In 2021, Microsoft unveiled Windows 11 as the successor to Windows 10, instituting a fresh array of system demands that distinctly differentiate it from earlier versions.
Among the fundamental prerequisites were the requirement for a relatively recent CPU and the capability for TPM 2.0. Devices failing to meet these criteria were classified as ineligible for an upgrade to Windows 11 via Windows Update.
Despite Microsoft’s provision of alternatives for installing Windows 11 on hardware that does not conform to these specifications, the corporation has cautioned users regarding potential risks. According to Microsoft’s guidelines, devices that do not meet the system demands for Windows 11 will not receive updates.
Although cumulative updates have been applied to unsupported Windows 11 installations thus far, this does not encompass new feature updates.
This year, Microsoft reinforced its stance by disabling one method of installation for the OS on incompatible hardware and also prohibited the installation of Windows 11, version 24H2, on very outdated systems, even though previous versions were compatible.
Gradual Adoption
StatCounter, an external analytics service tracking traffic across over 1.5 million websites, reveals that Windows 10 continues to be the leading operating system on Windows PCs.
As of November 2024, Windows 10 possesses a usage share exceeding 61 percent, with Windows 11 occupying the second spot at around 35 percent.
Windows 10 experiences a monthly reduction of approximately one percentage point, mirroring the increase observed with Windows 11. With only eleven months of support left for Windows 10, it becomes evident that a rise in upgrades is crucial to sustain usage beyond Windows 10 until October 2025.
By that time, millions of devices may remain unupgraded to Windows 11 or have not been replaced with compatible models, leaving those users unsupported unless they opt for extended security updates.
For the first time, Microsoft is offering these updates to home users, alongside businesses and enterprise clients. Home users will have the option to subscribe for a one-year extension, whereas business and enterprise customers can extend support for as much as three years.
**System Demands Stay Firm**
Microsoft could alleviate some pressure on its customers while also promoting environmental sustainability by reevaluating the system demands for Windows 11.
Nevertheless, at least one requirement remains firm. According to Microsoft employee Steven Hosking, in a comprehensive post on the Windows IT Pro Blog, TPM 2.0 is a critical component for Windows 11.
The trusted platform module is utilized for cryptographic tasks and data storage, barring any devices lacking support from receiving upgrades, although workarounds remain accessible, as previously mentioned.
Given Microsoft’s unwavering stance, the only other criterion that might be reconsidered is the processor requirement, which could possibly allow systems with TPM but older processors to upgrade to Windows 11.
Final Reflections
While it seems improbable that Microsoft will ease its requirements, external factors might influence the company’s strategy.
With over 100 million incompatible systems in circulation and the danger of losing these customers by October 2025, Microsoft may need to reevaluate its uncompromising stance if users display hesitation in replacing their operational PCs.
Windows 10 users have numerous alternatives aside from simply transitioning to Windows 11.
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