Microsoft Reverses Course, Permits Windows 11 Installation on Unsupported Devices
Microsoft has reversed its stance on installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. The tech giant will now allow users with older PCs to install the latest operating system, a decision that potentially benefits millions of users. However, the company emphasized that this change does not mean their support policies have changed.
Microsoft Recommended Requirements Remain Unchanged
While users will now be able to download and install Windows 11 on machines that don’t meet the official system requirements, Microsoft warns these devices may lack "full compatibility." The company stresses that devices that do not meet minimum requirements will receive no official support and will not receive critical security updates. Users who choose to install Windows 11 on unsupported Hardware will do so at their own risk.
Many users had previously expressed frustration at Microsoft’s strict system requirements for Windows 11, lamenting the need for a TPM 2.0 chip and newer processors, effectively excluding a vast number of older devices. Some opted to bypass these limitations through registry hacks, prompting concerns from Microsoft regarding system stability and security vulnerabilities.
The shift signals a change in strategy, potentially driven by feedback from users and the continued demand for Windows 11. Microsoft understands many users prefer to stick with their existing PCs rather than upgrading hardware.
For users of unsupported hardware
Microsoft advises that “Windows 11 on devices that don’t meet minimum system requirements may not function as expected.”
"This update to Windows 11 installation requirements underscores Microsoft’s commitment to offering customers flexibility," a spokesperson for Microsoft stated.
The company elaborated on this flexibility, noting this move "empowers users to make informed decisions about their preferred operating system."
