compatibility requirements Archives

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

April 25, 2025

Windows 11 25H2 shows signs of life: what can we expect?

The upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update is expected to be a modest enhancement rather than a major overhaul, continuing to use the Germanium codebase established with 24H2. A preview build, specifically build 27842 from the Canary Channel, has been identified, and references to GE25H2 were found in the AppraiserRes.dll file, which assesses PC compatibility for the new version. The update is anticipated to arrive in the latter half of the year, similar to previous incremental updates. Concerns exist regarding the stability of 25H2 compared to 24H2, which faced installation issues and compatibility problems. Windows 10 will reach the end of regular support on October 14, 2025, prompting users to transition to Windows 11. Smaller updates like enablement packages tend to present fewer stability risks, and Microsoft has not officially confirmed any details about 25H2 or its update process for versions 23H2 and 24H2. Speculation about Windows 12 continues, but its timeline remains uncertain.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

Microsoft shares several reasons to leave Windows 10 for Windows 11

This year, Microsoft is focusing on transitioning users from Windows 10 to Windows 11, implementing strategies such as reminder emails about the end of support for Windows 10 and promoting the benefits of Windows 11. A support page titled “7 tips to get the most out of Windows 11” has been published to encourage upgrades. Key features of Windows 11 include a new Start menu, Snap layouts, multiple desktops, a widget board, focus sessions, Windows Hello, and improved dark mode. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, after which users will face security risks and miss out on updates. The upgrade to Windows 11 is free for compatible systems.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Windows 10 Ending : Microsoft Makes Windows 11 Free, But Not for Long

Microsoft's official end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 2025, prompting the company to encourage users to transition to Windows 11 through a "limited-time" free upgrade offer. Windows 11 has stringent system requirements, including TPM 2.0 support, which many older PCs lack. Microsoft 365 apps will stop receiving updates on Windows 10 after support ends, although they will continue to function. Users who do not upgrade can opt for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued security patches at a cost. Options for users include upgrading to a compatible PC, switching to another operating system like Linux, or remaining on Windows 10 with limited support.

Winsage

February 24, 2025

Microsoft trims more CPUs from Windows 11 compatibility list

Microsoft has released a list of CPUs compatible with Windows 11 24H2, specifying that OEMs must use Intel's 11th-generation or later processors for new PCs. This update is directed at OEMs, not end users, and emphasizes that older pre-11th-generation Intel processors are not supported. Intel's 11th-generation chips were introduced in 2020 and have since been phased out, with many older processors now in a "legacy software support model." Users with eighth, ninth, and tenth-generation Intel processors may still use them if they meet other requirements like TPM 2.0. Microsoft has not clarified if this announcement indicates future reductions in CPU support, although it has historically adjusted hardware requirements.

Winsage

February 11, 2025

Windows 10 end of life: How to prepare for the October deadline

Windows 10 will reach its end of life on October 14, 2025, after which it will no longer receive security updates. As of December 2024, over 62% of devices globally were still using Windows 10. Many organizations are delaying the upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware compatibility issues, budget constraints, and the time required for employee training. Remaining on Windows 10 poses risks such as increased vulnerability to cyber threats and operational inefficiencies. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates program for organizations needing more time, but experts recommend investing in upgrading to Windows 11 for long-term benefits. The transition may require replacing incompatible devices and careful planning to minimize disruptions.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

Why users still couldn’t care less about Windows 11

Users are hesitant to adopt Windows 11, with some comparing its promotion to selling sand at a beach. Although there was a slight increase in Windows 11's market share last month, the transition is not smooth. Windows 11 has strict hardware compatibility requirements, including a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2 and modern CPU, which frustrated many users at launch. Microsoft added the Surface Studio 2’s Intel Core i7-7820HQ to the compatibility list to address some concerns. As older computers become less common, finding incompatible PCs is becoming rare, yet Windows 10 still dominates the market. The impending end of support for Windows 10 is one of the few reasons users might consider upgrading, but many features in Windows 11 are already available in Windows 10. Organizations question the need to upgrade due to missing features and functionality complaints in Windows 11. Microsoft announced that support for most versions of Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. The lack of standout features in Windows 11 makes users reluctant to upgrade, despite hardware vendors shifting focus to AI PCs. Historical transitions between Windows versions were driven by compelling reasons, but the case for Windows 11 lacks persuasive incentives. IT departments may feel pressured to upgrade due to support expiration, but motivation must go beyond compliance. Microsoft needs to offer more than basic features to encourage adoption of Windows 11 and future AI PCs.

Winsage

December 9, 2024

The Countdown to Windows 10 End of Life: What IT Teams Need to Know

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Extended Security Updates (ESUs) will be available for a maximum of three years at approximately per device. Windows 10 is currently the most targeted among older Windows operating systems, facing high-severity vulnerabilities. Organizations should conduct an asset audit, evaluate ESUs, migrate critical systems to the cloud, and establish a decommission plan for legacy systems. Morphisec offers a lightweight security solution for legacy systems, utilizing Automated Moving Target Defense (AMTD) technology to protect against advanced threats without the need for updates or internet connectivity.

Winsage

December 8, 2024

Cyber Week is here—upgrade your slow PC with Windows 11 Pro, now less than $20

Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97 during Cyber Week, a significant discount from its typical price of 9. It offers productivity and security enhancements, including an AI assistant called Copilot, a sleek interface, productivity tools like snap layouts and improved voice typing, and security features such as BitLocker device encryption and Smart App Control. Users should ensure their devices meet compatibility requirements before upgrading. The offer expires at 11:59 p.m. on the same day.

Winsage

November 13, 2024

Microsoft blocked your Windows 11 upgrade? This trusty tool can (probably) fix that

Microsoft has established strict compatibility requirements for upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11, particularly affecting users with older hardware. Attempting to install Windows 11 on machines with CPUs from 2018 or earlier results in an error message, often suggesting users consider purchasing new computers. The release of Windows 11 version 24H2 has intensified these restrictions, blocking a popular workaround that used the Rufus utility for creating installation media for incompatible hardware. Users with very old CPUs, specifically those lacking SSE4.2 or POPCNT support, face complete installation blocks, especially those with Intel processors from 2009 or earlier and AMD processors from 2013 or earlier. Despite these challenges, some users have found manual registry tweaks to enable upgrades on older PCs. The latest version of Rufus, 4.6, offers a new method to automate the upgrade process while bypassing hardware compatibility checks through a custom program that performs necessary registry edits. This approach has reportedly allowed successful upgrades on various older systems, raising questions about the necessity of Microsoft's stringent hardware requirements.