compatibility checks Archives

Winsage

June 28, 2025

Windows 10 is almost dead, but Flyby11 can help your old PC upgrade to Windows 11

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life status by the end of 2025, leaving users vulnerable to cyber threats unless they upgrade. Flyby11 is a tool that enables users to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 by bypassing Microsoft's system requirements, allowing installation without checks for TPM 2.0 or specific CPU models. It can also patch USB installation drives for clean installs on unsupported PCs. However, it requires the POPCNT instruction, which has been standard in processors since around 2010; if a PC lacks this feature, Windows 11 will not boot. While Flyby11 offers a way to receive security updates, it may lead to instability and performance issues, particularly on older hardware. Exploring Linux distributions is suggested as an alternative for users with aging PCs, as they are optimized for older hardware and provide long-term support.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Can’t upgrade your Windows 10 PC? Here are your options before it all ends in 3 months

The official end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025, as per Microsoft's Modern Lifecycle Policy. The final version, 22H2, will receive security updates until that date, after which users will not have technical support or security fixes. Users can choose to continue using Windows 10 without upgrades, buy a new PC that meets Windows 11 requirements, switch to a Linux distribution or ChromeOS Flex, pay Microsoft for Extended Security Updates (ESUs), or upgrade incompatible hardware to Windows 11 using documented methods. Microsoft will offer ESUs for Windows 10 at a cost, with reduced rates for educational institutions and higher prices for business customers. Individual consumers can subscribe for continued security updates until October 2026.

Winsage

June 15, 2025

Windows 11 upgrade workarounds might not be safe

Microsoft will cease providing security updates, bug fixes, and technical support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users can consider several options: 1. Upgrade to Windows 11 if their PCs meet compatibility criteria. 2. Replace their computer with a new one that comes pre-installed with Windows 11. 3. Use an unofficial workaround to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, though this carries risks. 4. Pay for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) after the deadline, primarily aimed at business customers.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Data Doctors: How to work safely in a Windows 10 environment when security updates stop

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ceasing all security updates, bug fixes, and technical support. Users have several options for transitioning to Windows 11: 1. Upgrade to Windows 11 if the PC meets compatibility criteria (TPM 2.0 chip and newer processor). 2. Replace the computer with a new one that comes pre-installed with Windows 11. 3. Use an unofficial workaround to install Windows 11 on noncompliant systems, which carries risks such as lack of future updates and system instability. 4. Pay for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) after the deadline, primarily for business customers but potentially available for individuals. Running an unsupported operating system after 2025 is not advisable.

Winsage

May 9, 2025

How to upgrade your ‘incompatible’ Windows 10 PC to Windows 11

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 unless users enroll in the Extended Security Updates program. Upgrading to Windows 11 may be difficult for PCs older than five or six years due to strict compatibility requirements, including a CPU on the approved list and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Users may encounter error messages if their hardware does not meet these criteria. There are workarounds for some users, particularly those with PCs designed for Windows 10, but older devices, especially with AMD processors, may face significant challenges. To upgrade, users must ensure their PC is configured to start with UEFI, supports Secure Boot, and has an enabled TPM. A registry edit can allow bypassing CPU checks and accepting older TPM versions. Alternatively, a clean installation of Windows 11 can be performed using installation media, which bypasses CPU compatibility checks but still requires TPM and Secure Boot support. Microsoft has introduced new restrictions with the Windows 11 version 24H2 update, requiring CPUs to support specific instructions (SSE4.2 and PopCnt). For those opting to use the Rufus utility to create installation media, it is essential to use version 4.6 or later to bypass compatibility checks. Users must download the Windows 11 ISO, prepare a USB drive, and follow specific steps to initiate the upgrade process.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Microsoft: Windows 11 24H2 now ready to rollout to everyone

