Microsoft has allowed the installation of Windows 11 on older PCs that are allegedly incompatible with the OS

Just a week ago, Microsoft announced that not all computers with Windows 10 will be able to upgrade to Windows 11 using standard means, since the mandatory requirement for the Trusted Platform Module 2.0 will remain unchanged. Now the software giant has taken an illogical step by releasing instructions for installing Windows 11 on devices incompatible with the OS.

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Recommendations for installing Windows 11 on unsupported PCs have appeared on the official Microsoft support page. “Installing Windows 11 on a device that does not meet the minimum Windows 11 system requirements is not recommended. If Windows 11 is installed on the wrong hardware, you should be prepared to experience compatibility issues,” Microsoft said in a statement.

This warning from the company indicates possible malfunctions in the operation of the OS when used on incompatible computers, as well as the lack of important security updates that protect the device from various types of hacker attacks. Therefore, if a user wants to install Windows 11 on a PC that does not meet the system requirements, he must accept these risks. “This computer does not meet the minimum system requirements to run Windows 11. Installing Windows 11 on this computer is not recommended and may cause compatibility issues. If you continue installing Windows 11, your PC will no longer be supported and will not be eligible to receive updates. By selecting “Accept,” you acknowledge that you have read and agree to this message,” Microsoft said.

In the case of Windows 11, Microsoft’s main requirement was the presence of a TPM 2.0 module. Now the software giant actually allows the installation of the OS on computers without this chip, if the user is willing to accept responsibility for possible compatibility problems and lack of updates. The new Microsoft post doesn’t explain exactly how the Windows 11 installation process works, but it likely involves Windows Update and the PC Health Check app.

If, after installing Windows 11, the system determines that the device does not meet Microsoft’s minimum system requirements, a corresponding watermark will appear on the desktop, and a warning about this will be displayed in the Settings application. They can only be removed by editing the registry. In addition, users of non-compliant devices will have 10 days after installing Windows 11 to return to using Windows 10 by using System Restore.