Some Windows 10 PCs could be damaged when upgrading to Windows 11, Microsoft warns

Windows 10 users have been put on red alert, and warned that upgrading to the Windows 11 OS on an unsupported machine could ‘damage’ their device. Earlier this week the highly anticipated Windows 11 update was launched, which brings with it the biggest upgrade to Microsoft’s iconic OS in years. The Windows 11 update adds a brand new Start Menu, a completely redesigned visual look that touches all UI elements, Microsoft Teams integration, a better update process and much, much more.

Anyone running a Windows 10 device will be entitled to get the Windows 11 upgrade, but whether you can run it is another matter entirely. When Windows 11 was first announced back in June there was some user anger over the minimum specs – which were surprisingly high. At least an 8th gen Intel processor or AMD Ryzen 2000 chip is required, while devices also need to support TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 and Secure Boot – security features that are typically only found on newer devices.

Following the initial user outrage, Microsoft over the summer announced that they wouldn’t block older PCs from upgrading to Windows 11, with this possible by downloading an ISO file as opposed to going through the built-in Windows update menus found in the OS. However, older computers that went down this route wouldn’t be able to get security patches via the Windows update system in the future.

And now, following the release of Windows 11, Microsoft is warning that unsupported PCs that attempt to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 could end up suffering ‘damage’. As reported by Windows Latest, if you attempt to install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC you’ll have to sign an agreement acknowledging the associated risks of going down this route.

And the pop-up message greeting these Windows users warn of “damages to your PC” due to potential compatibility issues.

The message says: “This PC doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements for running Windows 11 – these requirements help ensure a more reliable and higher quality experience. Installing Windows 11 on this PC is not recommended and may result in incompatibility issues.

“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. By selecting Accept, you are acknowledging that you read and understand this statement.”

Thankfully though, if your PC isn’t eligible for running Windows 11 there are a range of cost effective solutions on the market.

Leading retailers such as John Lewis, Argos and Currys all offer Windows 11 ready laptops that are eligible for the huge upgrade.

And prices for these Windows 11 ready laptops start from under £200.

While laptop maker Lenovo is currently offering savings of hundreds of pounds on Windows 11 ready laptops on its site.

Just because a laptop is listed as Windows 11 ready doesn’t mean it will come with the OS already installed. It may just be eligible for the update further down the line, as Microsoft is rolling out the OS upgrade to Windows 10 computers in stages.

On the Microsoft Store though you can pick up Surface devices with Windows 11 already pre-installed right now.

The cheapest option is the Surface Go 3 with prices starting from £369. While if you want something with a lot more oomph you can opt for the spec-heavy Surface Pro 8 which has prices starting at £999.