Microsoft won't block users from getting Windows 11 on most old PCs if they install using ISO files, but they won't get Windows Updates, including security ones
Context & Ripple Effects
Windows 11’s hardware policy began with a TPM requirement that excluded many Windows 10 machines, then drew enough criticism for Microsoft to test some Intel 7th-generation and AMD Zen 1 PCs for compatibility.
The ISO route separates installation from support: Microsoft leaves a path onto the new OS while reserving its update service, including security updates, for supported hardware.
First-order effects
- Owners of most unsupported PCs can install Windows 11 from an ISO, but those installations lose access to Windows Updates and the security fixes delivered through them.
- Microsoft avoids blocking the installation outright while keeping unsupported devices outside its supported update population.
Second-order effects
- For affected PC owners, the choice becomes between remaining on a supported Windows version or running Windows 11 without the update channel that supplies security patches.
- Hardware eligibility now governs access to an ongoing service rather than merely the ability to obtain the operating system, reinforcing Microsoft’s minimum-requirements policy.
Third-order effects
- If this model persists, Windows compatibility policy shifts toward a two-tier system: broad installation access, but full lifecycle support only for hardware Microsoft certifies.
- The update channel becomes Microsoft’s durable enforcement point for platform security standards, rather than an installer block that users can bypass.
The trend: Microsoft is moving hardware enforcement from one-time upgrade gates toward continuing access to the security and maintenance services that make an OS supported.
Related: Ecosystem cyber defense · Microsoft · Windows 11 · Microsoft defends Windows 11 minimum requirements · Windows 11 TPM requirement
Related Coverage
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Discussion
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@jangles
Neville Hobson
on x
#Windows11: Surely it would make better sense to support older PCs with security updates to minimize risk of malware, viruses, etc, spread by old but connected machines? https://www.theverge.com/... via @Verge
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@froseiun
@froseiun
on x
Devices that do not meet the minimum system requirements had 52% more kernel mode crashes. Devices that do meet the minimum system requirements had a 99.8% crash free experience. https://twitter.com/... https://twitter.com/...
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@zacbowden
Zac Bowden
on x
The fact that MS won't directly say “no” when asked about this tells me that it'll likely work just fine, and that it's saying “may or may not” because the ambiguity discourages people from upgrading their ‘unsupported’ PCs in the first place. https://twitter.com/...
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@lanceulanoff
Lance Ulanoff
on x
Not sure why you it took Microsoft so long to figure this out https://www.theverge.com/...
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@jennasilicon
@jennasilicon
on x
days without Microsoft fucking this shit up: 0 https://twitter.com/...
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@tomwarren
Tom Warren
on x
I don't think Microsoft will actually let Windows 11 machines sit out there unprotected, but if they do then this is only good news for those who really hate forced Windows Updates https://twitter.com/...
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@starfire2258
Sean Hollister
on x
Yesterday I wrote “The Windows 11 upgrade situation just got less and more confusing.” Today, it's even more so: https://www.theverge.com/... https://twitter.com/...
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@maryjofoley
Mary Jo Foley
on x
Update to yesterday's loophole for running Windows 11 story. If you choose to upgrade to Windows 11 even though you don't meet Microsoft's TPM criteria, ‘unsupported state’ means you may (or may not) get security and driver updates. My updated post here: https://www.zdnet.com/...
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@ghost_motley
Charlie
on x
Microsoft *will* U-turn on this as well. I don't know why they are creating themselves all this trouble and PR issues though. Microsoft is a company that spends half their time shooting themselves in the foot. https://twitter.com/...
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@stevesi
Steven Sinofsky
on x
“Microsoft reached out to tell us about one potentially gigantic catch it didn't mention during our briefing: systems that are upgraded this way may not be entitled to get Windows Updates, even security ones.” ❓❓https://www.theverge.co m/ ... via @Verge
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@tomwarren
Tom Warren
on x
Microsoft tells me that people who use the Windows 11 ISO install workaround for older PCs won't be entitled to receive updates from Windows Update, and that could include security updates https://www.theverge.com/...
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@joewintergreen
Joe Wintergreen
on x
big “your files are still where they were before” energy https://twitter.com/...
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@gartenberg
Michael Gartenberg
on x
“The Windows 11 upgrade situation just got less and more confusing.” I'm going to stick with Win 10 & call it a day. My days of wrestling with operating systems is over as are my days of buying new PCs so I don't have to wrestle with operating systems. https://www.theverge.com/..…
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@paulobrien
Paul O'Brien
on x
Kinda obvious this would happen all along imho? https://twitter.com/...
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@gartenberg
Michael Gartenberg
on x
“people can upgrade at their own risk as the company can't guarantee driver compatibility and overall system reliability.” So pretty much like every other version of Windows, except explicitly stated not implied. https://www.theverge.com/...
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@waterworthr
Richard Waterworth
on x
Glad to see that it will still be possible to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware to see how it performs. If I run into problems, I can always fall back to Windows 10 which will still be supported until October 2025. https://twitter.com/...
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@tomwarren
Tom Warren
on x
I think Microsoft's move to allow Windows 11 installs via ISO on older PCs is a good one, but it means consumers will think they need a new PC for Windows 11 when in reality they probably don't. The alternative is just sticking with Windows 10, which will be supported until 2025
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@tomwarren
Tom Warren
on x
Microsoft has also updated its PC Health Check app to give you full details on whether your PC can upgrade to Windows 11 or not https://www.theverge.com/... https://twitter.com/...
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@tomwarren
Tom Warren
on x
BIG Windows 11 news. Microsoft won't stop you installing Windows 11 on PCs with older CPUs. You'll need to use an ISO, but it's a change that means millions of PCs won't be left behind. Full details here: https://www.theverge.com/... https://twitter.com/...