Let's install Windows 11 on incompatible hardware

mackie · Mar 19, 2022

spapakons said:
I meant the upgrade to the next Windows 11 version. All other updates don't check compatibility and install without any issue.

I haven't seen anything online that mention the next major release (22H2) is going to be checking compatibility. Only thing I've seen so far have been the posts here about the watermarks.

spapakons · Mar 19, 2022

Upgrading from Windows 10 to 11 does check compatibility. Also upgrading from Windows 11 Preview version to the 21H2 official release also check compatibility, so it is very probable that upgrading to 22H2 will check compatibility. In any case, just try to do it. If it is done, good. If you get an error message about non-compliant computer, hack Setup (delete the hidden file C:\$Windows\sources\appreserres.dll at first screen and then proceed) and hopefully you won't have any issue.

Bree · Mar 19, 2022

spapakons said:
Upgrading from Windows 10 to 11 does check compatibility. Also upgrading from Windows 11 Preview version to the 21H2 official release also check compatibility, so it is very probable that upgrading to 22H2 will check compatibility.

The first two examples you gave are a full in-place upgrade that will run need to run Setup.exe. However, I suspect 22H2 won't be an in-place upgrade, its more likely that when it arrives will be done by a small Enablement Package. This is the new method MS have used for every feature update in Windows 10 since version 2004.

The Enablement Package installs the same way as a CU, so it won't be running Setup.exe and therefore is unlikely to be calling appraiserres.dll to do any compatibility checks.

mackie · Mar 19, 2022

spapakons & Bree: I read on some website that they think 22H2 will be out in July. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Checking up on 'the Enablement Package' .....

What is Enablement Package in Windows 11/10

This post talks about the Enablement Package in Windows 11/10. Enablement Package reduces update downtime to upgrade to a new version of Windows.

www.thewindowsclub.com

Bree · Mar 19, 2022

mackie said:
spapakons & Bree: I read on some website that they think 22H2 will be out in July. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Very unlikely, IMHO. Microsoft said from the very beginning that Windows 11 was on an annual servicing cadence (and now Windows 10 is too). September/October would seem the most likely target date - a year after the first release.

New versions of Windows 11 will be released once per year.....

....Historically, new versions of Windows 10 ... were released twice a year via the Semi-Annual Channel. Beginning with Windows 10, version 21H2 (the Windows 10 November 2021 Update), feature updates will be released annually in the second half of the year via the General Availability Channel.

Lifecycle FAQ - Windows

cereberus · Mar 20, 2022

Bree said:
Very unlikely, IMHO. Microsoft said from the very beginning that Windows 11 was on an annual servicing cadence (and now Windows 10 is too). September/October would seem the most likely target date - a year after the first release.

Lifecycle FAQ - Windows

MS have rather changed the way the Insider Program works i.e. Beta/RP Channels are pretty much the same thing now, and IF you install the optional updates on Release version, you are effectively tracking Beta/RP even if not an Insider.

So by the time, the next version gets here, you have virtually all features of next release anyway. So to some extent, the minor/major build pattern is rather superfluous now i.e. minor has been effectively superseded by the optional cumulative updates.

I cannot say if 22H2 will be delivered by cumulative updates, or a full build upgrade, but given the way we now creep along, I am wondering if a full build upgrade is really essential anymore?

The main reason for 22H2 is probably more a commercial marketing exercise now for those who do not install the optional cumulative updates, and also to ensure users are updated as part of policy to support builds no older than 18 months.

As an aside, will the 18 month build rule change as that makes no sense on an annual 1 year major build cycle - surely it has to be 12 or 24 months now?

spapakons · Mar 20, 2022

I tried to access the Insider's section in Settings and I got an error message that my system is unsupported. The only way to install Insider's Preview build on an unsupported system is by downloading the ISO from UPP or elsewhere and hack Setup.

mackie · Mar 20, 2022

Bree said:
Very unlikely, IMHO. Microsoft said from the very beginning that Windows 11 was on an annual servicing cadence (and now Windows 10 is too). September/October would seem the most likely target date - a year after the first release.

