this post was submitted on 06 Dec 2023
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It's because of the huge changes in minimum requirements of Windows 11 and Windows 10 being known as last version of Windows.
It's not like this is something that's right around the corner, it's nearly two years down the road from now. If you already have old hardware that doesn't meet specs, then that will be even more deprecated in two years.
Its the same circus every time a windows OS goes EOL, people loose their shit for no reason and then move on.
But not any less usable.
I tried Windows 11 on Compal FL90, a 16 year old laptop. It ran fine, better than Windows 10. But it didn't meet the requirements to allow installation, even though it worked just fine. So some 5 year old computer that doesn't meet requirements for whatever reason would also be just fine. And I don't think people will bother with making hybrid installer just to get Windows 11 running.
Just for fun, this is how fast it could boot up with Windows 8.1:
Link for compatibility
8.1 actually outperformed both Windows XP and Windows Vista this laptop was made for.
Anyway, even with Windows 11, it was still pretty fast. I didn't try any better games, but Asphalt 8 and Asphalt 9 ran on it nicely. It's just to say that old computer doesn't mean it's garbage.
That may be true for the exact hardware you used, and the exact tests you have done. For Microsoft the problem would be that they need to actively continue supporting older and older devices. At some point it makes sense to drop active support. If it works, that's fine, but they won't continue testing and fixing for unsupported configurations.
They don't have to. It could just give a warning with something along the lines "Your current hardware setup is not supported by Windows® 11. By continuing you acknowledge that you're proceeding with the upgrade at your own risk with no guarantees from Microsoft® and that you won't be entitled to any support from Microsoft. The risks include but are not limited to: OS failing to boot-up; frequent BSOD; programs unable to install; certain parts of Windows® operating system not working; data loss; non-functioning or only partially functioning hardware; violation of applicable laws; permanent hardware damage; or causing damages to property and/or bodily injury, including death as a result of improperly functioning drivers. While we understand this may seem harsh, we do not know how the hardware will perform under these conditions and therefore we want you to understand the potential dangers and that you are responsible for any repercussions. We strongly recommend upgrading your hardware to meet minimum requirements for running Windows 11."
"Do you wish to continue with the upgrade?"
Hello from a third would country 👋
Most people here buy computers used that are already pretty old. I can’t see windows cutting off support without offering some kind of upgrade path to this old hardware. Otherwise there will be millions of people used unsupported devices.