Microsoft is set to add a watermark to the desktops of unsupported PCs running Windows 11, effectively forcing users to stop using it on hardware that doesn’t meet its TPM 2.0 requirements. The move aims to persuade users to upgrade to compatible devices or abandon the operating system altogether.
To run Windows 11, PCs must meet specific minimum requirements, including a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip. However, Microsoft has been cracking down on unsupported hardware, warning that users may miss out on essential updates and have their devices’ warranties voided.
Starting soon, a watermark will be added to the desktops of incompatible PCs, accompanied by an annoying pop-up message reminding users that they’re using an unsupported operating system. This measure is seen as an attempt by Microsoft to curb the use of Windows 11 on non-compliant hardware, encouraging users to upgrade to compatible devices or revert to Windows 10.
While some workarounds have allowed users to run Windows 11 on unsupported PCs in the past, Microsoft’s latest move signals a tougher stance. The company prefers users to switch to supported hardware, with many experts questioning the necessity of the TPM requirement for consumer devices.
Despite this, security concerns remain, as failing to install necessary updates can leave devices vulnerable to viruses and other threats. While this measure may be seen as heavy-handed, Microsoft’s goal is to prioritize user safety by limiting support for unsupported hardware.
Users running Windows 11 on non-compliant PCs must now weigh the risks of continued use against the potential inconvenience of upgrading or reverting to a previous operating system. As Microsoft continues to update its policies, users are advised to carefully assess their device’s compatibility and consider their options before proceeding.
Source: https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-doesnt-care-if-your-unsupported-pc-can-run-windows-11-it-wants-you-to-stop-using-it-right-now