Microsoft’s recent move to allow Windows 11 to be installed on unsupported PCs marks a significant shift in its approach to hardware requirements. In order to ensure performance, reliability and security, Microsoft initially set strict hardware criteria, including the need for a TPM 2.0 chip and specific processor models, but the company now provided official instructions on installing Windows 11 on devices that don’t meet the minimum requirements.
However, Microsoft points out that devices that don’t meet the official minimum requirements will no longer be supported and will not receive critical updates and users will need to manually install updates. Also installing Windows 11 on unsupported devices is not recommended for long-term use, as this may encounter performance glitches, reduced stability or compatibility problems with applications and hardware. According to Microsoft, these devices are excluded from company’s assurance of updates, increasing exposure to cyber threats. Microsoft will also display a desktop watermark that will remind users of the system’s unsupported status.
Users can go to the PC Health Check app to check if their Windows 10 PC meets the minimum system requirements in order to install Windows 11. Also, if users encounter any issues with the update or just do not like the update, they can revert their system to Windows 10, by heading to Recovery options, which is only available for 10 days after upgrading.
For users who are comfortable with the risks and technical challenges, this provides a way for exploring Windows 11’s modern features. However, for those relying on system security and stability, sticking with Windows 10 or considering hardware upgrades might be a safer option.
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