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Has Microsoft done a U-turn on Windows 11 compatibility demands?

Upgrade to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware

Yes, Microsoft has made a significant change regarding the hardware requirements for Windows 11. Initially, Microsoft insisted upon a minimum of TPM (trusted platform module 2.0) and minimum processor specifications, as well as other specific hardware features, which has thus far has excluded many older computers from being able to take W11. However, Microsoft has now said they will allow installations of Windows 11 on unsupported / not recommended hardware.

Users who decide to install Windows 11 on unsupported systems will now see a watermark on their desktop and may receive a disclaimer notification about the inadequate hardware requirements. There are risks to this and you cannot say you weren’t told!

Microsoft has also provided instructions for rolling back to Windows 10 if users experience issues, adding that this option is only available for 10 days after installation.

Microsoft hasn't said why they made this change, but it might have something to do with recent trends and pressure groups wanting to avoid the massive volume of older yet still perfectly usable computer hardware going needlessly to landfill.

With Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, and no real option other than paying $30 to extend security updates just once, Microsoft might keep tweaking the requirements for Windows 11 in the future. Ultimately you are taking risks with your computer security and potential future vulnerabilities so tread lightly and consciously.


So, while you can install Windows 11 on devices that don't meet the minimum system requirements, Microsoft advises against it due to potential compatibility issues and the lack of guaranteed future updates.


If you choose to proceed, you should be aware of the risks involved, and therefore be prepared to accept that long term it may have been a bad choice. However, at least now the choice is yours to make!


If you want to proceed with an upgrade to Windows 11 but feel uneasy that you can manage it, feel free to contact Steve at Southwell Computer Centre on 01636 815676. With over 25 years as a dedicated Microsoft systems specialist and support centre, this stuff is just plain sailing to us!

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