What this new tip for installing Windows 11 on an incompatible computer shows

Microsoft has made it impossible for many computers to upgrade to Windows 11 by imposing rather strict hardware requirements. The recent leak of the next OS update confirms that these requirements are primarily artificial.

Since its release in October 2021, Windows 11 is still struggling to convince users, and it’s not just its shortcomings, real or perceived, that are to blame. One of the obstacles to mass adoption of the operating system was and remains the list of mandatory conditions imposed by Microsoft in terms of hardware configuration, which prevented many users from installing Windows 11 on their PC. Among these requirements, the most stringent is the mandatory presence of a TPM 2.0 module on the motherboard, without which it is theoretically impossible to install and use Windows 11.

As a result, many owners of older but functional computers found themselves unable to update their machines to the latest version of Windows. It’s a pity when we know that at the same time, Microsoft has no qualms about regularly displaying ads and notifications on said users’ computers, inviting them to upgrade to Windows 11… even if it means buying a new device. case! A somewhat contradictory and at least annoying approach on the part of the company, because if Apple eventually also abandons its old Macs, then at least it will have enough good form not to show advertisements for the latest macOS on incompatible devices.

Windows 11: Hardware requirements are quickly being bypassed

Obviously, Windows users weren’t fooled, and a variety of methods have flourished everywhere to bypass the hardware requirements imposed by Microsoft and install Windows 11 on officially “incompatible” PCs. Starting with the first preview version of the OS, independent developer AveYo developed a tool to bypass Microsoft’s restrictions, and then updated it for the official release of Windows 11. And since then, other solutions have emerged that are even easier to use. found, one of which allows you to install Windows 11 on an incompatible PC using one command line!

The success of these methods proves that the restrictions Microsoft placed on Windows 11 installation were somewhat arbitrary and artificial. In response, the company could argue that these requirements guarantee an optimal level of performance and security for Windows 11 – a keynote that it does not deprive itself of – but the recent discovery, however, undermines this line of defense and further strengthens the thesis. according to which these premises will be, first of all, a way to push users to buy new equipment.

Windows 11: The official version that installs on incompatible computers.

This is the famous TheBobPony, an experienced Windows hacker who shares this is a discovery on (formerly Twitter). The Windows 11 Pro ISO file comes with two versions of the operating system: the classic version and the “IoT Enterprise” version, typically aimed at connected objects and embedded systems. But aside from the names, both versions are almost identical and work very well on any PC, with one difference: while the classic version refuses to install on an incompatible computer, the IoT version, out of politeness, doesn’t bother. and installs… without even checking whether the machine meets the hardware requirements set by Microsoft!

However, you shouldn’t rejoice prematurely, rush to download the ISO of this version and run to buy a key for Windows 11 Pro. Indeed, as TheBobPony points out just below the post, this method only works for the 24-hour version of Windows 11, which is in development, unpublished to date, and officially expected in fall 2024. This version was recently leaked online and can be downloaded. browsing dubious sites, but since this is an unfinished version, it is strongly recommended not to install it on your work or entertainment computer. Additionally, there is nothing to suggest that this ability to install Windows 11 IoT by overriding hardware requirements will continue in the final version of Windows 11 24H2.

Unfortunately, this is not a new miracle and easy-to-implement method for installing Windows 11 on an incompatible computer; on the other hand, this discovery once again proves that the hardware requirements imposed by Microsoft are completely artificial. While the IoT version of Windows 11 Pro is certainly aimed at less powerful machines, it works great on classic PCs and offers just as many features as the classic version of the system. What’s more, connected objects and embedded systems require just as much security as laptops or desktops, and the fact that Windows IoT doesn’t require the famous TPM 2.0 to install may make the need for such a chip questionable.

This unusual find unfortunately reinforces the idea that Microsoft’s hardware requirements for installing Windows 11 are based more on economic and commercial considerations than on actual technical limitations. One would hope that Microsoft’s desire to see widespread adoption of Windows 11 among users would push the company to loosen these restrictions a bit, but unfortunately, things seem to be going in the opposite direction. Firstly, as discovered by the same TheBobPony, running the 24-hour version of Windows 11 will require a processor running the SSE4.2 instruction set, which further rules out some older PCs. On the other hand, the future artificial intelligence features of Windows, so praised by the Redmond firm, will remain with owners of ARM-based PCs, forcing those who want to benefit from them to invest in an entirely new computer.

With the planned end of service for Windows 10 in 2025 and tightening hardware requirements for Windows 11, Microsoft is becoming increasingly hostile towards “old” PCs and is increasingly urging users to ditch their old bikes that sometimes still work just fine. For those concerned, it may be time to look at alternative systems that are lighter, more reliable and easier to use, such as the excellent Linux Mint.