Rufus

Winsage
April 2, 2025
Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users considering upgrading to Windows 11 may face obstacles due to hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0 and specific CPU models. Workarounds exist for upgrading incompatible PCs. To check compatibility: - Determine if the PC uses UEFI or Legacy BIOS via System Information (msinfo32.exe). - Ensure BIOS Mode is UEFI. - Check TPM status using the TPM Management tool (tpm.msc). - Verify CPU compatibility; most Intel CPUs from 2009 or later and AMD CPUs from 2013 or later should meet the standards. Option 1: Registry Edit Method (for PCs with TPM 1.2+ and UEFI) 1. Open Registry Editor (regedit.exe) as an administrator. 2. Navigate to HKEYLOCALMACHINESYSTEMSetup; create MoSetup key if absent. 3. Create DWORD (32-bit) Value named AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU, set value to 1, and restart. 4. Download Windows 11 ISO from aka.ms/DownloadWindows11. 5. Mount the ISO file and run Setup.exe. Option 2: Using Rufus (for PCs without TPM or UEFI) 1. Download Rufus version 4.6 or later and Windows 11 ISO. 2. Prepare a USB flash drive (16GB or larger). 3. Launch Rufus, select the USB drive, choose the Windows 11 ISO, and check the box to remove requirements for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0. 4. Create the bootable drive and run Setup.exe from the USB drive. These methods are unofficial workarounds. Users may encounter compatibility warnings, and the registry method is preferred for its simplicity. Some very old systems, especially those with AMD processors lacking SSE4.2 support, may still be incompatible.
Winsage
March 24, 2025
Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After this date, Windows 10 PCs will still function but will not receive security updates or bug fixes, leading to potential vulnerabilities and compatibility issues. Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11, which currently has a market share of 38%. Users can maintain security by keeping antivirus software and browsers updated, and Google Chrome will continue to receive updates on Windows 10. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 10, providing critical updates for a fee, with the first year starting on November 11, 2025, and ending on October 13, 2026. Consumers will need to upgrade to Windows 11 by October 2026 unless further extensions are announced. There are methods to bypass Windows 11's hardware requirements, such as using tools like Rufus or Registry workarounds. Alternatives to upgrading include Chrome OS Flex and Linux Mint, both of which offer user-friendly environments for continued computing tasks.
Winsage
February 19, 2025
As of January 2025, 44.41% of PC users are still operating on Windows 10, which is set to lose support in October 2025. Windows 11, released in 2021, has demanding system requirements that deter users with older hardware from upgrading. Many Steam users on Windows 10 may include internet cafes, where maintaining hardware is challenging. The end of support for Windows 10 means users will no longer receive updates or security patches, increasing risks associated with continued use. Resources are available to assist users in transitioning from Windows 10.
Winsage
February 10, 2025
In late December 2024, Microsoft acknowledged an issue affecting the installation of updates on certain Windows 11 devices, specifically those set up using installation media containing the October or November 2024 security updates. The affected devices are those running Windows 11, version 24H2, installed via media that included these updates. Microsoft proposed a workaround involving the reinstallation of Windows 11 using updated installation media that includes the December 2024 security updates or later. As of February 6, 2025, Microsoft marked the issue as resolved, but did not provide a definitive solution for impacted users, leaving them with concerns about data loss and limited options for restoring update functionality.
Winsage
February 9, 2025
Microsoft has advised Windows 11 users on unsupported hardware to revert to Windows 10, especially as the end-of-support date for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025. The recommendation is aimed at users who bypassed Windows 11's hardware requirements, particularly the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip. Microsoft has begun blocking third-party tools that allow installation on ineligible devices, labeling such tools as Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) or hacking tools. Devices not meeting Windows 11's requirements will not receive support or updates, including critical security patches. Users can continue using Windows 10 past its end-of-support date but will lack essential updates unless they pay for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.
Winsage
February 7, 2025
Users who installed Windows 11 via media files from the October or November updates are unable to access future security updates. This issue was reported on December 24, 2024, and resolved on February 6, 2025. A fresh installation of the operating system is required to remedy the situation. Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 at the end of this year, increasing the urgency for users to upgrade. A new workaround allows installation on devices that do not meet hardware requirements, but a clean reinstall is necessary for those who used tools like Rufus or Flyby11. Users should download the latest version of Windows 11 for installation, which does not require the removal of personal files. Prompt action is advised to avoid complications from postponed updates.
Winsage
February 4, 2025
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
Flyby11, a third-party utility for navigating Windows 11 system requirements, has received a significant update that includes a Registry tweak and refined scripts for improved stability. Microsoft Defender flags Flyby11 as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA:Win32/Patcher), which may deter some users. The application has been adjusted to comply with Microsoft's updated CPU and TPM policies, although Microsoft does not officially support this method. Users are advised to test Flyby11 in a virtual machine due to its lack of digital signatures. The latest version, 1.2, is available for download on its official GitHub repository.
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