How to Fix “Windows 11 Setup Could Not Configure to Run on Computer Hardware” Error Step-by-Step

Encountering the “Windows 11 Setup Could Not Configure to Run on Computer Hardware” error can be frustrating during installation. This error usually happens because of compatibility issues or incorrect hardware settings.

Don’t worry, fixing this problem is possible by following a few simple steps. This guide will walk you through each step carefully and clearly.

Whether you are upgrading or installing Windows 11 fresh, these instructions will help you proceed without confusion.

Let’s get started and solve this error together.

Quick Note: What to Check Before You Begin

Check System Requirements: Ensure your PC meets Windows 11 minimum requirements like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and supported CPU.
Backup Important Data: Always save your important files before making system changes or installations.
Use Official Windows Media: Download Windows 11 installation media from Microsoft’s official website to avoid corrupted files.
Stable Power Source: Connect your PC to a reliable power source to prevent interruptions during setup.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer and Try Again

Sometimes, a simple restart can clear temporary glitches that cause setup errors. Restart your PC and start the Windows 11 setup once more.

This step is important because temporary files or processes might interfere with the installation.

Step 2: Disable Secure Boot Temporarily

Secure Boot is a security feature that sometimes blocks Windows 11 installation on certain hardware configurations.

To disable Secure Boot:

Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI settings. This usually involves pressing F2, Del, or Esc key immediately after powering on.
Navigate to the Security or Boot tab.
Find the Secure Boot option and set it to Disabled.
Save changes and exit BIOS/UEFI.

Disabling Secure Boot helps avoid conflicts during setup. Remember to re-enable it after installation for security.

Step 3: Enable TPM 2.0 in BIOS

Windows 11 requires TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 for enhanced security.

To enable TPM 2.0:

Enter BIOS/UEFI settings as described above.
Look for an option named TPM, PTT (Intel Platform Trust Technology), or fTPM (Firmware TPM).
Set TPM to Enabled.
Save and exit BIOS/UEFI.

Enabling TPM ensures your hardware is compatible with Windows 11 security requirements, which may resolve the setup error.

Step 4: Use Diskpart to Clean the Drive

Sometimes the error is caused by improper disk partitioning or leftover files on the drive.

Follow these steps to clean the disk before reinstalling Windows 11:

Boot from your Windows 11 installation USB.
When you reach the setup screen, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
Type diskpart and press Enter.
Type list disk and press Enter to see all drives.
Identify the drive where you want to install Windows (usually the largest one).
Type select disk X (replace X with your disk number) and press Enter.
Type clean and press Enter. This will erase all data on the selected drive.
Type exit to close Diskpart and then close Command Prompt.
Continue with Windows 11 installation.

This method ensures a clean installation environment, removing any conflicting files or partitions.

Step 5: Check for BIOS/UEFI Firmware Updates

Outdated BIOS/UEFI firmware can cause hardware compatibility issues with Windows 11.

To update firmware:

Visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s official website.
Find the latest BIOS/UEFI update for your model.
Follow the provided instructions carefully to update your firmware.

Updating BIOS can improve hardware support and fix installation errors.

Alternative Method: Use Windows Update Assistant or Media Creation Tool

If the error persists, try upgrading to Windows 11 using the official Windows Update Assistant or the Media Creation Tool. These tools handle hardware checks automatically and might bypass the error.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does the error “Windows 11 Setup Could Not Configure to Run on Computer Hardware” occur?

This error usually happens because your PC hardware does not meet Windows 11 requirements or because BIOS settings like Secure Boot or TPM are disabled.

Can I ignore the TPM requirement and still install Windows 11?

Officially, TPM 2.0 is required for Windows 11 installation. Bypassing this may cause instability and security risks, so it is not recommended.

How do I check if Secure Boot is enabled?

You can check Secure Boot status in your BIOS/UEFI settings or by running msinfo32 in Windows and looking for Secure Boot State.

Will disabling Secure Boot harm my computer?

Disabling Secure Boot temporarily for installation is safe. Just remember to enable it again afterwards to maintain system security.

What if my PC doesn’t support TPM 2.0?

If your hardware does not support TPM 2.0, upgrading to Windows 11 officially is not possible. You can continue using Windows 10 or consider hardware upgrades.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above steps fix the problem, try these options:

Contact Manufacturer Support: Reach out to your PC or motherboard manufacturer for help with BIOS updates or hardware compatibility.
Visit Microsoft Support: Use the official Microsoft Support for advanced troubleshooting.
Consider Windows 10: If hardware limitations persist, Windows 10 remains supported and stable.
Check Forums: Communities like Microsoft Answers or Reddit often have user-shared solutions for specific hardware models.

Conclusion

The “Windows 11 Setup Could Not Configure to Run on Computer Hardware” error is usually caused by BIOS settings or hardware compatibility issues. By restarting your PC, disabling Secure Boot temporarily, enabling TPM 2.0, cleaning the installation disk, and updating BIOS firmware, you can often resolve this problem.

Always check your hardware against Windows 11 requirements before installation. If you still face issues, using official Microsoft tools or contacting support are good next steps.

With patience and careful steps, you can complete your Windows 11 installation successfully.