoft.
Often the computer does not have a suitable processor, TPM 2.0, or other hardware components that are not supported.
In this regard, the question arises of how to upgrade to Windows 11 if, according to Microsoft, this computer is incompatible with this operating system. Fortunately, there are several ways to work around these restrictions so that you can install Windows 11 on your computer.
In most cases, the Windows 11 operating system will work without problems on a computer that has some inconsistencies with the specified parameters. Each user decides whether to upgrade to Windows 11 independently.
In this article, we will look at one way to update Windows to version 11 on unsupported hardware, while maintaining personal data and installed applications.
How to update laptop drivers
For the operating system to function properly on a laptop, updated versions of drivers are periodically required, especially in a situation where an older system is installed or a modern one has been optimized by disabling the “Automatic Windows Update” service.
First, let's determine if there are any problems with the correct operation of the equipment, and to do this, go to the "Device Manager" window via "Start" > "Control Panel" > "System and Security" > "System". A yellow triangle with an exclamation mark next to the device is a signal that you need to update the driver. Right-click on the desired hardware, select the “Update drivers” command and select the first one from the two search options offered. On the official website of the manufacturer of your model (this is more secure), find the necessary drivers and download them. Search engines "Yandex" and "Google" - to help you! Next, return to step 1, but instead of automatically searching for drivers, select the “Search for drivers on your computer” command. To find out the full name of the laptop, turn it over and read the model on the sticker describing the main characteristics of the device, or use the search and enter the command “msinfo32.exe”. For XP – the “Run” window. In the System Information window, find the required manufacturer information. The name of the equipment that needs an update is listed in the Device Manager window. The last two options for searching and updating drivers are especially popular among users. There are a lot of different software and online services on this topic on the Internet. We suggest using the completely free Driver Booster program, which you can download from the official website and install on your laptop. Do not be surprised by the ease of use of this software; the efficiency of finding the necessary drivers will not suffer from this in any way. The program will scan the laptop hardware and find all the necessary updated components for the devices. Or use the DriverPack online service to search for the latest driver versions. You already know the full name of your device; all you have to do is select it from the numerous list on this site. There you will also be offered to download the DriverPack Solution program, which can automatically search and update drivers, and absolutely free.
When choosing the appropriate method for updating drivers, remember that reliable protection for your PC against viruses must be installed in advance in order to alert you about it in case of danger. Often, Internet pages with various sources for downloading driver packages can become traps for inexperienced users.
System requirements for installing Windows 11
Microsoft has put forward strict requirements for a PC on which Windows 11 can be installed. A computer for Windows 11 must have the following parameters:
- Dual-core processor at least 8th generation Intel or AMD Ryzen 2000 or higher;
- RAM at least 4 GB;
- Hard drive of at least 64 GB;
- Motherboard with UEFI and Secure Boot enabled;
- Trusted Cryptographic Platform Module TPM 2.0;
- Video card supporting DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver;
- High definition display (720p).
During the installation of the operating system on the computer, a hardware check is carried out to determine whether the computer is suitable for Windows 11 or not. Windows installation stops on unsupported hardware.
You can find out in advance whether your device can run Windows 11. To check your computer for compatibility with Windows 11, you need to use the PC Health Check app or another similar program. After scanning, you will be informed about the readiness of your PC hardware to use Windows 11.
Read more: Windows 11 compatibility check: system requirements
How to upgrade an old laptop?
If your old laptop has stopped satisfying its loading speed over time or has simply become slow-witted, try following these simple tips. Tip #1: reinstall the operating system If over time the laptop has become too “brooding” and it spends too much time on simple tasks, simply reinstall the operating system. As a rule, the OS has a bad habit of cluttering the registry with non-working branches: these are “traces” of incorrectly deleted programs and other errors. But don't forget to back up your important documents, otherwise you may lose them.
The disadvantages of this radical approach are that you need to reinstall all the programs that you need to work. And if the laptop was infected with viruses, then it is likely that when returning documents from backup, your faithful assistant will again become infected with Trojans and other computer diseases. Tip #2: Upgrade to Windows 7
As paradoxical as it may sound, this particular modern operating system from Microsoft is less sensitive to resources than XP and especially Vista. But just in case, check your laptop for compatibility with W7. To do this, you need to download Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. If the laptop allows you to set it to “seven”, feel free to upgrade.
Cons: The upgrade can cost up to $120, so if you're not sure the laptop is worth the investment, it's best not to resort to this method.
