Skip to main content

Have an unsupported PC? Windows 11 has a message for you

If you’re running Windows 11 on an unsupported PC, then you might want to keep your eyes open for a new warning in the future. That’s because Microsoft is internally testing a new message in the Windows 11 Settings app to alert you that your system doesn’t meet the minimum requirements for the new operating system.

Twitter user and Windows leaker @thebookisclosed was the first to note this, but the good news is that it doesn’t look as though the messages might get in the way as much as the “Windows isn’t activated” warning and watermark might. Per the Twitter user, Microsoft’s latest preview builds just has an alert in the Windows 11 Settings app as a small “hero” to indicate when system requirements are not met.

Related Videos

The alert shows up under the laptop name with a Learn More link.  Clicking that link then sends you out to a Microsoft webpage that explains what happens when you install Windows 11 on devices that don’t meet minimum system requirements.

The warning in the Settings app.
@thebookisclosed/Twitter

Again, this message only shows up in internal preview builds, so not everyone will be seeing it just yet, as Microsoft hasn’t rolled it out. And while it was always possible to run Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, doing so does have some risks. Microsoft doesn’t endorse it and warns of compatibility issues, as well as the fact that you won’t be entitled to receive future updates or new Windows features. This means you could be at risk for security issues like malware, spyware, and other common Windows problems.

Of course, we recently found that you might still get updates, after all, but if your system doesn’t meet the requirements for Windows 11, you might want to consider buying a new one. Or, you can try to upgrade your device’s components like the CPU or the TPM 2.0 chip just to be safe. Microsoft still has the right to stop delivering updates to your device at any time.

Windows 11 is only compatible on systems with Intel 8th-generation processors or newer processors, or AMD Ryzen 2000 series processors. This has been the main roadblock and a source of controversy for many people, along with the mandatory requirement for a TPM 2.0 chip. However, Windows 11 is still gaining steam and hit a 16.1% market share in January, per the firm AdDuplex.

Editors' Recommendations

Windows 12: the top features we want to see in the rumored OS
A laptop running Windows 11.

Windows 12 might be in development at Microsoft, at least according to the latest rumors. A leak from Intel made mention of Windows 12, and with a new Windows Insider channel promising cutting-edge versions of the operating system, it seems Microsoft is eyeing the next major release.

Windows 11 is less than two years old, but reports say Microsoft could release Windows 12 as soon as 2024. Microsoft hasn't made any official announcements yet, but it's still not too early to get a wish list going. Here's what I want to see out of the next major version of Windows.
A set Windows 12 release date

Read more
4 Windows 11 accessibility features that make it easier for everyone to use
Person using Windows 11 laptop on their lap by the window.

Windows 11 feature some big updates for Microsoft's storied operating system visually, but it has made big strides in accessibility as well. Live Captions, updates to the Narrator, and even full voice access might make Windows 11 the most accessible OS Microsoft has ever released.

Regardless of it you need accessibility features to navigate Windows 11 or if you just want to make getting around a little easier, we tried out a slew of features to bring you our favorites. If you want to browse the full list, you can find it by opening the Settings app in Windows 11 and selecting the Accessibility tab.
Live captions

Read more
PC gamers are flocking to Windows 11, new Steam survey says
Shadow of the Tomb Raider on the Alienware 34 QD-OLED.

According to the latest Steam Hardware and Software Survey, more PC gamers are switching to using Windows 11. Although Windows 10 continues to top the charts, it's slowly losing users to Microsoft's newer operating system, as Windows 11 now compromises over a third of all operating systems in Steam's monthly survey.

It's happy news for Microsoft as Windows 11 continues to inch forward in the Steam Hardware Survey. While the survey doesn't include the software and hardware utilized by each and every gamer on the platform, it still shows us some significant averages. Microsoft has continued to push Windows 11 for new PCs, and the latest survey from Steam suggests that the effort is working.

Read more