Windows 11 Upgrade
Windows 10 is set to lose support in October this year. If you have a relatively new machine—likely less than five years old—Windows Update may automatically install Windows 11 for you. However, if you’re using an older device and have started receiving notifications that your computer isn’t compatible, don’t panic. You don’t need to immediately replace it or rush out to buy a new one—despite what Microsoft might suggest.
Windows 11 places a strong emphasis on security, requiring the latest TPM 2.0 security chip (though it can still run on version 1.2). It’s also quite particular about the processor powering your machine, with many lower-powered dual-core processors—especially AMD chips—falling short of the requirements.
If Windows Update informs you that your computer can’t run Windows 11, you might think your only option is to purchase a new laptop. But that’s not necessarily the case. There are ways to bypass these restrictions, and installing the new operating system is fairly straightforward. No hardware modifications are needed—just a simple registry edit.
Windows 11 is free to install and will be activated as a genuine product as long as you’re upgrading from a licensed version of Windows 10 on a compatible device. Even if a registry edit is necessary for installation, Windows 11 remains free—just a small service charge may apply for the modification.
For the best experience, I recommend fitting your device with an SSD or M.2 hard drive, which will significantly improve boot times and overall performance.