Andrew Heinzman
Microsoft’s compatibility checker for Windows 11 is now available for all users. The software, which you can find at the bottom of Microsoft’s Windows 11 page, was previously exclusive to Windows Insiders. And oddly enough, it contains a new waiver for people with older PCs.
In late August, Microsoft announced that it will allow people to install Windows 11 on PCs that don’t fit the operating system’s strict hardware requirements. The company enjoyed a few days of good press before clarifying that “unsupported PCs” won’t receive software or security updates and must install the operating system manually—in other words, millions of people are forced to buy a new computer if they want to safely run Windows 11.
The latest version of Microsoft’s Windows 11 compatibility checker reiterates the company’s policy. As reported by The Verge, running the checker on an unsupported PC leads you to a waiver stating that “you won’t be entitled to receive updates.” It also warns that installing Windows 11 could void your manufacturer’s warranty.
Those hoping for Microsoft to reverse its strict hardware requirements are SOL. But it’s not the end of the world. Microsoft will continue to support Windows 10 until 2025, so you don’t have to buy a new computer just yet. Plus, Windows 11 is practically identical to Windows 10, and its defining feature won’t arrive until 2022.
Source: Microsoft via The Verge
