Sticking the latest version of Windows onto an old PC is a great way to make it feel up to date. Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn’t see it that way. A workaround previously allowed Windows 11 to be installed on older machines lacking the latest security hardware but has now been removed.

This could be a significant issue considering that Microsoft has announced the end of Windows 10 support, scheduled for later this year.

The crucial hardware in question is the TPM or Trusted Platform Module version 2.0. It protects critical data like encryption keys and ensures the authenticity of hardware and operating systems. Although it was introduced two years before Windows 11, many PCs lacked support when the OS launched.

At one point, Microsoft provided a workaround for users to install Windows 11 on PCs equipped with the older TPM 1.2 module. This was simple, requiring only the creation and enabling of a registry key. However, as reported by Neowin, Microsoft has removed mentions of this workaround from its support pages. Whether the workaround still functions or has been disabled remains unclear, but an archived link is available for those interested.

For users of older PCs, this news isn’t favorable. While some might think of sticking with Windows 10, they must heed the warning: Windows 10 will stop receiving updates after October 14, posing potential security vulnerabilities moving forward.

It’s possible that upgrading your CPU or motherboard could resolve the TPM 2.0 support issue, but it’s disappointing that Microsoft is not more accommodating to older systems. After all, a decently specced PC from 10 years ago could likely run Windows 11 efficiently.

Alternatively, boot tools like Rufus can circumvent the TPM 2.0 restriction by allowing users to download the latest Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft’s site. Other methods also persist, but Microsoft’s abrupt move against these workarounds raises questions.

Microsoft once stated, “climate change requires swift, collective action and technological innovation. We’re committed to meeting our own goals while enabling others to do the same.”

In light of this, it would be more beneficial if Microsoft allowed owners of older PCs to choose between updates and limited security, rather than forcing them into a corner.