Microsoft is continuing to remind users of the strict requirements that come with installing the new Windows 11 operating system. It is going to be one of the strictest updates due to the pressure being applied to enhanced security to help combat the ever-increasing evils of the world (ransomware, malware, etc).
For the time being, Windows Insiders have had the ability to install Windows 11 early to get a feel for everything before it officially starts rolling out in October (and still can). However, they too will be required to make a decision when October comes around. As of October 5th, installations that do not meet the minimum hardware requirements (including security requirements) will be faced with having to downgrade back to Windows 10 as they will no longer receive further updates.
Notice is being given within the Windows Update screen as well as an email that is being sent out by the company to Windows insider members. The email says the following…
Hi Windows Insider,
Some PCs in the Dev Channel do not have an option to switch channels as they were given an exception to install Windows 11 preview builds as outlined in our blog post here on June 24th (the red column in the chart). These PCs do not meet the minimum hardware requirements for previewing Windows 11 builds and will not receive new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds from the Dev Channel going forward.
Based on our data, you have a PC that was given that exception. This PC must clean install back to Windows 10 with the media (ISOs) that we provide and can then join the Release Preview Channel to preview Windows 10 updates.
Please review the message in your Windows Update Settings to learn more.
Thank you for your participation in the Windows Insider Program!
The Windows Insider team
The Windows 11 operating system works great on most systems capable of running Windows 10. However, the requirements surrounding TPM 2.0, UEFI firmware, and Secure Boot support, greatly reduce the number of older systems that would have qualified without these requirements. It is a bit of a sacrifice in the trade of pushing for stronger security and user protection against some of the nastiness circulating the web right now. It isn’t a bulletproof protection, but it’s a strong step in the right direction.
Of course, users who are uninterested in upgrading their hardware are continuing to fight back by sharing their opinions about these requirements online. However, for now, they will still be left behind and forced to continue the use of Windows 10 until its EOL (end of life) in October 2025. Microsoft does not seem to find it beneficial to drop the level of security the OS is pushing for in order to please those not interested in keeping with the times (I know, that’s a bit of a harsh statement–but, it is true).
For now, updates will continue to roll out for Windows Insiders until the October 5th deadline. So you still have time to check out the OS if you have a system you don’t mind dedicating to beta testing things and then rolling back. Unless, of course, you have a system that does meet all of these requirements. Then you can keep calm and carry on.
You can visit our story here to find out if your system meets the requirements.
