The hardware requirements for Windows 11 are very high. Almost all computers from 2016 or earlier are not officially able to receive the update. However, circumventing this artificial limitation was not difficult. Official instructions for this can be found on the Microsoft website. Countless users followed the instructions and updated to Windows 11.
Windows 11 first update shuts down old hardware
But these official instructions always came with a caveat. Future updates cannot be guaranteed with devices that are not officially supported. This is exactly what appears to be happening now.
On Wednesday, Microsoft released the first major update for Windows 11 as a beta version. A final release is planned for the fall. In addition to several smaller improvements like folders in the Start menu and better OneDrive integration, the update appears to be finally locking out older devices. Several users traveling with outdated devices have reported that they can no longer install the update.
This means that users with computers that are not officially supported are excluded from the new functionality. Much worse: Without a fall function update, basic security updates will only be available until October 2023. After that, you have to buy new hardware or switch to a different operating system.
Microsoft: Windows 10 will be supported for much longer
The artificial increase in hardware requirements for Windows 11 has been a thorn in the side of many users since its release. After all, Windows 11 is no different from Windows 10 on a technical level and works smoothly even on older devices. I was able to convince myself of this on the 2015 Surface Book. But instead of only keeping certain functions, like using Android apps for newer devices, Microsoft decided to ban older devices altogether.
In light of the uncertain supply of updates for devices that are not officially supported, we advise these users to stay with Windows 10. The system will be updated until October 2025. In addition, many features are coming from Windows 11 later to Windows 10. These features include the new Store or Windows 10 app. Xbox Revised.
For users who have already upgraded to Windows 11, there is currently no easy fix. If beta fears are confirmed, a downgrade to Windows 10 is due within a year at the latest. However, all data and software must be backed up and uploaded again by yourself. Switching to the new Linux or Chrome OS Flex would also be an option.