Tip #3: Install Linux Even if you are not a bearded guy in a knitted sweater, but just a blonde, you should not be afraid of Linux. All myths about the complexity of this operating system were invented by competitors or come from witnesses of formidable admins writing incomprehensible words in a black window in white letters. You don't have to learn console commands like you did in the early days of Linux. The current builds are quite friendly, and if you can work on Windows, then Linux will obey you. Experts recommend builds like Puppy Linux for beginners. This operating system “weighs” only 127 MB and fits on a flash drive. And, by the way, it can also boot from it. This option is optimal for those who only use the Internet and use a laptop as a typewriter. Cons: Forget about Windows games. Of course, there are programs like Wine, which allows you to run Windows applications. But this will not happen without the legendary “dances with a tambourine.” No one guarantees that your favorite Klondike will work on Linux. True, there are many analogues for this particular operating system.
Tip #4: Upgrade your memory
Adding or replacing more memory will increase the speed of your laptop. If your laptop is still under warranty, just go to the service center and ask to install a memory stick, if there is room, or replace it with a larger one. Believe me, increasing the memory from 512 MB to 2 GB will be really noticeable in the operation of the laptop. Now a 1 GB memory stick costs about $20. So don't skimp. Minus: most likely the service center will charge you more than if you install the memory yourself. But if you are not comfortable with technology, it is better to entrust this matter to a specialist. And it’s not even advisable to buy memory yourself. After all, there is a high probability that your laptop uses exactly the type of memory that can only be found at radio markets or in used spare parts stores.
Tip #5: Replace the hard drive
As a rule, the operation of a laptop (and a computer as well) is affected not only by the memory or type of processor, but also by the hard drive. Over time, it begins to perform worse due to defragmented files. If you took the laptop a long time ago, then most likely it is not very large and the operating system simply cannot correctly arrange the files on the disk. Also, old discs have a low speed: 4200 rpm. This can be solved by purchasing a larger and faster hard drive. For about $50 you can buy 320-500 GB drives with speeds from 5400 to 7200 rpm. Unless you store your entire movie collection on your laptop, this should be enough.
Cons: PC hard drives are not suitable for laptops. They are smaller in size than PCs. If the laptop is under warranty, it can be replaced for you at the service center of your laptop manufacturer. But if you live far from regional centers or large cities, and also if your model is so exotic that the manufacturer does not even suspect that someone in Ukraine is buying his laptops, you will have to change the hard drive yourself.
virus Hardware system laptop RAM memory
How to find and download the latest security updates for your version of Windows 10?
You can manually download the latest updates for Microsoft products from the Microsoft Update Catalog - https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Home.aspx. In the catalog you can find almost any update for all supported versions of Windows (direct import of updates via the WSUS console is also supported). The main problem is that the catalog does not have a convenient search system, and if you do not know the KB number that you need to install, it is quite difficult to find and download the update package.
Let's look at how to form the correct query to search for updates for your edition of Windows in the Microsoft update catalog. The article was written on September 10, 2022, so the latest security updates were released a month ago, in August. In our case, to search for security updates for Windows 10 1803 x64 for August 2022, use the following search query, which must be inserted into the search bar in the upper right corner:
windows 10 1803 x64 8/%/2019
The Microsoft Update catalog returned a list of 6 updates.
How do you decide which of these updates you need to download and install? Of course, you can install all these updates manually, but you can also save time. Because Microsoft has switched to cumulative updates, you just need to download and install the latest Cumulative Update for your system.
Our list has two large (900+ MB each) cumulative updates for Windows 10:
- 2019-08 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1803 for x64-based Systems (KB4512509) Windows 10 Updates 8/19/2019 - 930.7 MB
- 2019-08 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1803 for x64-based Systems (KB4512501) Windows 10 Security Updates 8/9/2019 - 919.3 MB
Click the security update KB4512501 . In the window that opens with information about the update, go to the Package Details . This tab shows which updates this update replaces (This update replaces the following updates:), and which update it in turn replaces (This update has been replaced by the following updates). The screenshot shows that update KB4512501 is being replaced by KB4512509.
Now let's open the properties of update KB4512509 . As you can see, it is not replaced by anything: This update has been replaced by the following updates: n/a . This means this is the latest and most current cumulative update for your edition of Windows 10.
Click on the Download , a direct link to download the MSU update file will appear in the window that opens. Download the file and save it to disk.
You can also find the KB number of the current cumulative update for your version of Windows 10 using https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4498140/windows-10-update-history. In the list on the left, select your version of Windows 10 (in my example it's Windows 10 1803), then look at the In this release . The very first entry links to the knowledge base article for the latest Windows cumulative update for the selected edition. In our example, this is August 19, 2019—KB4512509 (OS Build 17134.984) . It was this update that we downloaded according to the first method.
