Microsoft Removes Windows 11 Workaround for Unsupported PCs

Back in October 2021, when Microsoft first launched Windows 11 (version 21H2), the company also quietly introduced a workaround for users with unsupported PCs. This allowed them to bypass the strict system requirements and upgrade to Windows 11, despite not meeting the eligibility criteria.

At the time, there was significant backlash over Windows 11’s stringent hardware requirements—a sentiment that remains strong even today. In fact, Microsoft recently reiterated that it would not be relaxing its hardware eligibility rules for Windows 11.

The workaround involved tweaking a registry key to bypass the CPU and TPM checks, enabling unsupported PCs to install Windows 11. Here’s how it worked:

Warning from Microsoft:

Microsoft strongly advises against installing Windows 11 on devices that don’t meet the minimum system requirements. If you decide to proceed, you do so at your own risk, and you may encounter serious system issues that could require a full OS reinstall.

Registry Key Bypass:

• Registry Key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup
• Name: AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU
• Type: REG_DWORD
• Value: 1

Note: Improperly modifying the registry can cause significant problems, including the need to reinstall the operating system. Be cautious and proceed at your own risk.

However, as of late 2024, Neowin has noticed that Microsoft has quietly removed this workaround from its official support article. This change appears to have been made after the release of Windows 11 version 24H2.

Microsoft’s current stance is clear: users looking to upgrade to Windows 11 should purchase a new PC that meets the hardware requirements. It’s evident that the company is no longer encouraging or supporting updates on unsupported devices. Microsoft’s hardware partners, such as Dell and AMD, also seem to align with this perspective.

With the end of support for Windows 10 fast approaching, Microsoft is doubling down on its hardware policies, arguing that deprecation ultimately benefits users. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds, especially for those still using older PCs.