Last month, Neowin observed a notable shift on Microsoft’s Windows support pages, where the tech giant has begun displaying banners urging users to transition away from Windows 10. This initiative aligns with the impending end of support for the operating system, signaling a clear push from Microsoft towards Windows 11.
In its quest to encourage this migration, Microsoft released a video advertisement earlier this year, highlighting the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11. Furthermore, in June, the company published an article aimed at debunking various myths and misconceptions surrounding the upgrade process.
For users operating on older, unsupported systems that do not meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11, Microsoft is advocating for the purchase of new PCs. However, the company recognizes that many users may prefer to remain with their current setups rather than invest in new hardware.
Support for Unsupported Devices
Recent data from Statcounter indicates that the adoption rate of Windows 11 has not met Microsoft’s expectations. In response, the company has taken the unusual step of allowing users on unsupported PCs to upgrade to Windows 11, contingent upon signing a waiver. This waiver serves as a formal acknowledgment of the potential risks involved.
Neowin also noted that Microsoft has updated a related support page, providing clearer guidance for users looking to install Windows 11 on unsupported devices. A minor but significant correction was made to the disclaimer, which now includes the phrase: “By selecting Accept, you are acknowledging that you read and understand this statement.”
The complete disclaimer reads as follows:
This PC doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements for running Windows 11 – these requirements help ensure a more reliable and higher quality experience. Installing Windows 11 on this PC is not recommended and may result in compatibility issues. If you proceed with installing Windows 11, your PC will no longer be supported and won’t be entitled to receive updates. Damages to your PC due to lack of compatibility aren’t covered under the manufacturer warranty. By selecting Accept, you are acknowledging that you read and understand this statement.
In addition to the disclaimer update, Microsoft has introduced a convenient shortcut link for users to access the Recovery menu should they encounter issues. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for those who may be searching for solutions while navigating the complexities of the upgrade process. Moreover, a comprehensive step-by-step guide has been provided to further assist users.
The previous version of the support page offered a more basic instruction set:
To go back to Windows 10, select Start > Settings > System > Recovery > Go back.
Now, the instructions have been expanded to include detailed steps for reverting to Windows 10 on an unsupported Windows 11 device:
To go back to Windows 10 on an unsupported Windows 11 device, follow these steps:
- On the Windows 11 unsupported device:
- Right-click on the Start menu and select Settings > System > Recovery. Or
- Select the following Recovery shortcut: Recovery
- In the System > Recovery window that opens, under Recovery options, next to Go back select the Go back button.
Note: If there isn’t a Go back section or button under Recovery options, going back to Windows 10 is no longer possible. The Go back option is only available for 10 days following an upgrade to Windows 11, after which time the files needed to perform this function are removed to free up disk space on the device.- If the User Account Control window appears, select the Yes button. If the User Account Control window asks for an admin user name and password, enter a user name and password of an account that has administrator privileges. Once the user name and password are entered, select the Yes button.
- In the Go back to Windows 10 window that opens, select the Next button.
- In the Check for updates? window, select the No, thanks button.
- In the What you need to know window, read the information in the window and then select the Next button.
- In the Don’t get locked out window, read the information in the window. If the password to sign into Windows 10 is known, select the Next button. Otherwise, select the Cancel button to cancel going back to Windows 10 until the password can be reset.
- In the Thanks for trying Windows 11 window, select the Go back to Windows 10 button.
For users interested in this support document, it is available on Microsoft’s official site. However, it is important to note that users with particularly old processors lacking support for PopCnt and SSE4.2 instructions may find themselves without options, as no current bypass exists for these limitations.