Microsoft has recently adjusted its stance on the eligibility criteria for Windows 11, a move that comes as the company gears up to end support for Windows 10, the most widely used operating system globally. Just a week ago, Microsoft tightened the hardware requirements for Windows 11 by mandating that systems include TPM 2.0. However, in a surprising shift, the tech giant has now outlined a process for installing Windows 11 on machines that do not meet these stringent hardware specifications.
New Installation Guidelines
In a recent blog post, Microsoft clarified that while it does not endorse running Windows 11 on incompatible hardware, it recognizes that some users may still wish to make the transition. The company cautioned that such installations would not receive critical security updates, thereby increasing vulnerability to sophisticated cyber threats. For those determined to proceed, Microsoft will add a watermark to the Windows 11 desktop, along with a notification in the Settings menu, indicating that the hardware requirements have not been met.
For users concerned about potential complications from upgrading to Windows 11 on outdated machines, there is reassurance: the option to revert to Windows 10 remains available. Microsoft has provided a straightforward recovery process, allowing users to navigate back to the older operating system if needed. This can be done by right-clicking on the Start menu and selecting Settings, then System, followed by Recovery.
“When Windows 11 is installed on a device that doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements, a watermark is added to the Windows 11 desktop. Notification might also be displayed in Settings to advise that the requirements aren’t met. If a device that doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 experiences issues after upgrading to Windows 11, Microsoft recommends going back to Windows 10,” writes Microsoft.
This notable reversal in Windows 11 eligibility appears to be a strategic preparation for the impending loss of support for Windows 10, which will affect hundreds of millions of machines worldwide come October next year. As users weigh their options, this flexibility may provide a temporary bridge for those still reliant on older hardware, allowing them to explore the latest operating system while remaining mindful of the associated risks.
