As Windows 10’s end-of-support date approaches, Microsoft is subtly nudging users towards upgrading to new hardware. A recent change in a support page quietly removed a popular workaround that allowed older PCs to install Windows 11 despite not meeting the required specifications.
The now-deleted tip explained how to tweak the registry to bypass the strict TPM 2.0 and CPU requirements, but Microsoft had previously warned against using this method due to potential “serious problems” that could occur if not done correctly.
Despite the removal, the registry hack still functions, albeit without official guidance from Microsoft. This move signals the company’s continued awareness of older hardware being used with Windows 11, while encouraging users to purchase new PCs that meet the requirements.
For those still on Windows 10, options are limited. The free upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 is available, but only for eligible hardware. Alternatively, users can pay for extended support or switch to a different operating system, such as one of the Linux OSes resembling Windows.
Source: https://www.pcworld.com/article/2596306/microsoft-silently-erases-tip-for-installing-windows-11-on-older-pcs.html