How to update a laptop
I’ll say right away: unlike a desktop computer, in which you can replace any components, the ability to update (upgrade) a laptop is quite limited. Most often, the amount of RAM is increased - as a rule, this increases the practical performance of the system.
With a large amount of physical memory, the system is less often forced to access slow virtual memory (the paging file on the disk), which has a beneficial effect on the laptop’s performance in most tasks. If you work with resource-intensive applications such as design and 3D modeling programs, or edit large images.
Replacing a hard drive is another simple procedure that any user can handle on their own. As a standard, laptops are usually equipped with disks with a capacity of 160, 250 or 320 GB. This capacity is quite enough to accommodate an operating system, many application programs, a large number of user documents, and there will still be room to store several music albums and films. At the same time, you should not turn your laptop into a permanent storage for your entire home collection of photos, music and videos.
By installing a new generation SSD drive, you will notice a big increase in the speed of reading and writing data. What will this give? Windows will load faster, programs will open faster and games will load, in general, everything that is read from the SSD will work faster. I also want to note that the speed increase will not be two or even three times, but approximately fifty. Yes, yes, you read the previous sentence correctly, fifty. That is, instead of forty seconds, your Windows will boot in eight.
For these purposes, it is more profitable to use recordable DVDs, an external hard drive connected via USB, or a network-attached storage device (NAS). The main reason why a hard drive is replaced is because it is faulty.
They resort to replacing the laser disc drive for two reasons. Firstly, the disk drive device is short-lived. After several years of operation, many drives begin to write or read discs worse, over time the number of failures increases, and then the drive fails completely.
In fact, manufacturers do not even try to produce ultra-reliable and durable lasers, striving to make the devices as cheap as possible. This is due to the second circumstance. The laser media market is developing quite dynamically: new standards appear regularly, and recent innovations quickly fall in price and become consumer goods.
Today, DVD discs are being replaced by Blu-ray specifications and flash drives. It is possible that in a year or two you will want to replace the built-in DVD-RW drive with a drive that supports new formats, without even waiting for it to break down.
Replace laptop processor. You can choose a processor that is as powerful as possible and matches your laptop motherboard, but most likely, one is already installed.
To summarize, we can say that a laptop can be upgraded in only a small number of ways: by replacing the hard drive with a more productive one, adding more RAM and installing a more powerful processor that fits the laptop’s motherboard.
Laptop upgrade | Modernization of old components
Instead of buying a new laptop, you can upgrade your old one: a competent upgrade will save money and make your laptop almost as fast as the latest generation laptops.
After removing the bottom cover of the laptop, all its components become accessible. In some models there are several small covers with icons that will help you understand which device you will have access to.
Large amount of memory, high performance, fast work in wireless networks - to get all this, you don’t have to buy a new laptop. Replacing several laptop components will help you avoid buying a new and expensive one. A serious upgrade of a laptop, especially relatively older models, can be done without problems, since almost all the main components for them (processor, hard drive, RAM, wireless communication module) are available for sale. The motherboard specification imposes certain restrictions. The processor can only be selected from the socket that your motherboard belongs to. The main requirement for RAM modules and hard drive is compatibility with the motherboard, so before you start choosing components for your laptop, find the technical specifications of your model on the Internet (for example, on the manufacturer’s website or Yandex.Market), or install the FinalWire program to your laptop, which will help you get information about the laptop hardware. In the vast majority of cases, the video card cannot be updated, since it is integrated into the motherboard.
Before you disassemble your laptop, you should understand which components of the laptop are causing its poor performance.
RAM
If your laptop only slows down when there are many programs running at the same time, or when opening large files, it clearly does not have enough RAM. As a result, the operating system is forced to continuously save data on the hard drive, which is subsequently read from it. All this greatly slows down the computer. It is recommended to increase the amount of memory if your Windows XP laptop has less than 1 GB of RAM installed. If we are talking about Vista or “Seven” OS, it would be wiser to install at least 2-3 GB. Using 4 GB or more makes sense only in cases where you have a 64-bit version of the OS installed.
Today on sale you can find RAM modules of DDR1, DDR2 and DDR3 standards (although the first type is much less common), operating at different clock frequencies. The CPU-Z utility will help you determine the type and characteristics of the installed RAM, and will also tell you how many modules are located under the case cover. You will get maximum performance if you have two identical RAM modules installed with the same timings (CAS Latency), now in stores it is easy to find such kits, 2 modules of 1 GB or 2 modules of 2 GB.
