Windows 11 can now be installed on incompatible devices, although with certain limitations.

Microsoft has introduced the option to install Windows 11 on older hardware that does not meet the strict requirements of the operating system. Initially, the company had set requirements such as the inclusion of a TPM 2.0 chip and specific processors, which were necessary to ensure adequate performance and security. However, it is now possible to perform a manual installation of Windows 11 on devices that are not officially supported.

Despite this new option, users should keep in mind that systems that do not meet the minimum requirements will not receive automatic updates through Windows Update. This means that updates will need to be installed manually, resulting in a lack of security patches and new features automatically. Microsoft has clearly indicated that, although the operating system can be installed on unsupported machines, it is not recommended for prolonged use, as there may be performance and stability issues. Additionally, a watermark will appear on the desktop and a notification will be shown in the system settings as a warning about the situation.

The company has remained firm in its stance of not lowering the hardware requirements for Windows 11. Recently, it reaffirmed in an official communication that there will be no changes to these requirements, citing concerns over increasing cybersecurity threats. It has been pointed out that older CPUs may not be able to properly handle the new features of Windows 11, which could result in poor performance.

On the other hand, those who install Windows 11 on unsupported systems will find that their device will no longer be part of the Windows Insider Program, which provides early access to new features. However, this decision by Microsoft provides a viable alternative for those with outdated technology who are unable to upgrade their hardware, especially considering that support for Windows 10 extends only until 2025. This action could be interpreted as an attempt to facilitate temporary access to a modern operating system while encouraging users to consider transitioning to more up-to-date and secure hardware.

Additionally, Microsoft has enabled the option to revert to Windows 10 for those who upgrade to Windows 11 without meeting the minimum requirements. This rollback process can be performed by accessing the settings in the system recovery section, where a tutorial will be provided to return to Windows 10. However, this option will only be available for a period of 10 days after the upgrade.