Microsoft has announced the rollout of the Windows 11 24H2 update, also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update, which is now available for all compatible PCs, except those with safeguard holds. The gradual rollout via Windows Update is nearing completion, and eligible users will see an option to download the update in their settings. Automatic updates will apply to Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 (versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2) not managed by IT departments. Upgrade blocks are in place for systems with incompatible hardware or software, including certain applications and drivers. Users can check compatibility using the PC Health Check app or Windows 11 specifications. The update introduces new features such as AI-powered capabilities, an energy saver, Wi-Fi 7 compatibility, Bluetooth LE audio support, HDR background support, natural language understanding in search, and a revamped Windows Recall feature. The rollout began in May 2024 for enterprise testing and transitioned to general availability in October. It will also be available to eligible PCs running Windows 10 22H2 in late January 2025, with a force-installation for unmanaged systems on Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2. Microsoft provides a guided walkthrough and support document for users during the upgrade process.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

How to upgrade your ‘incompatible’ Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 now

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 PCs unless users enroll in the Extended Security Updates program. Upgrading to Windows 11 on machines older than five years may result in an error message about CPU compatibility, as Microsoft will not change the requirement for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. While automatic upgrades may be hindered, there are workarounds for most PCs designed for Windows 10. To upgrade, the computer must boot using UEFI, support Secure Boot, and have an enabled TPM (version 1.2 is acceptable). Users can check their system's BIOS mode and TPM status using the System Information utility and the Trusted Platform Module Management tool, respectively. If UEFI is not an option or if the PC lacks a TPM, an undocumented hack can be used to bypass compatibility checks. A new restriction with the Windows 11 version 24H2 update requires CPUs to support SSE4.2 and PopCnt instructions, making upgrades impossible for PCs built in 2008 or earlier. Most Intel CPUs from 2009 and AMD CPUs from 2013 should meet this requirement. Users can bypass CPU checks and accept any TPM version through a registry edit, which requires running the Setup program from the current Windows installation. The process involves creating a registry key and modifying its value. Alternatively, the Rufus utility can be used to create a bootable USB drive that circumvents compatibility checks, but it cannot bypass the restrictions for very old CPUs lacking support for SSE4.2 and PopCnt instructions.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

Windows 10 PC can’t be upgraded? You have 5 options and 6 months to take action

The official end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025, after which all editions will cease to receive technical support and security updates. Users can choose to continue using Windows 10 without updates, buy a new PC or rent a virtual PC, switch to a Linux distribution or ChromeOS Flex, pay Microsoft for Extended Security Updates (ESUs), or upgrade incompatible hardware to Windows 11 through specific methods. Microsoft will offer ESUs for Windows 10 at a cost, with reduced rates for educational institutions and higher prices for business customers. Users can bypass compatibility restrictions to upgrade to Windows 11 by making registry edits and using tools like Rufus for clean installations.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

Microsoft quietly removes official Windows 11 CPU/TPM bypass for unsupported PCs

In October 2021, Microsoft launched Windows 11, version 21H2, and provided a workaround for users with unsupported PCs to upgrade. This workaround involved modifying the Registry to bypass CPU and TPM compatibility checks. However, Microsoft has since removed this workaround from its support documentation after the release of Windows 11 24H2, indicating a shift in its approach. The company now recommends purchasing new hardware for compatibility with Windows 11 and does not endorse upgrades on unsupported devices.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Why Windows 11 requires a TPM – and how to get around it

Microsoft introduced a hardware compatibility requirement for Windows 11 in 2021, mandating the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 standard. A TPM is a secure cryptoprocessor designed to manage security-related tasks and encryption keys, enhancing system security by encrypting data, generating random numbers, and validating digital signatures. The TPM architecture is defined by the ISO/IEC 11889 standard. TPM can be integrated as a chip on a motherboard or within firmware, with major companies like Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm adopting this technology. TPM 2.0 is essential for Windows security features, working with Secure Boot to ensure only trusted code is executed at startup and facilitating biometric authentication through Windows Hello. It also secures BitLocker keys, making unauthorized data access difficult. Most PCs manufactured from 2016 onwards include TPM 2.0 by default, while older systems may have limited TPM capabilities or adhere to the unsupported TPM 1.2 standard. Users can check their TPM status using the System Information tool. TPM functionality is not exclusive to Windows; it is also utilized in Linux PCs and IoT devices, while Apple devices use a different architecture called Secure Enclave. Windows 10 and 11 automatically initialize the TPM during installation, and users can upgrade to Windows 11 with any version of TPM through a registry modification.