Windows 10 users face risks with premature Windows 11 upgrade
Microsoft has issued an unexpected warning for Windows 10 users. The Redmond giant cautions against upgrading computers to Windows 11, as this may prevent users from accessing future security updates, Forbes reports.
12:09 PM EST, December 15, 2024
The warning against upgrading from Windows 10 to the newer version comes at a particularly sensitive time—it coincides with the last 2024 Patch Tuesday update, which includes patches for 71 security vulnerabilities, one of which is a zero-day vulnerability.
Microsoft warns users
A week ago, Microsoft appeared to close the door on switching to Windows 11 for computers not meeting the TPM 2.0 requirement. However, reports indicating a shift in this policy surfaced almost immediately. In an updated support document, the company suggested installing the system on incompatible machines.
As Forbes points out, Microsoft quickly clarified this information, emphasizing that the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 remain unchanged. In its communication, the company advises users who have installed Windows 11 on incompatible devices to revert to Windows 10 immediately.
Potential consequences
The issue is significant because support for Windows 10 ends in October 2025. Users bypassing Windows 11 hardware requirements risk losing access to crucial security updates. Microsoft warns that devices not meeting the system requirements are not guaranteed to receive updates, including security updates.
Particularly concerning is that the number of Windows 10 users appears to be increasing rather than decreasing. Experts fear that millions of users may be unsure how to address this situation and might choose a risky upgrade path, exposing themselves to security vulnerabilities.
"If you proceed with installing Windows 11, your PC will no longer be supported and won't be entitled to receive updates. Damages to your PC due to lack of compatibility aren't covered under the manufacturer warranty," warns Microsoft.
