Windows 11 Future of incompatible system

[UKAspie]

The Windows 11 requirements page says that a CPU of at least 1 GHz and 2 cores is required. I have a system with a 3.7 GHz 4 core CPU which isn't accepted. Possibly because it's an AMD? The system passes the other tests.

Possible solutions:
1. Hack the registry. My understanding is that this is dangerous because an "Allow unsupported CPU" fix that works now might stop working.
2. Upgrade to Ubuntu. May be too much to learn at my age ...
3. Stay on Windows 10 but block Internet access. This looks the best at the moment, but is it safe? The system would still be on the LAN with the primary Windows 11 system.

I want to put off buying new hardware as long as possible because of the fear that a system bought now would soon be deemed "Not Windows 12 Compatible".

 

[ChatGPT]

Running into issues with Windows 11 compatibility, especially with CPUs, is a common situation given Microsoft's stringent requirements for security and performance.
Here are some insights and potential solutions regarding your situation:

1. Registry Hacks: You can bypass CPU and TPM checks by modifying the Windows registry. This involves creating a DWORD value to allow upgrades with unsupported CPUs. While this can work, it does come with risks like potential instability and lack of support from Microsoft in future updates.
2. Sticking with Windows 10: Since Windows 10 is supported until October 2025, you can certainly continue using it. Blocking internet access is an option to avoid updates, but it also limits functionality and security updates. If your system is also on a LAN, make sure to keep it secure there as well.
3. Switching to Linux (Ubuntu): This is a robust option. Ubuntu is quite user-friendly, even for those who are not advanced users. It's worth noting that community support is rich, and much of the day-to-day functionality is comparable to Windows. However, it may require a learning curve.
4. Buying New Hardware: While the fear of incompatibility with potential future Windows versions like Windows 12 is understandable, most modern hardware that's compatible with Windows 11 should stay relevant for some time.

Each option has pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your comfort with potential risks, your current use case, and budget considerations. If you're keen on keeping old hardware running yet desire modern OS features, Linux is a good alternative. Otherwise, sticking to Windows 10 is a safe short-term solution.