HDD
If your laptop takes more than two to three minutes to boot into the OS, first you should review the installed programs and remove unnecessary ones from the startup list, which the free Ccleaner program or the free PC Decrapifier utility will help you with. If this doesn't help, the problem may be with the hard drive itself. Budget laptops for the mass market are often equipped with rather slow HDDs. The maximum increase in operating speed - even greater than when replacing the central processor or RAM - can be achieved by installing a solid-state drive. True, buying an SSD cannot yet be called a budget solution, but now you can already find quite affordable models costing about 3,000 rubles. (for example, OCZ company), but when using an SDD disk, do not forget to optimize the OS: disable or transfer swap files to another disk, turn off defragmentation, indexing and other services (for this you can use the SSD Tweaker program).
A compromise between the high speed of an SSD drive and the large capacity of a classic HDD is the Seagate Momentus XT hybrid drive. However, if your laptop was manufactured in 2006–2007 or even earlier, then most likely it is equipped with an IDE interface for connecting a hard drive, which can be precisely determined using the same Everest utility. Hard drives with an IDE interface are quite rare on sale today, and their maximum capacity is 320 GB. In addition, their cost per gigabyte is almost twice as much as that of models with a SATA interface.
CPU
The fact that the laptop processor is outdated is indicated to the user by delays during system operation and when playing high-definition video files. Before deciding to replace the processor in a laptop, you should find out on the official website of Intel or AMD the type of socket (processor socket), as well as the maximum power consumption level of your CPU. These parameters of the new processor must be identical to those of the old component.
Also note that if we are only talking about slow HD video playback on an old laptop, then a simpler alternative would be to equip it with a Broadcom Crystal HD hardware decoder, which is installed in a free Mini PCI Express slot and deals exclusively with hardware acceleration of high-definition video playback. You can purchase it on the eBay online auction for prices starting from $40 (1,120 rubles), but this method is not suitable for owners of laptops produced before 2008.
Wi-Fi module
If you are tired of the slowness of your laptop on a wireless network, you should replace the Wi-fi module. It is also recommended to replace this component for security reasons, since the chip released a long time ago, instead of the current WPA2 encryption algorithm, only supports WPA or outdated WEP. The maximum increase in connection speed and communication range will be ensured by installing a WLAN module of the modern 802.11n standard. Typically, you will need a Mini PCI module for a 2006–2007 or older mobile computer, and a Mini PCI Express module for newer laptops. In the latter case, I recommend the Intel 6200 or the three-antenna version of the Intel 6300.
Blu-ray drive
To install a Blu-ray drive, your laptop must have a fairly powerful processor, at least Core 2 Duo. This is the main, but not the only condition - the screen resolution must be at least 1280x720 pixels. It makes sense to install this type of drive also if the laptop is equipped with an HDMI connector for connecting to a TV. The cost of a Bluray drive in the Slim Line form factor today is about 4,000 rubles, but this will be of interest to enthusiasts who want to save money on buying a Bluray player for their LCD or plasma TV.
Battery
Replacing the battery in a laptop is not difficult; just type your laptop model and the word “battery” into a search engine and you will find in stores both an analogue of the original battery and a high-capacity battery. Over time, laptop batteries inevitably lose their capacity, reducing battery life. A new battery can cost 3,500 rubles. and higher, especially for older models.
Selecting components for upgrading a laptop
RAM, hard drives and Blu-ray drives for laptops are standard hardware that can be purchased at almost any computer store. However, keep in mind that components of outdated standards are much more expensive than modern components. Therefore, it hardly makes sense to purchase a new hard drive if your laptop is equipped with an IDE interface. Today, a 320GB model with this legacy connector costs more than a 750GB SATA drive.
The same can be said about RAM modules: 1 GB of DDR1 standard today is more expensive than 4 GB of memory of the current DDR3 standard. The situation is more complicated with the possibility of purchasing a central processor: in stores, as a rule, you can only find modern models. Nevertheless, you can still find processors from previous years on the Internet and in markets, for example Core 2 Duo/Quad. Products of even more advanced age (meaning WLAN modules and single-core processors) will have to be purchased second-hand, but their price, as a rule, turns out to be quite affordable.
Replacing components of an old laptop
To work, you will need a Phillips screwdriver, thermal paste and some alcohol. The location of the components using the example of a Samsung P10 laptop is shown in the photograph. The simplest upgrade procedure is to replace RAM modules: unscrew the bottom cover of the laptop and remove the module from the slot, pressing the latches on both sides and sliding the component to the side opposite the slot. Installing a new memory module is quite simple: you need to insert it into the slot, press it against the laptop body and secure the latches.
If you bought a new hard drive or SSD drive, you should immediately purchase a separate case for it with a USB connector. Install the new drive into this case and connect it to the laptop. Using an imaging program such as Acronis True Image, Paragon Drive Copy, or any other data archiving program, transfer the contents of the old drive to the new one. After this, you can replace the drive and start the laptop with your operating system and a full package of installed programs.
