Remember those strict hardware requirements when Windows 11 first arrived? At the time, Microsoft offered a workaround for people with older PCs. An official, though somewhat hidden, method allowed users to install Windows 11 anyway. This workaround bypassed the CPU and TPM checks. It involved changing a key within the Registry. It was a secret handshake for those in the know.
The Registry Key Workaround: A Quick Recap
For a while, taking a chance was possible if your old machine didn't officially meet the Windows 11 grade. Microsoft documented a registry key modification. This modification told the installer to ignore the CPU and TPM 2.0 requirements. TPM 1.2 was still needed. They even posted a warning. It essentially said, "Hey, we don't recommend this, and things might go wrong, but if you understand the risks, here's how."
Microsoft's Original Warning and the Stealth Removal
Microsoft's original warning and the now-removed bypass stated: "Microsoft recommends against installing Windows 11 on a device that does not meet the Windows 11 minimum system requirements. If you choose to install Windows 11 on a device that does not meet these requirements, and you acknowledge and understand the risks, you can create the following registry key values and bypass the check for TPM 2.0 (at least TPM 1.2 is required) and the CPU family and model."
The Stealth Removal
But times change. It would seem that Microsoft has removed this workaround in silence from their support documentation. Neowin, with eagle-eyed watchers, noted a recent edit on this support article. The registry bypass was gone. This occurred after Windows 11 24H2 rollout. What does it mean?
That's officially no longer a supported method. Even if the registry trick itself may still actually work, it is not officially supported. Their current line is clear. For Windows 11, they prefer you buy a new, fully compatible PC. This move probably isn't a surprise. Microsoft and its hardware partners likely want everyone on modern, supported systems. It makes perfect sense, now that Windows 10 is basically EOL, at least in their perspective. They want to force users to switch to newer hardware. This might leave some users behind.
If you're one of those who relied on that official bypass guide, perhaps now is the best time to contemplate your choices. Maybe a new machine is due right now.
