In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft has recently advised users of Windows 11 to consider reverting back to the older Windows 10 operating system. This recommendation comes as a shock, particularly given the company’s persistent push for users to upgrade to Windows 11 over the past three years. The urgency behind this suggestion is linked to the impending end-of-support date for Windows 10, set for October 14, 2025.
According to a message on Microsoft’s support page, the company states, “If you installed Windows 11 on a device not meeting Windows 11 system requirements, Microsoft recommends you roll back to Windows 10 immediately.” This statement does not signal a retreat from Windows 10’s eventual phase-out; rather, it highlights Microsoft’s efforts to address users who have circumvented the operating system’s stringent hardware requirements.
Windows 11’s Most Controversial System Requirement
While initial criticisms of Windows 11 were largely centered around its user interface changes and navigation adjustments, the most significant point of contention has been its hardware requirements. Beyond the standard specifications for RAM and storage, Windows 11 mandates that devices be equipped with a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip. This hardware component adds a layer of security by encrypting and safeguarding sensitive information.
At the time of Windows 11’s launch on October 5, 2021, the TPM 2.0 requirement was not universally adopted across all motherboards and processors, making it a particularly controversial stipulation.
Microsoft Closes Windows 11 Installation Loopholes
The stringent hardware requirements led many resourceful users to find ways around them using third-party tools. Initially, Microsoft even provided guidance on how to bypass these requirements through a registry tweak. However, this guidance was retracted in early February, and the company began implementing measures to block the installation of tools like Flyby11, which allowed users to circumvent the TPM 2.0 requirement.
Users attempting to install Flyby11 were met with warnings from Microsoft Defender, labeling the utility as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA). According to the developer of Flyby11, Belim Hasano, Microsoft escalated the classification of the tool from PUA to a hacking tool. Interestingly, Hasano noted that the latest version of Flyby11, v1.2, is not currently flagged by Microsoft.
What’s Next
“If Windows 11 is installed on ineligible hardware, your device won’t receive support from Microsoft, and you should be comfortable assuming the risk of running into compatibility issues.”
Microsoft’s Warning
Microsoft’s official stance on unsupported hardware is clear: devices that do not meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 will not receive support. Users are cautioned that they may encounter compatibility issues and will not be guaranteed updates, including critical security patches.
Despite these warnings, the popularity of tools like Flyby11 and Rufus indicates that many users are willing to take the risk of running Windows 11 on unsupported hardware to avoid the expense of upgrading their systems. Meanwhile, Microsoft continues to encourage Windows 10 users to transition to Windows 11, having previously emphasized a “limited-time” free upgrade offer, which has since been rescinded.
For those determined to stick with Windows 10 past the October 14 end-of-support date, the absence of essential security updates and technical support looms large unless they opt for Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which comes at a cost of for a single year of additional security patches.
As Windows 10 approaches its final year of support, Windows 11 is gradually gaining traction in the market. With potential tech tariffs threatening to increase the costs of computers and components by up to 46%, users are faced with compelling reasons to either upgrade to Windows 11 or invest in new hardware that meets its requirements.
