Microsoft has quietly closed a loophole that allowed users to bypass the hardware requirements for Windows 11, marking the end of a popular workaround that has been in use for several years. The change was introduced in the Windows Insider build 27686, but it wasn’t highlighted in the official documentation.
The workaround, which involved using the command “setup.exe /product server,” allowed users to sidestep the strict hardware checks that Microsoft imposed for Windows 11. This method became popular among users who wanted to upgrade to Windows 11 but were blocked by requirements such as a TPM version 2.0 chip, Secure Boot capability, and specific CPU and RAM specifications.
However, with the latest Canary channel build, this method no longer works, effectively forcing users to ensure their hardware is fully compliant with Microsoft’s Windows 11 standards. While some speculate that this change might be a bug, it seems more likely that Microsoft is tightening its controls as the transition away from Windows 10 approaches.
As support for most versions of Windows 10 is set to end in just 14 months, many users will need to either upgrade their hardware or stick with the older operating system. The removal of this workaround underscores Microsoft’s commitment to enforcing its hardware requirements, even as Windows 11 adoption continues to lag behind its predecessor.
For users affected by this change, it may be time to start exploring alternative options or brace for the challenges of finding new ways to upgrade. As always, those in the Windows Insider program are the first to experience these changes, offering a glimpse into the future direction of Windows development.
