Microsoft has taken a significant step by allowing users to install Windows 11 on hardware that does not meet the official requirements. However, the tech giant has issued a cautionary note regarding potential instabilities associated with such installations. Users should be aware that this approach does not come with guarantees of official support, updates, or compatibility.
Understanding the New Guidelines
Just a week prior, Microsoft had emphasized the necessity of TPM 2.0 as a mandatory requirement for Windows 11 in a blog post. In light of this recent development, the company has provided a new guide that outlines the process for installing the operating system on unsupported devices. This guide also includes instructions for rolling back the upgrade should users encounter unexpected issues.
While many are already familiar with the fact that Windows 11’s TPM requirements can be bypassed with a straightforward registry modification, Microsoft has now confirmed that the operating system can indeed be installed on devices that do not meet these criteria. Nevertheless, users are advised to brace themselves for potential compatibility challenges.
To determine if your PC is suitable for Windows 11, the PC Health Check app serves as a helpful tool for assessing eligibility. As Windows 10 approaches its end of life in October 2025, it is noteworthy that approximately 61.82% of Windows users are still operating on this version. Encouraging users to upgrade their hardware may not be a feasible solution, especially considering that many of these systems are utilized in schools, offices, and budget-conscious environments.
Microsoft’s approach acknowledges the reality that not all users will adhere to the stipulated requirements, even if they are justified. When installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, users will encounter a disclaimer that effectively voids their warranty in the event of compatibility issues. Furthermore, they will not receive updates, including crucial security patches, leaving them vulnerable.
To further inform users of their hardware’s incompatibility, a watermark will appear on the desktop, accompanied by a notification in the Settings panel. Thus, while Microsoft has made it possible for Windows 11 to run on older machines, the company is actively discouraging this practice.
For those who have already transitioned to Windows 11 and wish to revert, Microsoft permits a rollback to Windows 10 within 10 days of the upgrade. Importantly, support for Windows 10 will continue, provided users are willing to pay an annual fee of to Microsoft.
Ultimately, the most prudent course of action may be to upgrade your system or consider installing a TPM chip on your existing motherboard to save costs. Alternatively, users can opt to use Windows 11 at their own risk or explore the open-source realm of Linux by following a dual-booting guide for Ubuntu.
