Microsoft has quietly removed a support document that guided users on installing Windows 11 on PCs that didn’t meet the official hardware requirements. This removal, first reported by Neowin, reinforces Microsoft’s push for users to upgrade to newer hardware compliant with Windows 11 specifications, aligning with their recent emphasis on a “year of the Windows 11 PC refresh.”
When Windows 11 debuted in 2021, the introduction of TPM 2.0 as a hardware prerequisite sparked considerable controversy. To mitigate the initial backlash, Microsoft published a support document outlining registry key modifications to bypass the TPM 2.0 requirement. This document always carried strong warnings, emphasizing that users employed this workaround at their own risk. The document’s removal suggests Microsoft no longer sanctions this method.
The TPM 2.0 requirement remains a point of contention. With Windows 10 support ending in 2024, Microsoft clarified that this wouldn’t alter the Windows 11 hardware criteria. This leaves many users with older, yet functional, hardware facing a dilemma.
The end of Windows 10 support means these older PCs will no longer receive crucial security updates, increasing their vulnerability to viruses and malware. This poses a significant security risk, particularly for less tech-savvy users who may be more susceptible to cyberattacks.
For those still interested in attempting the TPM 2.0 bypass, the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine provides access to the archived support document. Access the archived Windows 11 installation guide. While it’s uncertain whether the bypass still functions or if Microsoft simply aims to discourage its use, it remains an option for those willing to explore it.
The removal of this guide underscores Microsoft’s strategy to promote hardware upgrades. However, it also highlights the concerns surrounding the TPM 2.0 requirement and the potential security implications for users who choose to remain on unsupported systems. The transition to Windows 11 continues to be a complex issue for many PC users.
