Microsoft Aims to Prevent Bypassing Windows 11 Requirements on Windows 10

Recent Changes to Windows 11 Installation Requirements for Unsupported PCs

Microsoft has made significant updates to its support documentation regarding the installation of Windows 11 on unsupported Windows 10 PCs. In a recent statement to Windows Latest, the company confirmed that, while the core requirements for Windows 11 remain unchanged, users of unsupported devices are advised to revert back to Windows 10.

Understanding Windows 11 Hardware Prerequisites

Unlike Windows 10, Windows 11 imposes stricter hardware demands that many older hardware types do not meet. To successfully run Windows 11, PCs must possess:

4GB of RAM: Adequate memory for optimal performance.
64GB of storage: Sufficient space to install the operating system and necessary applications.
DirectX 12: Required graphics support for a better gaming and multimedia experience.
TPM 2.0: A security feature that many older systems lack.
UEFI with SecureBoot: BIOS upgrade necessary for proper system security configurations, making Legacy BIOS unsupported.

This shift towards more demanding hardware means that many devices originally designed for Windows 10 may no longer receive support or updates for Windows 11.

Microsoft’s Policy Changes

Historically, Microsoft provided guidance on how to bypass these restrictions on unsupported PCs. However, as of late January 2025, the support documentation was quietly revised to omit instructions for installing Windows 11 on unsupported configurations.

Windows 11 installation on unsupported devices — Support document updates | Image Courtesy: WindowsLatest.com

What Does This Mean for Current Users?

If you’re currently running Windows 11 on an unsupported PC that fails to meet the TPM 2.0 requirement, Microsoft urges you to consider rolling back to Windows 10. Their official stance emphasizes the importance of adhering to the minimum system requirements listed in the Windows 11 specifications document.

However, those still intent on installing Windows 11 can follow the existing workaround to enable the software on older devices:

Installation Workaround for Unsupported PCs

Open the Registry Editor and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup.
If the MoSetup folder isn’t present, right-click on the Setup folder, select New → Key, and name it MoSetup.
Inside the MoSetup folder, right-click in an empty area and choose New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Name the new value AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU.
Set the Value data to 1 and click OK.

The above steps remain functional according to sources at Microsoft, with tests confirming successful installations of Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. Nevertheless, Microsoft has warned that such devices may not receive security updates going forward, which could pose significant risks to users.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Windows on Unsupported Devices

Despite Microsoft’s discouragement of using unsupported devices for Windows 11, the company has not implemented measures to forcibly restrict installations on those PCs. As it stands, users should weigh the risks against their needs, especially with the looming possibility of missing security updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the specific hardware requirements for Windows 11?

To install Windows 11, your PC must have at least 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, DirectX 12 compatible graphics, and support for TPM 2.0 and UEFI with SecureBoot.

2. What should I do if I have already installed Windows 11 on an unsupported PC?

If you have Windows 11 installed on a device that does not meet the required specifications, it is recommended that you immediately roll back to Windows 10 for optimal performance and security.

3. Is there still a way to bypass the installation requirements for Windows 11?

Yes, you can follow certain registry modifications to enable installation on unsupported hardware, but this approach is not supported by Microsoft, and security updates may not be available for such installations.

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