If you install Windows 11 on a computer that does not meet the minimum requirements to run it, Microsoft will report that the installation is irregular. Test versions of the system show that the Settings app will display a banner warning that the PC may no longer receive updates and security patches.
The warning is not as incisive as the Windows activation error, which appears as a “watermark” in the lower right corner of the screen. However, as this is an experimental build, it may be that a more visible notification just hasn’t been activated yet.
“Devices that do not meet the minimum requirements will not be guaranteed updates, including but not limited to security packs,” warns Windows 11.
Fortunately for those who bypassed the compatibility check when installing the OS, Microsoft does not take away any system resources when detecting the lack of support. The alert, therefore, is just a visual notification — at least for now.
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It is known, however, that using Windows 11 on an unsupported machine can cause performance issues — and Microsoft is not responsible for correcting these errors. However, if you haven’t found any of these defects so far, the incompatibility warning isn’t all that impactful.
Incompatible PCs are still updated
Even though Microsoft enforces that incompatible PCs will not receive Windows 11 updates, users who have installed the system on unsupported machines report receiving updates normally — including security packs. Aside from the possibly more complicated migration process, the experience with the new system tends to be good and stable.
The new warning from the Settings app, however, may indicate that the company has started to analyze computers to assess compatibility with the new OS and, from there, will begin to cut updates. As it is in system test channels, it is still too early to say that the end of updates for incompatible PCs is imminent, but it is very important to keep an eye on Windows Update to see if packages arrive normally after the alert.
