By Nik Rawlinson

What you need: Flyby11

Time required: Two hours

Ever since Microsoft introduced strict technical restrictions for upgrading to Windows 11 in 2021, independent developers have been offering software that lets you bypass these rules. It means you’ve been able to install Windows 11 on computers that lack Microsoft’s specific requirements, such as Secure Boot and TPM 2.0.

One of the most effective programs for doing this is Rufus (www.snipca. com/51948), which has recently been updated to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 (see Colin Brooks’ tip, page 41). We explained how to use Rufus in Issue 693’s Cover Feature (‘Windows 10 is doomed’ – buy a back issue from www.snipca.com/52735).

While Rufus works well, bypassing technical requirements can be hit and miss. If it doesn’t work for you, it’s always worth trying another program, such as the new Flyby11. This works by using the installation setup designed for Windows Server, which is what businesses and organisations use to run Windows 11 across a network of computers. It still produces the full version of Windows 11 at the end of the process.

Flyby11’s method is clever because before installation Windows Server doesn’t check whether a computer has the technical specifications for running Windows 11. You can install Windows Server yourself, but Flyby11 streamlines the process to make it easier.

Bear in mind that bypassing Microsoft’s requirements is risky, and should only be attempted as a last resort on a computer that you know can't upgrade to Windows 11 any other way. It won’t work as smoothly as a computer built to handle Windows 11, and there’s always a chance that the developers behind Flyby11 or Rufus could stop updating their tools, which means you’ll miss out on new tools and security updates released by Microsoft.