Before you begin replacing the processor, you should update the BIOS to the latest firmware version, which is available for download on the manufacturer's website. Otherwise, if the motherboard cannot recognize the new CPU, the computer simply will not start. Don’t forget to buy another tube of thermal paste along with the processor (domestic, proven KPT-8). You can remove the processor itself by turning the fixing screw counterclockwise (see photo). Clean the layer of thermal conductive paste, removing any residue with alcohol or glass cleaner if necessary. Now you can install a new processor and, after applying new thermal paste to its surface, mount the cooler.
When replacing the WLAN module, you should check how many antennas are present in the old component of your laptop. One antenna allows communication with a data transfer rate of no more than 150 Mbit/s, two - 300 Mbit/s. To operate at 450 Mbps, you need the latest wireless module connected to three antennas. To replace the old module, remove the antenna plugs from it, press both holders outward, then pull the module up and carefully remove it. When inserting a new module, align it with the guides and connect the antennas. The Blu-ray drive easily replaces your laptop's old optical drive. To do this, unscrew the screws securing the drive at the bottom of the housing and remove it. There is a holder at the back of the drive that must be removed from the old component and screwed onto the new one. In most cases, by first pulling out the tray, you can detach the front panel from the old optical device and move it to the new drive. Then slide it into place, tighten the screws, and you're done.
Installing RAM
Small RAM slots. RAM modules for laptops have the SO-DIMM form factor - they are half the size of conventional modules for desktop PCs.
The procedure for replacing modules: to remove the old memory module, you must press the latches on both sides. The new one must be inserted into the slot and pressed until it clicks.
Installing a Hard Drive
Recommended capacity up to 750 GB or fast SSD as an alternative.
Extraction. When the bottom cover is open, unscrew the screws securing the hard drive chassis and disconnect the cable (most often, a plastic clip is used to secure the cable, which must be lifted up).
Install the new drive in the chassis of the old one and mount it in the old location.
CPU replacement
The processor is secured with a screw. The CPU in a laptop is mounted differently than the same component in a desktop computer. Here, to dismantle it, you will need to unscrew a special screw.
Replacing thermal paste. It is necessary to evenly distribute a thin layer of thermal paste over the entire surface of the chip for better heat transfer between the processor and the radiator of its cooler.
Replacing an old Wi-Fi module with a WLAN
WLAN module. A Mini PCI Express expansion card with an 802.11n WLAN module can have three connectors for connecting antennas (on the left).
Installing a Wi-Fi module. Like the RAM stick, the WLAN module must first be inserted into the guides and then a downward force must be applied.
Blu-ray drive
Removing the old DVD drive. After unscrewing the fastening screw, the optical drive is easily removed from the laptop case.
You need to install the holder and front panel on the new drive before you begin mounting the DVD or Blu-Ray drive into the mobile computer case.
Program for automatic software updates
For such cases, there is a special program for automatically searching for the latest updates for programs known to it (more than 150 and growing).
Everything works very simply: the programs installed on Windows 7/8/10 are read and checked against their own database. Then FullUpdate checks the latest versions on official websites and divides programs into two groups:
Current: nothing new found, just shows the current version
Updates: those programs for which there is an update
To update all installed applications, click the “Install” button. By default, all applications are selected. If you need to update only one program, then click off the rest with the mouse, leaving only that one. Or you can go to the official websites and download the installer yourself, if it makes you feel better.
The update process is as follows: the utility downloads the distribution and launches the installation wizard in the same way as if you had done it yourself. That is, no invisible settings. In general, watch the video:
How to upgrade your computer to Windows 11 for free
We need to upgrade to Windows 11 without TPM, Secure Boot, compatible processor or other hardware. This is a doable operation.
To update your system to Windows 11, the following conditions must be met:
- A licensed 64-bit version of Windows is installed on the computer
- The Windows 10 OS version must be 2004 or later.
- Availability of 9 GB of free hard disk space.
- Internet connection.
Please note that installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware is at your own risk.
The upgrade process to Windows 11 takes place in three stages:
- Download the Windows 11 ISO image to your computer from the official Microsoft website.
- ISO image modification.
- Installing Windows 11 using the Upgrade method on top of Windows
Library for installing new programs
FullUpdate can also install any of those programs that it can check for updates. Just select any one from the Library tab. Today there are more than 150 of them.
If you click on the gear, you can enable checking for beta versions and updates for paid programs that you have installed. Beta - this means a version with new functions, but not yet fully debugged, but it works
