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How can I update older models to Windows 11?

Overview table

The following link shows which models we offer full or limited support for Windows 11:

The table lists models from 2019 to 2021 individually. Models from 2022 onward are fully supported, while those from before 2019 are only supported to a limited extent. For models between 2019 and 2021, some models are fully supported, some only limited (see table).

The table specifies the following levels of support:

Support level Description
Official support (✔) These models meet all requirements for Windows 11 and are officially supported by us. This applies to all models from early 2022 onward and some individual models from before 2022.
Limited support Many older models from around 2014 onward can in principle run Windows 11 but are no longer fully supported by us. These devices usually meet the technical requirements (UEFI, TPM support, DirectX 12-compatible GPU, etc.), but current Windows 11 drivers may not be available for all components. Nevertheless, these laptops are generally usable, with only minor limitations.
Models older than 2014 Support is further limited for very old laptops (pre-2014). The TPM module required for Windows 11 may be missing, as it only became common from 2014 onward. Such devices can still install Windows 11 using workarounds. Driver coverage will also be limited, but operation is usually possible with restrictions.

Hardware requirements for older laptops

Windows 11 places higher demands on hardware than Windows 10 and earlier versions. The following points are particularly important:

TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot

Microsoft requires an active Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (for secure key management) and UEFI with Secure Boot functionality for Windows 11.

All XMG and SCHENKER laptops with Intel Core 8th Gen (2017/2018) or newer, as well as all models with AMD Ryzen CPUs, generally have these core features.

Older models (before around 2014) may only have TPM 1.2 or no TPM at all.

Workaround: If TPM 2.0 is missing, installation is still possible by bypassing the system check. For example, the tool Rufus can disable such checks with just a few clicks when creating the installation media.

Please note that although we provide a link, we cannot offer direct support for this third-party tool. Further information can be found in this article from Tom’s Hardware: How to Bypass Windows 11's TPM, CPU and RAM Requirements.

Processor generation

Officially, Microsoft only supports newer CPU generations (roughly Intel Core 8th Gen / AMD Ryzen 2000 and later) for Windows 11. Older processors can usually run Windows 11 technically, but during installation or upgrading, a warning may appear stating that the CPU is not on the compatibility list. This warning can also be bypassed using the method mentioned above (via TPM check bypass).

Touchpad support

Modern laptops use Windows Precision Touchpads, which work seamlessly with Windows 11 gestures. Older devices (roughly before 2016) often have classic touchpad drivers (Synaptics/ELAN).

A missing Precision Touchpad is not an obstacle to installing Windows 11, but whether the manufacturer-specific driver can still be installed may depend on the individual case. Without that driver, multi-touch gestures may no longer work.

Driver availability

For many components of older laptops, there are no longer any explicit Windows 11 drivers from the manufacturer. However, Windows 11 itself includes a broad driver base and obtains some missing drivers via Windows Update.

Our tests show that the core components (CPU, GPU, chipset, network) are automatically supplied with drivers. However, special functions may cause problems, such as older hotkey applications or Control Center tools that are no longer fully compatible with Windows 11.

Critical devices such as graphics, sound, and LAN/Wi-Fi generally work, either with Windows 10 drivers or through Windows Update, although there may occasionally be exceptions.

Possible workaround for incompatible drivers

For certain older drivers, it can help to disable the new “Memory Integrity” security feature introduced in Windows 11 under Windows settings before the driver can be installed or function properly. See the Microsoft support article linked below.

Hardware requirements only optional?

In mid-2025, there were reports that Microsoft was displaying Windows 11 upgrade offers even on systems that did not actually meet all hardware requirements, including devices with TPM 2.0 disabled.

The assumption is that Microsoft is increasingly pushing the migration to Windows 11. Therefore, if your system theoretically does not meet the necessary hardware requirements (for example, lacks TPM, i.e. is older than 2014), it may be worth first trying installation with the official Windows installation media (see instructions below) before applying any bypass methods.

Note on Secure Boot and certificates expiring in 2026

Since 2024, Microsoft has been updating the so-called Secure Boot Keys – certificates used to verify that only trusted firmware and boot loaders run during startup. This is due to the upcoming expiration of old Microsoft certificates from 2011, which will expire in June and October 2026.

Microsoft automatically distributes a firmware database update (“Secure Boot DB Update” with “Windows UEFI CA 2023”) via Windows Update, which permanently writes the new certificates into the system firmware.

However, this automatic distribution only occurs under Windows 11. Users running older versions of Windows must install the update manually before reinstalling Windows 11.

Troubleshooting

If a system does not start after installation or error messages about the Secure Boot status appear, there are two simple solutions:

  • Recommended: Install the new Secure Boot certificate according to Microsoft’s official instructions (see linked article).
  • Alternative: Temporarily disable Secure Boot in the BIOS/UEFI before installing or updating Windows.

To restore Secure Boot functionality, the new certificates must be installed.

Official instructions

Microsoft provides instructions here:

There is also a more detailed article aimed at developers and system administrators:

Unofficial instructions

Additional unofficial instructions can be found here:

These instructions are more concise and follow the same steps as the official Microsoft guide. Start with the section “Installing the new certificate” and skip or ignore the second method (“To install it from the BIOS menu”).

Tips for reinstallation or upgrade

Before installing Windows 11 on older laptops, we recommend the following preparations and steps to prevent problems:

  • Data backup: Create a backup of your important files before making any changes. Copy all personal data to an external drive. If BitLocker (drive encryption) is enabled on your laptop, be sure to note down the recovery key. This ensures you do not lose access if something goes wrong during the upgrade.
  • BIOS update: Update your laptop’s BIOS/UEFI (including EC firmware) to the latest version before installing Windows 11. Download the latest firmware for your model from our download portal and perform the update according to the linked instructions.
  • Cleaning: Use the opportunity to prepare your hardware by cleaning fans and cooling modules from dust, ensuring the system does not overheat under Windows 11. See the instructions linked below.
  • RAM upgrade: If possible, consider upgrading RAM or SSD. 8 GB RAM is the practical minimum for Windows 11; for smooth operation with several open applications and tabs, 16 GB or more is recommended.
  • Clean install instead of upgrade: Create a Windows 11 installation stick (e.g. using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool or Rufus) and perform a clean reinstallation. The chance of achieving a stable system is much higher than with a direct upgrade from Windows 10.
  • Manual driver installation: After installation, manually install all drivers provided for your model in our download portal. Ideally, download all drivers in advance on your old system or a second PC.

License key

Licence keys from systems that were sold with Windows 10 are generally also valid for Windows 11. This does not seem to apply to licence keys for Windows 7 or Windows 8.

How the licence key is stored depends on when the laptop was purchased. Over the years, different methods have been used: the key may either be permanently stored in the BIOS or provided separately to the customer in text form. For devices with the licence key stored in the BIOS, no product key is requested during a Windows reinstallation.

If a prompt for a licence key or an activation message appears during the installation or use of Windows 11 and it is unclear where the key is stored, our customer support team will be happy to assist.

Conclusion

We would like to point out that we cannot guarantee 100% perfect Windows 11 support for older models. Every laptop is different, and the older the device, the more likely it is that certain drivers may be missing or minor incompatibilities may appear.

Nevertheless, many older XMG and SCHENKER laptops can successfully be updated to Windows 11, even if they are no longer officially supported. With some preparation and the guidance above, you can ensure that the transition proceeds as smoothly as possible.

Link collection

Related FAQ articles:

Microsoft links:

Magazines and guides:

About Secure Boot and certificates: