Windows 11 Upgrade Instructions

NOTE: These instructions are for trained technicians only. Use at your own risk. Graceway and its missionary team accept no liability for unintended consequences associate with this process or any other advise offered.

Start with a fresh reboot and disable any VPN that may be in use.

Copy System>About into ChatGPT Checker to assess computer component/hardware compatibility

ALTERNATELY: Download and run PC Health Check app to assess computer readiness. Failure for CPU or Firmware can be overcome by the procedures below.

Here are the minimum system requirements (RAM, HD, Processor, etc…)

Here is a tutorial on using Windows 11 you can offer your customers.

Here is a tool that simplifies/automates installation of Windows 11

ALTERNATELY: Below are the manual steps Microsoft documents as an official workaround for bypassing TPM/Secure Boot checks:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit.

2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup

3. Right-click or choose "+", choose New → DWORD (32-bit), name it: AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU

4. Choose Edit and set its value to 1.

5. Reboot

6. Back up your PC (important in case install fails).

7. Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft’s official site (choose “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)”). THIS LINK MUST BE OPENED FROM A STANDARD (not incognito) TAB.

8. Open downloaded file and run setup.exe 

9. Choose “Keep personal files and apps” to do an in-place upgrade.

10. Let the installer run; system will reboot several times - This can take a few hours!

11. After final reboot, welcome to Windows 11!

12. You may need to update a number of other programs (printer drivers, intel file, but it may all be done automatically.

Firmware level Requirements

What is TPM and other “firmware” level requirements?

1. TPM 2.0 (or AMD fTPM)

• Think of it as a lockbox built into your computer.

• It securely stores encryption keys, login details, and checks system integrity.

• Windows 11 uses it to ensure the system hasn’t been tampered with (like by malware at startup).

2. Secure Boot

• This is like a bouncer at the door.

• It only lets in operating systems and drivers that are trusted and signed.

• Prevents malicious software (like rootkits) from loading before Windows even starts.

3. UEFI with GPT partition layout

• UEFI is the modern replacement for old BIOS—faster, more secure, and able to handle large drives.

• GPT is the modern way to organize your hard drive, allowing more partitions and better error recovery.

• Together, they enable features like Secure Boot and faster booting, which Windows 11 depends on.

👉 In short:

• TPM = security safe

• Secure Boot = trusted startup guard

• UEFI + GPT = modern foundation for the other two

WINDOWS 11 Upgrade - ADVANCED

There are alternate methods to enable firmware level settings (if the computer supports them) rather than by pass the requirement. This is the preferred method for making the machine truly Windows 11 compatible.

Step 1: Confirm the Issue

Windows 11 requires three key firmware-level features:

• TPM 2.0 (or AMD fTPM)

• Secure Boot

• UEFI with GPT partition layout (not Legacy BIOS/MBR mode)
  If any are disabled, the installer will block the upgrade.(TECHCOMMUNITY.MICROSOFT.COM, Reddit)

Step 2: Verify Your System’s Current State

1. Press Win + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.

2. Look for:

   • BIOS Mode: should be UEFI

   • Secure Boot State: should appear as On

3. Press Win + R, enter tpm.msc, and verify if TPM 2.0 is active.

If any are missing or disabled, you'll need to correct that before proceeding.

Step 3: Convert Disk from MBR to GPT (if needed)

If your BIOS Mode is Legacy or your disk partition is MBR, you'll need to convert:

• Back up your important files first.

• Open an elevated Command Prompt and run:

  mbr2gpt /validate /allowFullOS
  mbr2gpt /convert /allowFullOS
  

This safely converts your system drive to GPT without data loss.(Reddit)

Step 4: Enable UEFI, TPM, and Secure Boot in BIOS

1. Reboot and enter BIOS setup (usually by pressing Delete or F2 during startup).

2. Navigate to firmware settings:

   • Switch Boot Mode from Legacy/CSM to UEFI.

   • Enable TPM—look for AMD fTPM or PTT under a security section.

   • Enable Secure Boot under Boot or Security settings.

3. Save your changes and restart.

Step 5: Update Your NZXT BIOS (if needed)

An outdated BIOS can impede upgrade success. Here’s how to update it safely:

1. Within NZXT CAM, check your motherboard model and current BIOS version.(NZXT Support)

2. Visit the NZXT support website and download the latest BIOS update (e.g., version 3.60 for the N7 B550) onto a FAT32-formatted USB drive.(NZXT Support)

3. Reboot into BIOS and use the Instant Flash tool under the Tool menu to install the update.(NZXT Support)

4. After update, load UEFI defaults (usually found under “Exit” or “Load UEFI BIOS Defaults”).

Step 6: Final Checks & Upgrade

Once BIOS is updated and UEFI/TPM/Secure Boot are enabled:

• Confirm again via msinfo32 and tpm.msc that all settings are active.

• Ensure you have at least 20–30 GB free on your C: drive.

• Optionally, perform a clean boot (disabling non-essential services and startup apps).

• Run the PC Health Check App to confirm compatibility.(TECHCOMMUNITY.MICROSOFT.COM)

• Try upgrading using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or Media Creation Tool.(TECHCOMMUNITY.MICROSOFT.COM)