Microsoft remains firm on Windows 11 minimum requirements

A couple of weeks ago when Microsoft showed off Windows 11 for the first time, one of the biggest shockers was that the new operating system would be exclusively for newer PCs. With the release of Windows 11 later this year, Microsoft is cutting off support for systems that do not have a processor from a recent generation, as well as all computers that do not have TPM 2.0. Basically, millions of users will have no upgrade path and will need to remain on Windows 10. The latter will get security updates until October 14, 2025.

Windows 11 minimum requirements to remain firm

In a recent AMA session on Windows 11 Upgrade Paths, Microsoft expert employees insisted that the Windows 11 minimum requirements won't be relaxed any time soon. Microsoft claims Windows 11 is all about security and notes users will not be able to cheat their way to a Windows 11 upgrade.

Microsoft Program Manager, Aria Carley, told the AMA webcast watchers that she knows "it sucks" that your capable but slightly out of date system isn't going to get offered the Windows 11 update. However, Carley explained that it will be for the greater good. The minimum requirements as they stand will "keep devices more productive, have a better experience, and better security than ever before so they can stay protected," she said.

You won't be able to cheat the upgrade, particularly in organisations, added Carley. "Group policy will not enable you to get around the hardware enforcement for Windows 11," warned the Microsoft exec. "We're still going to block you from upgrading your device to an unsupported state since we really want to make sure that your devices stay supported and secure."

Odds are high someone will figure out a couple of hacks to force a Windows 11 upgrade, but this is not a smart idea for production environments and may cause issues down the road.