Microsoft has changed its stance on installing Windows 11 on older, unsupported hardware. The company now allows users to install the operating system on devices that don’t meet the minimum requirements for full compatibility, but warns of potential instabilities and does not guarantee official support or updates.
This move comes as Windows 10 is set to reach its end-of-life in October 2025. Microsoft has confirmed that it can officially be installed on devices that don’t meet the requirements, but users should be aware that they may encounter compatibility issues. Installing on unsupported hardware will also result in a disclaimer that cancels warranty claims in case of compatibility-related problems.
To help users determine if their PC is compatible with Windows 11, Microsoft recommends using the PC Health Check app. The company has taken a different approach to support, as it is primarily a software company rather than a hardware manufacturer like Apple. This means that the OS will continue to receive updates without security patches for extended periods.
While some users have reported successfully installing Windows 11 on older hardware, including Ivy Bridge and Haswell systems, Microsoft’s new policy may not be suitable for all users. Those who want to avoid receiving updates and minimize their exposure to new features can use the LTSC IoT variant of the OS, which does not require Secure boot or TPM.
It is worth noting that installing Windows 11 on older hardware may have its limitations. The operating system has been reported to run smoothly in virtual machines (VMs) using an old CPU, but users will need a newer CPU for physical installations. Furthermore, cloning existing installations between physical systems or copying them to additional ones is relatively easy and seamless due to the nature of Windows installation.
Overall, Microsoft’s new policy allows users to install Windows 11 on older hardware, but with caveats regarding compatibility and support. It remains to be seen how updates will work on unsupported devices, and users should carefully weigh their options before making a decision.
Source: https://www.tomshardware.com/software/windows/microsoft-allows-windows-11-to-be-installed-on-older-unsupported-hardware-but-specifically-nixes-official-support-minimum-requirements-for-full-compatibility-remain-unchanged