support article Archives

Winsage

February 6, 2025

Microsoft Suddenly Warns Users—Go Back To Windows 10 Immediately

Windows 10 users are facing confusion due to conflicting guidance as the October deadline approaches. They can choose to upgrade their system, buy a new PC, or pay for an additional year of support. Microsoft has removed a Registry tweak that allowed users to bypass hardware restrictions, complicating the situation for those unable to upgrade. Additionally, the Flyby11 software, which blocked installations for many users, has also been eliminated. Microsoft has confirmed that the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 remain unchanged and recommends that users who used workarounds revert to Windows 10. Users with compatible PCs can still upgrade for free until at least October, while those without eligible systems need to consider hardware upgrades or pay a fee to extend support until October 2026.

Winsage

February 5, 2025

KB5053484: Microsoft shares new PowerShell script for updated Windows 11/10 boot media

In February 2024, Microsoft announced the rollout of new 2023 Secure Boot Certificate Authority (CA) keys to replace the 2011 certificates that were introduced with Windows 8. This initiative began with Patch Tuesday updates, specifically KB5034765 for Windows 11 and KB5034763 for Windows 10, as the 2011 certificates are set to expire in 2026. Microsoft released a PowerShell script, Make2023BootableMedia.ps1, to update Windows bootable media for compatibility with the new Windows UEFI CA 2023 certificate, addressing the Black Lotus Secure Boot vulnerability (CVE-2023-24932). The script can update various types of bootable media, including ISO files, USB drives, and local or network drive paths. Users must have the latest Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK) for the script to function properly, and it should be executed from an elevated PowerShell prompt with the appropriate media source provided. Comprehensive details are available in the KB5053484 support article on Microsoft's website.

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 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

February 3, 2025

Microsoft Removes Information about Windows 11 Bypass for Unsupported PCs

Microsoft has removed its official workaround that allowed users to bypass CPU and TPM requirements for installing Windows 11 on unsupported PCs. This workaround involved modifying a registry key and was detailed in Microsoft's support documentation, which has now been revised to exclude any reference to it. Although the workaround may still work, it is no longer endorsed by Microsoft, which maintains its strict hardware requirements for Windows 11. The company, along with hardware partners, encourages users to upgrade to modern PCs as support for Windows 10 will end in 2025. The removal of the official documentation indicates Microsoft's intention to discourage attempts to run Windows 11 on older systems.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Windows 11 KB5048685 Update causes Wi-Fi and Start Menu to stop working

The KB5048685 Update for Windows 11 23H2, released on December 10, has caused issues for users, including freezing of the Start Menu and Wi-Fi connectivity problems. The Start Menu may become unresponsive, displaying a white backdrop in dark mode, affecting users of both Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2. A workaround involves modifying the Windows Registry. Additionally, some users with AMD processors have reported installation failures with error code 0x80070002. Solutions suggested include checking the Windows Update service and using recovery options in settings. Personal experiences with the update vary, with some users not encountering issues, while others have faced significant problems.

Winsage

December 25, 2024

Microsoft posts official uninstall and recovery guide for botched Windows 11/10 update

Microsoft released a new support article detailing the functionality of the Windows 11 feature 'Fix problems using Windows Update' and scenarios where it may not be effective. A shortcut link to the recovery settings menu has been introduced as part of the guidance for installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. Microsoft updated another support article regarding the uninstallation of Windows Updates, now including instructions for using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) for this purpose, applicable to both Windows 10 and 11. Users can uninstall updates via WinRE by accessing Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates. A disclaimer about the end of support for Windows 10 is also present on the page. Additionally, a cautionary note regarding BitLocker recovery key requirements is included. Microsoft has emphasized the importance of system requirements such as TPM and Secure Boot in relation to Windows 11 24H2. Third-party backup and cloning applications are making adjustments to align with these updates.

Winsage

December 13, 2024

No, Microsoft has not ‘reversed course’ on Windows 11 hardware requirements

Microsoft updated a support article regarding Windows 11 hardware compatibility, leading to misunderstandings among tech enthusiasts. Claims emerged that Microsoft now allows installations of Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, but these were based on misinterpretations of a minor update to the article, which included light copy-editing and the removal of a section about the PC Health Check app. The original intent of the support page remains unchanged, emphasizing that Microsoft does not endorse installing Windows 11 on unsupported devices and recommends rolling back to Windows 10 if such installations occur. The minimum system requirements for Windows 11 have not changed. Additionally, installing Windows 11 on unsupported devices previously resulted in a desktop watermark, but current testing indicates this is no longer the case as of 2024.