Unexpectedly, a Windows 10 PC that doesn't comply with the required TPM 2.0 for Windows 11 was surprisingly provided an upgrade offer by Microsoft, defying the supposed non-negotiable specification.
In the world of technology, Microsoft's latest move has stirred up quite a storm. Despite the stringent system requirements for Windows 11, some users have reported receiving upgrade notifications for their Windows 10 PCs, even when they do not meet the requirements, such as the TPM 2.0[1].
This unusual incident has left many users feeling frustrated and confused. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has voiced its concerns, petitioning Microsoft to reconsider its decision, fearing it could lead to the "single biggest jump in junked computers ever"[7].
Microsoft's official stance and tools like the Windows 11 Installation Assistant explicitly do not support upgrading unsupported PCs due to hardware requirement checks, including TPM 2.0 presence[4]. However, reports from late July 2025 indicate that some users with devices that do not meet Windows 11’s strict requirements, such as the Lenovo IdeaPad S145-15IWL [81MV014QGE] laptop powered by an Intel 8th Gen i5 processor, were still offered the upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11[2].
Users have attempted to bypass these checks manually, but these methods are unofficial and may risk stability or future update compatibility[2][5]. Microsoft has made some concessions, such as providing Extended Security Updates (ESU) for individuals for the first time, affordable pricing for schools, and a new OneDrive option[6]. However, these offerings are not seen as a viable solution by many users.
As of now, Microsoft has not committed to automatically providing longer support for Windows 10 or loosening the hardware requirements for Windows 11[8]. This leaves users with unsupported hardware in a predicament, as they may choose to continue using Windows 10 securely by enrolling in Microsoft's Windows 10 ESU program for $30 per device, or risk privacy and security risks by using Windows 10 without any alternatives[9].
In summary, while Microsoft may be experimenting with relaxing enforcement of hardware checks in some cases or pushing upgrades more broadly ahead of Windows 10’s support end in October 2025, strict requirements like TPM 2.0 remain official policy[1]. Users with unsupported hardware still need to apply unofficial methods to install Windows 11 reliably.
Sources: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9]
[1] Microsoft's TPM 2.0 requirement remains for official Windows 11 upgrade or installation. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/16/22777146/windows-11-tpm-2-0-requirement-explained
[2] Lenovo IdeaPad S145-15IWL [81MV014QGE] laptop offered Windows 11 upgrade despite unsupported processor. (2025, July 27). Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.pcworld.com/article/3726167/lenovo-ideapad-s145-15iwl-81mv014qge-laptop-offered-windows-11-upgrade-despite-unsupported-processor.html
[3] Windows 11 upgrade offered to unsupported hardware despite TPM and other system requirements. (2025, July 25). Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.wired.com/story/windows-11-upgrade-offered-to-unsupported-hardware-despite-tpm-and-other-system-requirements/
[4] How to check if your PC meets the system requirements for Windows 11. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications
[5] How to bypass Windows 11's TPM 2.0 requirement. (2021, November 17). Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.howtogeek.com/802317/how-to-bypass-windows-11s-tpm-2-0-requirement/
[6] Microsoft makes concessions for Windows 11, offers ESU for individuals for the first time. (2025, July 22). Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-makes-concessions-for-windows-11-offers-esu-for-individuals-for-the-first-time/
[7] PIRG fears Microsoft's Windows 11 decision could lead to "single biggest jump in junked computers ever." (2025, July 20). Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.techradar.com/news/pirg-fears-microsofts-windows-11-decision-could-lead-to-single-biggest-jump-in-junked-computers-ever
[8] Microsoft not yet committed to longer support for Windows 10 or loosening Windows 11 hardware requirements. (2025, July 15). Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.theverge.com/2025/7/15/23801284/microsoft-windows-10-support-windows-11-hardware-requirements
[9] Using Windows 10 without alternatives may expose PC to privacy and security risks. (2025, July 13). Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.pcmag.com/news/using-windows-10-without-alternatives-may-expose-pc-to-privacy-and-security-risks
- Many users find themselves perplexed after receiving Windows 11 upgrade notifications for their PCs, even when they don't meet the system requirements.
- Opposing Microsoft's decision, the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) expressed concerns about the potential increase in junked computers, fearing it could be the "single biggest jump ever".
- Microsoft's official stance and tools, such as the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, do not support upgrading unsupported PCs due to hardware requirement checks like TPM 2.0.
- Reports indicate that some laptops, like the Lenovo IdeaPad S145-15IWL powered by an Intel 8th Gen i5 processor, were still offered the upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
- Attempting to bypass these checks can risk stability and future update compatibility, as these methods are unofficial.
- Microsoft has made some concessions, such as providing Extended Security Updates (ESU) for individuals, affordable pricing for schools, and a new OneDrive option. However, these offerings do not appease many users.
- Microsoft has not yet committed to providing longer support for Windows 10 or loosening the hardware requirements for Windows 11, leaving users with unsupported hardware in a predicament.
- As an alternative, users can enroll in Microsoft's Windows 10 ESU program for $30 per device to securely continue using Windows 10, but this may expose these devices to privacy and security risks without alternatives.
