When Microsoft released Windows 11, the operating system came with minimum requirements that many computers in circulation could not meet. The most restrictive is the one that asks for TPM 2.0, which my colleague Diego has already I speak It's been a while. Three years have passed since then, and Redmond had just assured that they were not going to relax those requirements... but something has happened. What exactly? It may have to do with the market share of its operating system.
Recently (within the past year) There has been talk of a Windows 10 rebound. That is, for some reason, users have either returned to the previous version or have returned to using computers that were no longer in use, but the fact is that Windows 10 has regained ground. And it has done so less than a year after its "blackout." Whatever the reason, there is now a guide to installing Windows 11 on unsupported computers. Or rather, a note explaining that it is a possibility, although it does not give many details.
Windows 11 relaxes
The page in question is this, with the headline "Install Windows 11 on computers that do not meet the minimum system requirements«. The first thing they tell us is that We may experience compatibility issues and that non-compliant devices are not guaranteed to receive updates, including security updates.
They explain that the following warning will appear if Windows 11 is used on an unsupported computer: «This PC does not meet the minimum system requirements to run Windows 11 - These requirements help ensure a reliable and higher quality experience. Installing Windows 11 on this PC is not recommended as it may cause compatibility issues. If you proceed with installing Windows 11, your PC will no longer be supported and you will not be able to receive updates. If damage to your PC occurs due to incompatibility, it will not be covered under the manufacturer's warranty. By selecting Accept, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this statement.«.
As It is not explained how to install or update the operating system. They talk to us about before and after the installation. Before you have to use the application of Checking PC status, which will do its job of, among other things, confirming that the computer is not supported. After installing the operating system, there will be a watermark on the desktop, and a notification may be displayed in Settings to indicate that the requirements are not met.
Back to the previous version
If something goes wrong, Microsoft recommends rolling back to Windows 10:
- Right click on the start menu > Settings > Recovery > System.
- Is selected Recovery.
- In the recovery window, you choose Back. If the account control window appears, choose Yes and an account is chosen that has administrator permissions.
- In the “Go back to Windows 10” window, click Next.
- In the “Check for Updates” window, No thanks.
- When we see “What you need to know,” Next.
- When we see “You did not block”, Next.
- Finally, click on Back to Windows 10.
Update not recommended
Microsoft does not recommend updating on computers that don't meet the requirements. There are functions that require that TPM 2.0, and yes, it could be a problem. But the truth is that I installed it on an unsupported laptop and I didn't notice anything strange while it was there, aside from slowness.
Microsoft does not provide details on the installation process, but it is assumed that at some point, in the Health Check application, a button will appear that allows you to update, even if it will come with an additional warning.
What is clear is that Windows 11 can now be installed on older computersWhat is not clear, but we can imagine, is that Microsoft has not managed to attract the attention of users, or at least the majority has decided not to buy a new computer to be able to use Windows 11.
And if anyone has problems now or in the future, we'll be waiting for you on Linux.