Microsoft is now allowing users to update to Windows 11 on older, unsupported hardware, including systems that don’t meet the operating system’s strict hardware requirements.
While the company initially set these requirements — including the need for a TPM 2.0 chip and specific processor models — to ensure performance, reliability, and security, it has now provided a manual installation option for those who want to use Windows 11 on unsupported machines.
However, this change comes with limitations. Microsoft has confirmed that devices that don’t meet the official minimum requirements will not receive updates through Windows Update. As a result, users will need to install updates manually, and they won’t benefit from automatic security patches or feature updates.
Microsoft has emphasized that while the operating system can be installed on unsupported devices, this is not recommended for long-term use, and users may encounter performance and stability issues. Microsoft will also display a small watermark on the desktop and a notification in the Settings panel as a clear warning that the company does not recommend the upgrade.
Microsoft has been firm about not lowering the minimum requirements for Windows 11. Just last week it reaffirmed in a blog post that it will not lower the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11. It also argued that such measures are non-negotiable, especially when addressing rising cybersecurity threats.
Older CPUs may not be able to handle newer features of the operating system effectively, which could lead to slower performance or compatibility problems. Furthermore, not meeting these requirements also means that the device will no longer be part of the Windows Insider Program, which offers early access to new features and updates.
Despite these concerns, the decision to allow installations on unsupported systems provides some flexibility for users with older PCs. This change could help those who are not ready to upgrade their hardware, particularly as Windows 10 will only be supported until 2025. Microsoft’s move to allow these installations could be seen as a temporary solution while pushing users toward newer, more secure hardware.
Microsoft is also allowing users who update to Windows 11, despite not meeting minimum hardware requirements, to return to Windows 10. This can be done by heading to Settings under System > Recovery > Recovery options where a step-by-step process will revert your system to Windows 10. However, it is crucial to note that this option will only be available for 10 days after upgrading.
The absolutely absurd idea of putting a touchscreen display on a mouse isn't exactly new. Turtle Beach already did it with its Command Series MC7, which features a 2.25-inch control screen. But apparently, even that wasn't ridiculous enough for Arctic Fox Technologies. Its new Super Mouse looks like someone took the chunky old Atari ST mouse, slapped a touchscreen and scroll wheel on it, and called it an upgrade.
The result is a rather unusual-looking mouse that is now on Kickstarter, starting at $199. And as ridiculous as it looks, some of its features are genuinely intriguing.
Apple is less than a day away from launching its highly anticipated OLED MacBook Pro with a touch-sensitive screen. But it appears that the upgrade is going to cost a pretty penny. According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple is reportedly eyeing a starting price of $2,899 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro, while the 16-inch version could start at $3,399 in the US.
"At $2,899, the 14-inch model would mark the highest starting price for a new MacBook Pro model, surpassing the $2,799 Apple charged for a 17-inch version introduced in 2006," says the report. The report claims that Apple is targeting a minimum price hike of $400 for its upcoming redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
I've spent a good amount of time digging into the spec sheet of the new M6 MacBook Pro (14-inch), and for all intents and purposes, this is a classic Apple "chip and connectivity" refresh. It's not a full redesign. The chassis, Liquid Retina XDR panel, speakers, ports, and battery, all of them carry over unchanged.
However, the M6 brings more cores, stronger on-device AI, higher memory bandwidth on the larger configs, and modern wireless. Here’s the practical rundown of what actually improved, and whether those gains are worth your money.