incompatible hardware Archives

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 18, 2025

Microsoft still has a massive Windows 10 problem – and there’s no easy way out

Microsoft's Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, after a standard 10-year support lifecycle. Most editions, including Home, Pro, and Enterprise, will stop receiving updates, although PCs running Windows 10 will continue to function without updates. Windows 10 Enterprise Long Term Servicing editions have different end dates, with some extending support until 2029. Current data indicates that approximately 1.6% of Windows 10 PCs are replaced by Windows 11 each month, suggesting that around 35% of the 1.4 billion Windows devices will still be using Windows 10 by the end-of-support date, equating to over 500 million PCs potentially vulnerable to cyber threats. As of April 2025, about 54% of PCs globally are still running Windows 10. Users likely to remain on Windows 10 include those with incompatible hardware, corporate environments that have standardized on Windows 10, and users resistant to upgrading due to dissatisfaction with Windows 11. Microsoft faces challenges related to a significant number of unsupported PCs, and while extended support options exist for enterprise customers, consumer adoption is expected to be low. Users unable or unwilling to upgrade may consider non-Microsoft operating systems or continue using Windows 10 without official support, which poses security risks.

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

April 7, 2025

Windows 11 Update Finally Lets You Install on Older PCs

Microsoft has relaxed its hardware requirements for Windows 11, allowing older PCs that were previously excluded to install the operating system. This change comes as Windows 10 approaches its end of life in 2025 and aims to provide users with access to the latest security updates and features. Older processors that were once deemed incompatible are now eligible to run Windows 11, reflecting a shift towards a more inclusive approach by Microsoft. Users with previously incompatible PCs may now upgrade to enjoy new features like a redesigned Start Menu and improved multitasking capabilities, although they should verify their system's compatibility and performance.

Winsage

April 5, 2025

Microsoft Says Throw Away Your Windows 10 Computers

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning no more security updates or technical assistance will be provided. While Windows 10 will still function, users face increased security risks without updates. Alternatives for users with incompatible hardware include Linux distributions like Zorin OS and Linux Mint, which offer familiar interfaces for those transitioning from Windows. Users can choose to ignore the deadline, invest in new hardware, switch to Linux, pay for Extended Security Updates, or attempt to upgrade incompatible systems to Windows 11 through registry edits and enabling Secure Boot with TPM. The impending support cutoff raises concerns about e-waste and sustainability, prompting discussions on the need for manufacturers to focus on product longevity and repairability. Local Linux User Groups and online communities are available to assist users in this transition.

Winsage

February 26, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 now blocked on PCs running older AutoCAD software

Users of Autodesk’s AutoCAD 2022 are unable to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 due to bootup complications. Microsoft has blocked the automatic delivery of this update for systems with AutoCAD 2022 installed, while users with other versions of AutoCAD can upgrade without issues. Microsoft has a history of implementing similar blocks for compatibility concerns and is currently working on a solution for the AutoCAD 2022 issue. Users can manually download and install Windows 11 24H2 on machines with AutoCAD 2022, but Microsoft advises against it.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Microsoft issues Windows 11 alert and says to ‘roll back to Windows 10’ now

Windows 10 will reach its end of life on October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will stop providing free updates and security patches. Users can transition to Windows 11 by purchasing a new laptop with it pre-installed, opting for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for older machines, or upgrading existing devices. Windows 11 has specific system requirements, including a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Microsoft warns that installing Windows 11 on incompatible hardware will result in a watermark and operational issues. A PC Health Check tool is available to assess device compatibility with Windows 11. The minimum requirements for running Windows 11 include a 1 GHz processor with 2 or more cores, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card, and a high-definition display.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

Microsoft removes guide for installing Windows 11 on unsupported PCs – but this hack still works

Microsoft is pushing users to transition to Windows 11, which requires devices to have a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0. The company has removed instructions for a Registry hack that allowed users to bypass this requirement from its support page. The current installation guidelines include legitimate methods such as Windows Update and the Installation Assistant, while warnings against installing on unsupported devices remain. Despite the Registry hack still functioning, Microsoft prefers users not to publicize it, and alternative third-party tools exist for navigating hardware restrictions. The end of support for Windows 10 is approaching in October, increasing the urgency to upgrade, although many older PCs do not meet the upgrade criteria. Microsoft has reiterated the risks of installing Windows 11 on incompatible hardware, including potential compatibility issues and loss of support.

Winsage

December 17, 2024

If your Windows 10 PC can’t be upgraded, you have 5 options before time runs out

The end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025, after which users will not receive any updates, including security fixes. Microsoft will not extend support, and the final version, 22H2, will receive monthly security updates until that date. Users can choose to continue using Windows 10, buy new hardware, transition to a Linux distribution, pay for Extended Security Updates (ESUs), or attempt to upgrade incompatible hardware to Windows 11. ESUs are available at a cost, with pricing increasing over three years. There are methods to upgrade to Windows 11 on incompatible systems, including registry edits and using tools like Rufus.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Microsoft issues new Windows 10 ‘malfunction’ alert – will your PC be affected?

Microsoft has outlined two pathways for transitioning to Windows 11: upgrading existing PCs or purchasing new hardware. After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 users will only receive security updates through Microsoft's Extended Security Updates, which cost £24 annually. The minimum system requirements for Windows 11 include a TPM 2.0 chip, and while many Windows 10 PCs may meet these criteria, Microsoft has clarified that users can still upgrade to Windows 11 even if their devices do not meet the specified requirements. However, installing Windows 11 on incompatible hardware is not recommended, as it may lead to compatibility issues and lack of updates. During installation, users will see a disclaimer about potential issues and a watermark will appear on the desktop for devices that do not meet the requirements. Users can revert back to Windows 10 by going to Settings > System > Recovery and selecting the “Go back” option. Microsoft is prompting Windows 10 users with alerts to upgrade to Windows 11 and recommending the purchase of new devices.