What you need to know
- Microsoft has been unclear regarding the state of security updates for those who jump to Windows 11 on unsupported devices.
- The company has made it clear users who put the OS on unsupported devices won't be entitled to updates but hasn't specified whether they will receive updates, regardless of entitlement.
- Now, Microsoft may be requiring those upgrading to Windows 11 to sign a waiver acknowledging that if their machine is beneath the requirement floor, they're on their own.
Microsoft's latest and greatest operating system, Windows 11, is almost upon us, arriving on October 5. Between now and then, though, questions linger, such as one that's haunted those with CPUs just below W11's requirement cutoff: "What happens if I upgrade on an unsupported device?"
Based on a report from The Verge, it seems that attempting to upgrade an unsupported machine to the new operating system may prompt Microsoft to serve you with a waiver. Said waiver explicitly states what you're doing is not recommended by Microsoft, falls outside your device's manufacturer warranty, and means you're not supported or entitled to updates.
While the wording is vague regarding whether unsupported Windows 11 PCs will receive updates (which is nothing new from Microsoft over the past few weeks and months), the fact the company appears to be reiterating this uncertainty via a waiver that demands acknowledgment does not bode well for those who plan to go the distance with the operating system on rigs below the hardware cutoff.
If more news about this reported waiver appears, we'll update our coverage. Until then, check out the updated PC Health Check app to see if you're all set for Windows 11 or will have to tempt fate and confront Microsoft waivers.
