Microsoft shuts the door on old PCs – for good ? 🛑

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From the start, Windows 11 was met with controversy: its strict hardware requirements left many older machines behind. Until now, an official workaround using the Registry Editor allowed users to bypass these restrictions. But that’s over—Microsoft has quietly removed these instructions from its website.

No More Workarounds: Microsoft Locks Down Windows 11⚡

Windows 11 has faced heavy criticism due to its stringent hardware requirements. The OS demands a recent processor and a TPM 2.0 chip—a security component missing from many older PCs. Until now, users could bypass these restrictions by modifying a registry key, a method that Microsoft not only tolerated but also documented on its official site.

However, with the recent 24H2 update, Microsoft has erased these instructions from its online support pages. The guide explaining how to tweak the registry has simply been removed—on both the English and French versions of the site. Microsoft no longer wants users installing Windows 11 on unsupported machines.

Microsoft Cracks Down on Bypass Methods❌

This tightening of restrictions goes beyond just removing documentation. Microsoft is now targeting third-party tools that help users bypass hardware requirements. For instance, FlyBy11, an app that made installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware easier, is now flagged as a potential threat by Microsoft Defender, Windows’ built-in antivirus. This warning prevents many users from downloading or running the tool without disabling their security software.

To justify this move, Microsoft emphasizes system stability and security. By labeling these tools as « potentially harmful software, » the company aims to enforce stricter compliance with Windows 11’s hardware requirements. But this raises a question: if users are willing to accept the risks, why impose such rigid restrictions?

A Race Against Time for Windows 10⏳

Windows 10 still holds over 60% of the PC operating system market, compared to less than 40% for Windows 11. However, Windows 10’s support is set to end in October 2025. Microsoft is eager to speed up the transition, but by making it harder to install Windows 11 on older hardware, the company is putting many users in a tough spot.

Instead of optimizing Windows 11 for older hardware, Microsoft’s solution is simply… to buy a new PC. This approach may seem extreme, and it also raises a major environmental concern. Forcing users to upgrade their hardware increases electronic waste, while global recycling efforts still struggle to keep up.

The End of Workarounds? Not So Fast 💡

Despite these new restrictions, the tech community always finds a way. Alternatives like Rufus still allow users to create bootable USB drives that bypass installation checks. Other software and methods may emerge, proving that Microsoft’s attempt to block older PCs from running Windows 11 may not be as airtight as they hope.

The real question is: how far is Microsoft willing to go to enforce its vision? If restrictions continue to tighten, users might start looking for alternatives… like switching to Linux.

Are you still using Windows 10? Do you plan to upgrade to Windows 11? What do you think of Microsoft’s policy? Discuss it in comments.