As support for Windows 10 winds down in less than a year, it might be time to consider upgrading to Windows 11, but only on Microsoft’s terms. A recent official support document for Windows 11 reveals that running the operating system on a device that doesn’t meet the minimum hardware requirements will result in a prominent watermark on the desktop.
Windows 11’s Watermark Serves as a Reminder of Unsupported Hardware
You might think you can bypass Microsoft’s restrictions by installing Windows 11 on an incompatible computer. However, according to the newly updated support document, Microsoft will ensure you know they’re aware of your setup. While the company won’t block you from upgrading, they’ll display a desktop watermark and an alert in the Settings menu.
The document states:
“When Windows 11 is installed on a device that does not meet the minimum system requirements, a watermark will be added to the desktop. A notification may also appear in Settings to indicate that the requirements have not been met.”
If watermarks don’t bother you, Microsoft has another deterrent: a disclaimer. It warns that any issues resulting from running the OS on unsupported hardware won’t be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty due to incompatibility.
What Are the Minimum Requirements for Windows 11?
Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements, including two key security features: Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. Microsoft advises users to run its PC Health Check tool to determine whether their systems meet the upgrade requirements.
However, although Microsoft doesn’t endorse these solutions, unofficial workarounds and third-party tools allow users to install Windows 11 on unsupported devices.
Can You Roll Back to Windows 10?
The Microsoft support document also confirms that you can revert to Windows 10 if you encounter problems after upgrading to Windows 11. Some users even choose to downgrade because they prefer the older OS. To do this, go to Settings > System > Recovery and select the Go back option.
Keep in mind this rollback is only available within 10 days of upgrading to Windows 11.
The Future of Windows: Upgrade or Stick with Windows 10?
While opinions on Windows 11 remain mixed, its adoption may become unavoidable as support for Windows 10 ends in October 2025. Unfortunately, Microsoft’s approach often requires not only a software update but, in many cases, a hardware upgrade as well.
If your older computer still performs reliably and you’d rather stick with Windows 10 for a while longer, you might consider reinforcing its security with extended updates even after Microsoft officially ends support. However, these updates come at an additional cost.
