Microsoft has removed official workarounds for installing Windows 11 on unsupported older PCs, updating its online support articles, which once provided methods to bypass stringent hardware requirements. This change follows the release of Windows 11 24H2, a problematic update affecting users on both old and new hardware.
Microsoft removes workarounds for installing Windows 11 on older PCs
Initially, when Windows 11 launched in 2021, Microsoft allowed an official workaround for devices that did not meet the required specifications. However, four years later, the company has shifted focus towards urging users to buy newer computers instead of utilizing old ones. The updated support article omits previous methods, with users only able to reference the workaround through archived snapshots on Internet Archive‘s Wayback Machine.
Microsoft has emphasized that the system requirements for Windows 11, which include Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and newer CPU specifications, are essential for future security. Additionally, several third-party utilities, like Rufus and Ventoy, have gained traction by facilitating OS installations on non-compliant hardware, particularly in enterprise environments.
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With Windows 10’s support ending on October 14, 2025, Microsoft is directing users to upgrade by buying new PCs, particularly those equipped with AI features. Though some users can extend Windows 10 support, many face a dilemma as Microsoft anticipates a market influx from the Windows 10 upgrade cycle. About 800 million Microsoft users find themselves in two categories: those who can and will upgrade, and those who cannot due to hardware limitations.
Recently, reports indicated that Microsoft quietly deleted a support document that discussed bypassing Windows 11’s CPU and TPM requirements, further confirming the company’s stance against unofficial upgrades. As part of the message, Microsoft urges users to ensure their devices meet the necessary specifications before installing Windows 11, discouraging attempts on incompatible machines due to potential risks and loss of support for hardware and software.
The previous registry method that allowed users to bypass TPM checks remains functional but is no longer officially supported or detailed by Microsoft. Users attempting this method were warned of the serious consequences of incorrect registry modifications.
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