After calling TPM 2.0 a “non-negotiable” requirement for Windows 11, Microsoft has suddenly backtracked and now allows Windows 11 installations on older, incompatible PCs. The installation comes with a fair set of warnings about security and compatibility issues that may arise from such installations, but official instructions are now available regardless.
It should be noted that the guide doesn’t give steps to install Windows 11 on older PCs. There’s no way to install Windows 11 on older PCs without creating a dedicated bootable USB. However, after this announcement, it’s expected that Windows 11 will appear for older PCs as an update option in either Windows update or via the PC Health Check app.
As for the warnings, the guide starts by clearly stating that users willing to ignore its warnings will have to agree to the following disclaimer.
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.
The guide appeared as a Microsoft Support page seemingly out of nowhere. It was first spotted by German tech site PCWelt, which noted that if a device doesn’t meet the minimum hardware requirements to run Windows 11, presumably except TPM 2.0, a watermark will appear informing the same. It can’t be removed without a registry change.
Additionally, if an incompatible device faces issues after upgrading to Windows 11, there is an option to go back to Windows 10. The guide explains that an option to revert to the older OS will be available via the Recovery settings. However, users will only have 10 days after the installation to switch back.
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