Windows 11 has raised the bar for minimum system requirements compared to its predecessor, Windows 10. This has led to many users encountering the error message “This PC can’t run Windows 11 – This PC doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements to install this version of Windows” when trying to install it on a virtual machine (VM) using VirtualBox or other VM software such as VMware. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deeper into the issue and provide an effective solution to bypass the requirement check.
Also see: We couldn’t install Windows 11: Safe_OS with boot operation
This error occurs right after the “Select the operating system you want to install” screen, for example, when you select Windows 11 Pro and clicks Next. If the PC doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, the error will pop up, preventing you from proceeding with the installation.
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Understanding Windows 11 minimum system requirements
Before we proceed with the solution, it’s essential to understand the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. These requirements ensure that your system can run the new OS smoothly and securely. The minimum system requirements include:
- A compatible 64-bit processor with at least 1 GHz clock speed and 2 or more cores
- 4 GB of RAM or more
- 64 GB of storage or more
- DirectX 12 compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver
- A display with at least 720p resolution and 9″ or larger diagonal screen size
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability
- TPM version 2.0
While these requirements may seem demanding, they serve to provide an optimal user experience with Windows 11. However, they can cause problems when trying to install the OS on a virtual machine using software like VirtualBox or VMware.
Recommended guide: How to Install Windows 11/10 with Digital License from USB
Bypassing the requirement check
The solution we provide in this guide allows you to bypass the minimum system requirements check by creating registry values in the Windows Registry Editor. This method is particularly useful for testing and evaluation purposes. However, it is essential to note that using this method may result in a suboptimal experience, and it may not be suitable for production environments.
Follow the steps below to bypass the system requirements check:
Step 1: Access the Command Prompt on the Windows installation screen
When you encounter the error message, press Win + X on your keyboard. This key combination will open the command prompt, allowing you to access the Registry Editor.
Step 2: Open the Registry Editor
In the command prompt, type regedit and press Enter. The Registry Editor will open, allowing you to modify the registry values.
Step 3: Navigate to the Setup key
Using the left pane of the Registry Editor, navigate to the following location:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup
Step 4: Create the LabConfig key
Right-click the Setup key in the left pane and select New > Key. Name this new key LabConfig.
Step 5: Create the BypassCPUCheck DWORD value
Select the LabConfig key you just created. In the right pane, right-click and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name this new value BypassCPUCheck. Double-click the newly created value, set its value data to 1, and click OK.
Step 6: Create additional bypass values
Following the same process as in Step 5, create the following DWORD (32-bit) Values:
BypassRAMCheckBypassSecureBootCheckBypassTPMCheck
For each value, set the value data to 1 and click OK.
Step 7: Close the Registry Editor and Command Prompt
After creating all the necessary values, close the Registry Editor and the command prompt by clicking the X in the top right corner of each window.
You can now proceed with the Windows 11 installation without encountering the error message. The registry values you created will bypass the system requirements check, allowing you to install Windows 11 on your VM via VirtualBox or other VM software.
Related resource: How to Open VMDK File in Windows 11
Potential risks and limitations
While the method described above can help bypass the minimum system requirements check for Windows 11, it is crucial to understand the potential risks and limitations associated with this approach:
- Performance Issues: Bypassing the minimum system requirements may lead to performance issues when running Windows 11 on your VM. The OS may run slower or encounter problems when using specific features or applications.
- Security Vulnerabilities: Some of the minimum system requirements, such as TPM and Secure Boot, are designed to enhance security. Bypassing these checks may expose your VM to potential security risks.
- Limited Support: As this method is not officially supported by Microsoft, you may not receive assistance or updates if you encounter issues while running Windows 11 on your VM.
Please consider these risks and limitations before deciding to bypass the minimum system requirements for Windows 11.
Linked issue: This host supports Intel VT-x, but Intel VT-x is disabled
Summary
Windows 11 has introduced higher minimum system requirements to ensure an optimal user experience. However, these requirements can cause issues for users who wish to install the OS on a virtual machine using VM software such as VirtualBox or VMware. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can bypass the system requirements check and install Windows 11 on your VM. Remember that this method is intended for testing and evaluation purposes and may result in a suboptimal experience or potential security risks. Always consider the potential risks and limitations before proceeding with this approach.
