Internet Archive Archives

Winsage

February 5, 2025

Microsoft is cracking down on unsupported Windows 11 installs

A support document on installing Windows 11 on unsupported PCs has been removed from Microsoft's website. This document previously provided a method for users to bypass the mandatory TPM 2.0 requirement by modifying registry key values, but its removal indicates a shift in Microsoft's stance against this workaround. The end of support for Windows 10 is approaching, leaving many users on older PCs vulnerable to security risks. The original support article can still be accessed via the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine.

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

February 3, 2025

Microsoft hides “official” workaround for installing Windows 11 on older PCs

Microsoft has updated its online support articles for Windows 11 installation, removing "official" workarounds for installing the OS on older machines that do not meet hardware requirements. This change aims to encourage users to purchase newer PCs. Previously, Microsoft allowed sanctioned methods for installation on unsupported hardware, but as Windows 11 nears its fourth anniversary, the company is focusing on promoting new machines. The updated guidance no longer mentions bypassing hardware checks, although archived methods are still accessible online. This update follows the release of Windows 11 version 24H2, which faced issues for users with both new and old hardware. Microsoft emphasizes the importance of Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and newer CPUs for security in future updates. Historically, users have bypassed hardware checks using third-party tools, especially in enterprise settings. Microsoft is now advocating for new PC purchases to experience the latest features of Windows 11, as Windows 10 will end official support on October 14, 2025. Analysts predict increased demand for upgrades as the Windows 10 support deadline approaches, despite Windows 10 still powering most active Windows PCs.

Winsage

December 16, 2024

Horror classic Clock Tower’s Windows 95 port jabbed a giant pair of scissors through my rose-tinted glasses

Pasokon Retro highlights the history of Japanese PC gaming, focusing on the 1997 release of Clock Tower, a suspenseful point-and-click adventure developed by Human Entertainment for Windows 95. The PC version featured a lackluster CG intro and inferior graphics compared to earlier versions, with intentional visual shortcomings such as dithered mist effects and smudgy softness. Despite these issues, the game maintained an engaging experience with intuitive mouse controls and randomization of key item locations, allowing for varied playthroughs. The game ran smoothly on Windows 11, showcasing its compatibility with modern systems.

AppWizard

November 16, 2024

Unreal Gold and Unreal Tournament are now free on the Internet Archive, and Epic says that’s a-okay

The Internet Archive has made the classic 1998 shooter Unreal and its multiplayer successor Unreal Tournament available for free, with the endorsement of Epic Games. This announcement was first shared on the OldUnreal Discord and later gained traction on Resetera. An Epic spokesperson confirmed that the games are hosted on archive.org, allowing players to link to and play these versions. Players can download and install the games from the Internet Archive or use new installers available at oldunreal.com. The games may have quirks due to their age, such as a default resolution of 640x480 and inverted mouse controls. Epic had previously removed these titles from sale, and their decision to make them freely accessible is seen as a positive step for game preservation.

AppWizard

November 15, 2024

Two early Unreal games are now permanently free via the Internet Archive

The Internet Archive has resumed operations after recent DDoS attacks and offers a wide range of digital media, including the complete series of Lucha Underground. It has added two significant games, Unreal and Unreal Tournament, to its gaming library, available for free download with disc images provided. This addition is supported by Epic Games, the original developers. The site OldUnreal offers installers for these games using the disc images, with current compatibility for Windows and plans for Linux and macOS. Epic Games had previously removed the Unreal titles from Steam and discontinued their servers, making this revival important for game preservation. GOG has also introduced a label for maintaining older titles for modern hardware.