Poodlefake hardware to Run W11 on MBR only computer


  1. Posts : 11,247
    Windows / Linux : Arch Linux
       #1

    Poodlefake hardware to Run W11 on MBR only computer


    Hi there
    For people who want to run W11 and don't have the required hardware you can get round the problem by running W11 as a Virtual Machine. You'll probably need to run it on a Linux HOST although I believe HYPER-V can also be played with to "poodlefake" hardware requirements.

    I did it on an old SONY VAIO MBR only laptop --around 7 years old - doesn't even have USB3 support - only USB2 ports.

    Anyway

    W11 VM on Old MBR only computer - Working properly with sec boot and TPM emulator | Windows 11 Forum

    If you try it -- have fun. Linux as a host using KVM can be very small so not much OS overhead and the VM can perform nearly as well as Native running. !!!

    I'd be interested also if a TPM emulator can be made to work in HYPER-V. I imagine the UEFI and Sec boot isn't a problem for a VM whatever the VM software used is. I'm not sure if "Poodlefaking" the topography of the Virtual CPU is possible though on HYPER-V. Still W11 should still install. Latest W11 version is currently Windows 11 at 168.

    Cheers
    jimbo
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 240
    Dual Boot Windows 11 & 10, usually latest version
       #2

    jimbo45 said:
    Hi there
    I'd be interested also if a TPM emulator can be made to work in HYPER-V. I imagine the UEFI and Sec boot isn't a problem for a VM whatever the VM software used is. I'm not sure if "Poodlefaking" the topography of the Virtual CPU is possible though on HYPER-V. Still W11 should still install. Latest W11 version is currently Windows 11 at 168.

    Cheers
    jimbo
    The answer is yes. Settings for each Windows VM has check boxes to enable TPM and Secure Boot. I think the VM must be created as a generation 2, but not positive about that. I ran Both Pro and Home W11 Vm's with TPM and Secure Boot enabled for several weeks on a host system booting MBR.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 11,247
    Windows / Linux : Arch Linux
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Garyw said:
    The answer is yes. Settings for each Windows VM has check boxes to enable TPM and Secure Boot. I think the VM must be created as a generation 2, but not positive about that. I ran Both Pro and Home W11 Vm's with TPM and Secure Boot enabled for several weeks on a host system booting MBR.
    Hi there
    can you also set the CPU model for the Virtual CPU on HYPER-V -- if it always goes for the "Real model" Windows 11 might in future refuse to install.

    On KVM HYPERVISOR you can manually set the CPU topography which is great so long as the Virtual BIOS can emulate the missing instruction set -- will be at a slight performance cost but shouldn't be much currently.

    Cheers
    jimbo
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 240
    Dual Boot Windows 11 & 10, usually latest version
       #4

    jimbo45 said:
    Hi there
    can you also set the CPU model for the Virtual CPU on HYPER-V jimbo
    Not sure how the CPU is done. You can specify memory size and # of cores. No setting for CPU. I'll try setting up a VM on a "illegal cpu" and let you know later.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 17,661
    Windows 10 Pro
       #5

    Garyw said:
    The answer is yes. Settings for each Windows VM has check boxes to enable TPM and Secure Boot. I think the VM must be created as a generation 2, but not positive about that. I ran Both Pro and Home W11 Vm's with TPM and Secure Boot enabled for several weeks on a host system booting MBR.
    I have multiple Hyper-V Windows 11 virtual machines running on Generation 1, MBR disk. Absolutely no issues yet. In addition, all my Generation 2 / GPT Windows virtual machines have secure boot and TPM disabled. Again, no issues whatsoever.

    Kari
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 240
    Dual Boot Windows 11 & 10, usually latest version
       #6

    Garyw said:
    Not sure how the CPU is done. You can specify memory size and # of cores. No setting for CPU. I'll try setting up a VM on a "illegal cpu" and let you know later.
    I just installed a new W11 Pro on my System 1 (listed in My Computers) which has an i5-7600 CPU. It installed with no warnings.
    Poodlefake hardware to Run W11 on MBR only computer-w11-asus.jpg
    Whynot W11 recognizes the incorrect CPU but W11 doesn't seem to mind. I couldn't find any warnings anywhere that the VM is non -compliant. I had this running for a couple of hours before I realized that the VM wasn't part of the insider program. I added it to the insider program and still no warnings.

    I have W11 VM that boots on a mbr setup and that one displays a warning that the system is not compatable:

    Poodlefake hardware to Run W11 on MBR only computer-non-complient-vm.jpg
    Last edited by Garyw; 05 Sep 2021 at 12:58. Reason: More thoughts...
      My Computers


 

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