Microsoft now allowing Windows 11 on older, incompatible PCs

Not even a week ago, Microsoft doubled down on its policy that requires PCs to have TPM 2.0-compatible hardware in order to install Windows 11. But now, in an unexpected and puzzling move, the company is issuing instructions for installing Windows 11 on incompatible PCs.

You can find those official instructions on this support page. However, Microsoft begins the instructions with a direct warning:

“Installing Windows 11 on a device that doesn’t meet Windows 11 minimum system requirements isn’t recommended. If Windows 11 is installed on ineligible hardware, you should be comfortable assuming the risk of running into compatibility issues.”

The risk alluded to here includes system crashes and the lack of crucial security updates that would otherwise keep the PC safe and protected against malware, hackers, and scammers.

Therefore, anyone wishing to install Windows 11 like this must first accept 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.”

With Windows 11, Microsoft’s chief requirement is the availability of a TPM 2.0 chip. We previously explained what a TPM is, and we also wrote about how you might not actually need to buy a TPM for Windows 11. But in most cases, you did need TPM 2.0 for Windows 11.

Until now. Users can now upgrade directly to Windows 11 even without the needed hardware. Microsoft doesn’t explain the actual “upgrading to Windows 11” steps in the document, but we assume it’s done via the Windows Update app and the PC Health Check app.

After installing Windows 11, if your device doesn’t meet the requirements, you’ll see a watermark added to the desktop and you’ll see a notification in the Settings app. These can only be removed with registry tweaks.

Can I go back to Windows 10 afterwards?

For anyone who updates to Windows 11 despite not meeting the requirements, Microsoft offers the opportunity to return to Windows 10. However, this is only possible for 10 days after upgrading.

The option to revert can be found in Settings under System > Recovery > Recovery options. The step-by-step process will then take you back to Windows 10. However, you should create a backup before upgrading to be on the safe side in case something goes wrong.

Further reading: Want to stay on Windows 10? It’ll cost you