With support for Windows 10 ending in October 2025, many people’s older PCs haven’t been eligible to upgrade to Windows 11. TPM 2.0-compatible hardware is a key requirement that many outdated systems don’t have. That’s left users and businesses alike in a bind, as they’ve been pressured to upgrade their computers. Not doing so leaves them vulnerable to cybersecurity risks.
However, many are still hesitant to replace their PC if they otherwise work perfectly fine. That’s one reason why 60.75% of users still use Windows 10 in November 2024. While Microsoft seemed to be standing firm on forcing people to upgrade, those numbers haven’t gone unnoticed. As a result, they’re now allowing people to upgrade to Windows 11 on previously incompatible PCs, though with a warning.
Microsoft’s Warning on Installing Windows 11 on Older PCs
On Microsoft’s support page about upgrading incompatible PC, they warn users about the risks:
Installing Windows 11 on a device that doesn’t meet Windows 11 minimum system requirements isn’t recommended. If Windows 11 is installed on ineligible hardware, you should be comfortable assuming the risk of running into compatibility issues.
While that doesn’t mean every older computer will run into any of these issues over the lifespan of Windows 11, there is no guarantee. Additionally, while it might work fine now, there’s a chance that future updates may cause issues down the road. That means offering this is meant to be more of a stopgap rather than a long-term solution.
To install Windows 11 on a PC that isn’t compatible, you also have to accept the disclaimer below:
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. The manufacturer’s warranty doesn’t cover damage to your PC due to lack of compatibility. By selecting Accept, you are acknowledging that you read and understand this statement.
Anyone who chooses to upgrade their technology should carefully consider the pros and cons, especially regarding critical hardware. While it’s unlikely they would offer this upgrade without thorough testing on legacy hardware, this disclaimer removes any responsibility on Microsoft for potential issues.
Upgrading Incompatible PCs to Windows 11
Upgrading an incompatible PC to Windows 11 comes with risks, but it’s possible for those willing to take the leap. Microsoft’s warnings highlight potential compatibility issues and future update challenges. For a full guide on how to install it on older PCs and safely roll back to Windows 10 if needed, check out our in-depth article about Windows 10 end of life.
You Can Pay for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates
For users who don’t feel comfortable with upgrading to Windows 11, Microsoft is offering everyone an option to pay for extended security updates for Windows 10. For $30, users can receive one year of extended support. That includes essential and critical security updates ensuring the device is safe to use through October 2026.
They’ve yet to announce if they’ll allow extended security updates beyond the first year. However, that puts less pressure on users and businesses who may not have budgeted for hardware upgrades in the coming year. Since technical support doesn’t extend beyond the end-of-life date, Microsoft doesn’t view this as a long-term solution. Instead, it’s meant to help ease the transition to Windows 11.
