incompatible hardware Archives

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.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Microsoft Warns 400 Million Windows Users—Do Not Update Your PC

Microsoft is rolling out its final Patch Tuesday of 2024, addressing a new zero-day vulnerability among 71 total vulnerabilities. The company has reversed its previous stance on Windows 11 installation requirements, now allowing updates on PCs that do not meet the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 hardware requirement. However, Microsoft warns that users who install Windows 11 on incompatible machines will forfeit their right to receive updates, including security updates, and that such devices may malfunction due to compatibility issues. A disclaimer states that damages due to lack of compatibility are not covered under the manufacturer warranty. Users are advised to proceed with caution, as many may lack the technical expertise to navigate the upgrade process.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Microsoft will officially watermark old PCs that install Windows 11

Microsoft has adjusted its eligibility criteria for Windows 11, allowing installation on machines that do not meet the hardware specifications, despite previously tightening requirements by mandating TPM 2.0. While the company does not endorse this practice, it acknowledges that some users may want to proceed, warning that such installations will not receive critical security updates and will increase vulnerability to cyber threats. A watermark will be added to the desktop, and a notification will appear in Settings to indicate non-compliance with hardware requirements. Users can revert to Windows 10 if they encounter issues after upgrading, with a straightforward recovery process available. This change comes as Microsoft prepares to end support for Windows 10, affecting millions of machines globally in October next year.

Winsage

December 2, 2024

Microsoft Warns 400 Million PC Owners—This Ends Your Windows Updates

Microsoft is urging the estimated 400 million Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11, highlighting enhanced security but warning of compatibility issues with unsupported hardware. A revised disclaimer states that installing Windows 11 on incompatible PCs may lead to a lack of support and updates, with damages not covered under warranty. The end-of-support for Windows 10 is set for October 2025. Users have limited options: invest in hardware upgrades, pay for extended support, or risk installing Windows 11 without guarantees. Microsoft has introduced an acknowledgment clause for users installing Windows 11 on incompatible systems and provided guidance for reverting to Windows 10. Recent statistics show Windows 10 regaining market share, indicating user reluctance to switch. Of the 800 million Windows 10 users, over 400 million may not meet the TPM 2.0 requirement for Windows 11. The market dynamics suggest that by 2025, there may be favorable conditions for PC buyers as demand could soften due to extended support options.

Winsage

December 2, 2024

Microsoft sends a warning to anyone using Windows 11 on incompatible hardware

Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11 as the end-of-life date for Windows 10 approaches in October 2025. Many users are upgrading to Windows 11 despite their hardware not meeting the necessary specifications. Microsoft is now providing guidance for users who may wish to revert to Windows 10 if they encounter issues with Windows 11. The company has updated its support page to warn users that if their PC does not meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11, a watermark will be displayed. The updated disclaimer states that installing Windows 11 on incompatible hardware is not recommended, may lead to compatibility issues, and will result in the PC no longer being supported or eligible for updates. Damages due to lack of compatibility are not covered under the manufacturer warranty.

Winsage

December 1, 2024

Windows 11 Update: Microsoft Now Allows Installation on Older PCs

Microsoft is now allowing Windows 11 to be installed on a broader range of computers, including older models that previously didn’t meet the system’s hardware requirements. Initially, Windows 11 had strict hardware requirements, including the need for a modern processor and a motherboard with TPM 2.0, which left many users with older computers unable to upgrade. As a result, Windows 11's market share has remained just above 20%, while Windows 10 continues to dominate with nearly 70%. To boost adoption, Microsoft is expanding the list of compatible processors to include older models, addressing security concerns as support for Windows 10 will end in 2025. This change reflects a shift in Microsoft's strategy to balance security, innovation, and user accessibility, making it easier for users with older PCs to upgrade to Windows 11.

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.