Microsoft’s push for users to transition to Windows 11 has become increasingly pronounced, yet the tech giant is firm in its stance against installations on unsupported systems. The latest iteration of Windows mandates that devices possess a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 for security reasons. In a notable shift, Microsoft has removed instructions for a Registry hack from its support page, aimed at circumventing this requirement.
Changes to Installation Guidelines
The support page, previously titled “Ways to install Windows 11,” has undergone revisions over the years. The current version outlines legitimate methods for installation, including Windows Update, the Installation Assistant, and the use of USB drives or DVDs. However, a prior version, as revealed by Neowin and archived by the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine, included steps for modifying the Registry to bypass TPM requirements. This information has since been omitted, despite the presence of warnings advising against such actions.
Warning: Microsoft recommends against installing Windows 11 on a device that does not meet the Windows 11 minimum system requirements. If you choose to install Windows 11 on a device that does not meet these requirements, and you acknowledge and understand the risks, you can create the following registry key values and bypass the check for TPM 2.0 (at least TPM 1.2 is required) and the CPU family and model.
Registry Key: HKEYLOCALMACHINESYSTEMSetupMoSetup
Name: AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU
Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 1
Note: Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall the operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.
While the Registry hack remains functional, Microsoft appears to prefer that users refrain from publicizing it. There are alternative methods to navigate the hardware restrictions, with third-party tools like Rufus and Flyby proving effective for many users.
Impending End of Support for Windows 10
The urgency to upgrade to Windows 11 has intensified as the end of support for Windows 10 looms in October. However, a significant number of older PCs do not meet the upgrade criteria through standard channels. Microsoft has increasingly sought to dissuade customers from employing workarounds. A recent update to another Windows 11 support document reiterated the potential repercussions of installing the OS on incompatible hardware, warning users of possible compatibility issues, loss of support, and ineligibility for updates.
Having personally navigated this landscape, I have been running Windows 11 on an aging Lenovo laptop and several virtual machines for the past year. The primary challenge encountered was during the update process; I faced difficulties transitioning from Windows 11 23H2 to 24H2 on a setup created with Rufus. Ultimately, I opted to download the latest version and perform a fresh installation. Once the upgrade to 24H2 was complete, I was able to access the most recent updates.
For those contemplating a new purchase, the question arises: why not invest in a new PC equipped with Windows 11? My reliance on the older Lenovo laptop stems from its dual batteries and superior keyboard, features that would be difficult to replicate in a newer model. Many users likely find themselves in a similar predicament. While the prospect of eventually needing to acquire new Windows 11-compatible PCs looms, workarounds remain viable for the time being, despite Microsoft’s apparent disapproval.
