My PC won’t let me install Windows 11… anyone know what’s going on?

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Just built a new PC with all new parts. Decided to transfer my old SSD with Windows 10 and all my files onto the new system. Ever since, I’ve had constant issues, especially when trying to install drivers.

The SSD is about 7 years old, so I’m thinking maybe it’s the problem or there’s a virus. Tried a factory reset, but it failed and just restored everything back, even though I have enough space on my C drive.

So now I’m trying to install Windows 11 on my new SSD (the D drive) to clear the C drive after. I used a USB with the install media and got to the screen to choose the drive, but it says the D drive needs to be in GPT format, not MBR. After I figured that out, it still wouldn’t let me install, saying my PC doesn’t meet the requirements, but it did before. I even tried a program called WhyNotWin11, and it says my system is ready.

EDIT: Switched a BIOS setting from CSM to UEFI, which seems to have helped a bit. Not sure why it was on CSM to start with.

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Changing BIOS settings or disk setups can sometimes cause data loss. Always make sure your data is backed up first.

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Did you delete all the partitions on the D drive during the install? When you’re choosing the install location, it should just show “disk X unallocated space.” The installer will then make a GPT table as it installs.

To check compatibility, try turning on secure boot and CPU virtualization in BIOS.

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@CynthiaPhillips
There was one blank partition on D, and I deleted it while I was in that setup screen. This was before switching to GPT, though, so I haven’t been back since then. I get to the screen where I pick the Windows 11 version, and that’s where I get the error.

I’ll try turning on secure mode like you suggested, thanks!

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Here’s an idea… make a bootable USB with Microsoft’s Windows 11 Media Creation Tool.

Remove your old C drive for now and put it aside.

Move the D drive to where the C drive was, and then boot from the USB. Delete all partitions on the D drive before trying to install. Does it show up as an available option?

If yes, go ahead with the install.

If no, there might be a driver issue (like RAID, network, or video). Download and install any needed drivers at this stage if prompted.

Still no luck? Double-check your BIOS settings like Secure Boot and TPM… they might be blocking it.