Windows 11 requirements

Winsage
May 9, 2025
On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 unless users enroll in the Extended Security Updates program. Upgrading to Windows 11 may be difficult for PCs older than five or six years due to strict compatibility requirements, including a CPU on the approved list and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Users may encounter error messages if their hardware does not meet these criteria. There are workarounds for some users, particularly those with PCs designed for Windows 10, but older devices, especially with AMD processors, may face significant challenges. To upgrade, users must ensure their PC is configured to start with UEFI, supports Secure Boot, and has an enabled TPM. A registry edit can allow bypassing CPU checks and accepting older TPM versions. Alternatively, a clean installation of Windows 11 can be performed using installation media, which bypasses CPU compatibility checks but still requires TPM and Secure Boot support. Microsoft has introduced new restrictions with the Windows 11 version 24H2 update, requiring CPUs to support specific instructions (SSE4.2 and PopCnt). For those opting to use the Rufus utility to create installation media, it is essential to use version 4.6 or later to bypass compatibility checks. Users must download the Windows 11 ISO, prepare a USB drive, and follow specific steps to initiate the upgrade process.
Winsage
December 5, 2024
Microsoft requires the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 as a mandatory hardware requirement for Windows 11, emphasizing its importance for the operating system's security. Steven Hosking, Senior Product Manager at Microsoft, stated that TPM 2.0 is essential for a secure Windows 11. TPM provides encryption and decryption functionalities and can be a discrete chip or integrated within the processor. Despite the advantages of TPM, the strict hardware requirements have led to a stagnation in Windows 11's market share. While Windows 10 is nearing the end of its free support, Microsoft remains firm on the TPM requirement, labeling it a "non-negotiable standard." However, TPM 2.0 is not a minimum requirement for Windows Server 2025, although it will be necessary for certain features like BitLocker Drive Encryption. Many existing Windows 10 devices that could run Windows 11 are sidelined due to these requirements, despite being high-performance machines. There are ways to bypass the Windows 11 requirements, but these methods may be closed off without notice. Hosking acknowledged that implementing TPM 2.0 may require changes for organizations, but did not explain why consumers without this hardware cannot opt out, especially since Windows Server 2025 can be installed without it.
Winsage
December 4, 2024
Users with processors older than Intel's 8th Generation CPUs or AMD's Ryzen 2000 series will need to pay an annual fee for Extended Security Upgrades (ESUs) as Microsoft approaches the end of support for Windows 10. Windows 11 requires the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 for security, and PCs that do not meet this requirement will be ineligible for the new operating system. Currently, 61.82% of Windows desktop users are still on Windows 10. Users have options to either invest in new hardware, upgrade existing systems, pay for continued support, or consider switching to Linux.
Winsage
November 26, 2024
Windows 10 users will stop receiving monthly security updates in October 2025. Upgrading to Windows 11 is an option if the PC is compatible, primarily determined by the age and specifications of the internal components, especially the CPU. - PCs designed in 2019 or later generally meet the requirements for upgrading to Windows 11, including having TPM version 2.0. - PCs designed between 2016 and 2019 may include TPM 2.0 but might not have supported CPUs; they can still upgrade with a registry edit. - PCs from 2010 to 2015 may have TPMs, and many Intel CPUs from this period can meet Windows 11 requirements, while AMD processors may not. - PCs manufactured in 2009 or earlier are unlikely to support Windows 11 due to a lack of necessary features and TPMs. Alternative operating systems like Linux may be considered for these older machines.
Winsage
November 8, 2024
Microsoft is offering a paid option to extend support for Windows 10 by one year, pushing the end of support to October 2026. However, support for Windows 10 will officially end in October 2025, after which Microsoft will stop providing free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes. The company's website now discourages downloading Windows 10 and encourages users to transition to Windows 11, which has seen an increase in adoption with approximately 50 million users switching in the past two months. There are around 850 million users still on Windows 10, with about 400 million likely using hardware that does not meet Windows 11 requirements. Additionally, about 50 million users remain on older, unsupported versions of the OS.
Winsage
October 31, 2024
Microsoft is reminding users of the benefits of transitioning to Windows 11 as support for Windows 10 nears its end. Users can pay for an Extended Security Update (ESU) program to receive an additional year of critical security updates for Windows 10, but no new features will be added during this time. This is the first ESU program offered specifically for consumers, while businesses can extend updates for up to three years at a higher cost. Windows 10 devices on Windows 365 with Windows 11 cloud PCs will continue to receive updates at no extra cost. Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11, which is free for compatible PCs, and offers transition assistance for businesses. For users whose PCs do not meet Windows 11 requirements, purchasing a new device is recommended for better performance.
Winsage
August 20, 2024
Microsoft has introduced a change in the latest Windows Insider build 27686 that addresses a workaround allowing users to bypass hardware requirements for Windows 11. The "setup.exe /product server" method, previously used to circumvent Microsoft's hardware checks, is no longer functional in this build. While the workaround still works in the Windows 24H2 update, it has been reinstated in the Canary channel build 27686. The hardware requirements for Windows Server 2025 are less stringent than those for Windows 11, which requires a TPM chip for certain features but allows installation without it. The hardware requirements for Windows 11 include a GHz or faster processor with two or more cores, 4GB of RAM, a storage device of 64GB or larger, TPM version 2, and UEFI and Secure Boot capability.
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