Microsoft has removed an official workaround for installing Windows 11 on older PCs from its support articles, despite the policy shift. The Registry trick, which allowed users to bypass hardware checks and install the OS on unsupported devices, is still available online through archived versions.
When Windows 11 launched in 2021, Microsoft provided a method for installing the operating system on devices that didn’t meet its stringent requirements. However, with newer updates, including the 24H2 update, the company has emphasized the role of Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and newer CPUs in ensuring future security.
Bypassing hardware checks during Windows 11 installation has become common among users, thanks to third-party utilities like Rufus and Ventoy. Enterprise organizations also use these methods extensively across diverse hardware fleets.
Microsoft now recommends purchasing a new PC for access to the latest Windows 11 features, which will be phased out after Windows 10 reaches end-of-life support on October 14, 2025. Organizations can extend support with the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) edition at a high cost. Despite the push for Windows 11 adoption, it still powers most active PCs, indicating a slower transition than expected.
Source: https://www.techspot.com/news/106619-microsoft-hides-official-workaround-installing-windows-11-older.html