Security alert: do not install Windows 11 on devices that don’t meet minimum system requirements (it will leave you unsupported and non-compliant)
Whilst it is important you have the latest versions of software running, we want to share a significant security and compliance issue if you are tempted to use a workaround to upgrade to Windows 11 on a machine that does not meet the minimum requirements…
As you may be aware, Microsoft released Windows 11 in October last year. And while a lot of people were excited to update their PCs and enjoy a shiny new OS, others found that unfortunately, their hardware wasn’t compatible. TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements have to be met for installation, which means some computers weren’t able to install the update… However, a workaround was made available.
The problem
While this workaround allows machines that don’t meet the TPM and Secure Boot requirements to upgrade to Windows 11, there’s a catch, and a big one.
According to Microsoft:
“Installing Windows 11 on a device that does not meet Windows 11 minimum system requirements is not recommended. If you choose to install Windows 11 on ineligible hardware, you should be comfortable assuming the risk of running into compatibility issues.
“Your device might malfunction due to these compatibility or other issues. Devices that do not meet these system requirements will no longer be guaranteed to receive updates, including but not limited to security updates.”
The following disclaimer applies if you install Windows 11 on a device that doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements:
This PC doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements for running Windows 11 – these requirements help ensure a more reliable and higher quality experience. Installing Windows 11 on this PC is not recommended and may result in compatibility issues. If you proceed with installing Windows 11, your PC will no longer be supported and won’t be entitled to receive updates. Damages to your PC due to lack of compatibility aren’t covered under the manufacturer warranty.
What does this mean?
Your device might malfunction – and your warranty won’t help you
The process of upgrading to Windows 11 could leave your device inoperable. It’s also possible that you will encounter issues once you’ve successfully installed Windows 11, because the system isn’t compatible with your hardware.
Unfortunately, you’ll be pretty much on your own with any problems you encounter – Microsoft said in its disclaimer that it could damage your PC, and that this won’t be covered under the manufacturer warranty. Microsoft isn’t offering support for incompatible machines running Windows 11 either, so on your head be it if you install the update anyway…
You won’t be guaranteed to receive updates – including security updates
Microsoft regularly releases updates (or patches) for PCs to close vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them, fix bugs, add new features, increase stability or improve the look and feel of Windows.
But now, Microsoft has said that unsupported machines aren’t guaranteed to receive updates. They aren’t saying they definitely won’t provide unsupported PCs with Windows Updates. But they aren’t saying they will either, and that’s concerning.
This could mean a couple of things for you – firstly, some PCs may not be able to install updates due to compatibility issues, and that won’t be Microsoft’s problem. Alternatively, Microsoft may withhold updates from unsupported devices altogether. This could leave you with a range of issues, including vulnerabilities that leave you open to attack from cyber criminals.
You won’t meet the requirements of Cyber Essentials
If you’re looking to achieve Cyber Essentials or renew your certification, this won’t be possible if you’ve used the workaround to install Windows 11 on your machines, because it will mean your devices are deemed unsupported.
Our recommendation
If you had been considering upgrading to Windows 11 despite your hardware being incompatible… Stop right there. It’s not worth it. Either stick with Windows 10, or consider buying a device / devices that meet the hardware requirements. The level of risk is not worth it.
If you have made the update within the last 10 days, there’s still time to go back… To restore Windows 10 (and your peace of mind), simply follow the below instructions:
Select Start > Settings > System > Recovery > Go back
If you created a system backup before installing Windows 11, great. You’ll be able to restore this version, and we suggest doing so swiftly (instructions for doing this will depend on how and where you created this backup).
Confused and need help?
If you are affected by this issue and want to discuss it further, contact us on info@securious.co.uk