While Microsoft might can help you run Windows 11 on an “unsupported” PC, a beforehand undisclosed Microsoft limitation signifies that there’s a brand new, large gotcha ready within the wings, too.
Microsoft lifted fanatic hopes on Friday when it instructed some publications that it could enable customers to run Windows 11 on an “unsupported PC,” or one which apps like Microsoft’s personal PC Health Check would report as incompatible with the {hardware} necessities of Windows 11. In response to a PCWorld request for clarification, nonetheless, Microsoft added that there was extra to it than that.
First, Microsoft clarified that what it stated earlier nonetheless holds true. If you personal a Windows 10 PC, and want to improve it to Windows 11 through both the Windows Media Creation Tool or else by downloading an .ISO file, you’ll be allowed to.
Microsoft additionally clarified what {hardware} Windows 11 would require. As Microsoft’s Windows group blogged Friday, Windows 11 would require suitable 64-bit processors, 4GB of reminiscence, 64GB of storage, UEFI safe boot, graphics necessities and TPM 2.0. If your PC solely helps a TPM 1.2, nonetheless, the PC can be formally thought-about “unsupported.”
According to Microsoft, operating Windows 11 in an unsupported state just isn’t really helpful, and Microsoft says it will likely be acceptable solely in sure short-term eventualities. But Microsoft stated Friday night that unsupported PCs operating Windows 11 received’t be entitled to obtain updates through Windows Update. That means, Microsoft added, that unsupported Windows PCs may not embrace safety and driver updates, both.
Eliminating entry to Windows Update primarily curtails upgrading an unsupported PC in lots of eventualities. Without updates, customers received’t have entry to the most recent code, in addition to new options and doubtlessly safety updates, too. Microsoft warned that unsupported, unpatched PCs might are compatible points, might turn into unusable, and will not be coated by guarantee. Even if a person is prepared to go away their PC in a set, unpatched state, Microsoft will possible finish help for that model in a 12 months or two. According to Microsoft’s Windows 10 help dates, for instance, the present Windows 10 model, Windows 10 21H1, expires on Dec. 13, 2022.
All this implies is that, for Windows 11’s {hardware} necessities, your PC primarily should include TPM 2.Zero {hardware}, whether or not built-in or as a standalone chip. (Here’s easy methods to inform whether or not your PC does.) If it doesn’t, the door has primarily closed in your potential to securely improve to Windows 11.