Lifecycle FAQ - Windows

It looking that way. Windows Latest is now saying that it can be expected in late summer or in October.

Windows 11 Sun Valley 2 reference shows up as big update inches closer to launch

Windows 11 Sun Valley 2 “SV2” is the codename of the updated OS that Microsoft is about to reveal as version 22H2, with a number of preview builds dropped recently revealing some potential new features. Microsoft accidentally uploaded a page on Feedback Hub which confirms Sun Valley 2 codename...

www.windowslatest.com

dbartenstein · Mar 20, 2022

mackie said:
spapakons & Bree: I read on some website that they think 22H2 will be out in July. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Checking up on 'the Enablement Package' .....

What is Enablement Package in Windows 11/10

This post talks about the Enablement Package in Windows 11/10. Enablement Package reduces update downtime to upgrade to a new version of Windows.

www.thewindowsclub.com

Malwarebytes always gives a "PUP" warning when going to Windows Club links.....

mackie · Mar 20, 2022

On a Windows 10 pc right now, running the freebie MB version, and it's not detecting the site with a PUP.

dbartenstein · Mar 20, 2022

mackie said:
On a Windows 10 pc right now, running the freebie MB version, and it's not detecting the site with a PUP.

Get this every time. I'm running MB paid premium. I'm assuming it's not Windows Club itself, but one of their "ad" links....

Bree · Mar 20, 2022

cereberus said:
I cannot say if 22H2 will be delivered by cumulative updates, or a full build upgrade, but given the way we now creep along, I am wondering if a full build upgrade is really essential anymore?

Probably not, but the full build upgrade did have one advantage. It was pretty good at cleaning up and repairing the registry, which is why an in-place repair upgrade is often recommended when all else fails.

cereberus said:
As an aside, will the 18 month build rule change as that makes no sense on an annual 1 year major build cycle - surely it has to be 12 or 24 months now?

Each build will now be supported for 24 months, or 36 months for Enterprise.

Edition Servicing timeline (one release per year)
Windows 11 Enterprise
Windows 11 Education
Windows 11 IoT Enterprise 36 months from release date
Windows 11 Pro
Windows 11 Pro Education
Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
Windows 11 Home 1 24 months from release date

1Home edition does not support the deferral of feature updates and will therefore typically receive a new version of Windows 11 prior to the end-of-servicing date shown.

Lifecycle FAQ - Windows

spapakons · Mar 24, 2022

Until an UEFI bootable device is detected (USB Flash drive or DVD disc), you don't see it on the boot list. Also the last photo shows the UEFI Firmware (BIOS) at the Boot Priority screen. It is not the boot menu you see when pressing F12. Connect your USB Flash drive and restart. Press F12, if it is UEFI bootable and properly detected, you should see it on the list. If it is not detected the first time, press CTRL+ALT+DEL to reboot and press F12 again. Only UEFI bootable devices are shown on the list, unless you have configured BIOS to CSM+UEFI or CSM (Legacy) only. So make sure your USB Flash drive is created to boot in UEFI mode. If you create it with Rufus, select the GPT-UEFI option. Any other format is not UEFI bootable. DVDs are always both legacy and UEFI bootable. If you have a DVD drive you may consider to create a DVD instead. An UEFI bootable DVD must be detected in the drive to see the DVD on the boot list. Unlike legacy mode, you must first insert the disc in the drive and then press F12. If you don't do it in time, just press CTRL+ALT+DEL to reboot and press F12 again.

junglee · Mar 24, 2022

I am on the Windows Insider Beta Stream. On my non-compliant Windows 11 ASUS Laptop, Microsoft today sent me the Windows 11 feature update version 22H2 (OS Build 22581.1) which was automatically downloaded. After the download I pressed the Install link and it got smoothly installed and is now working for a few hours without any trouble.

JamieTech · Mar 26, 2022

I tried that but it says "Your PC is not supported"

Zardoc · Mar 26, 2022

Installed upgrade of Win 11 on a G46VW. 13 year old laptop that puts to shame a few new laptops.

1 Msata and an MX500 crucial 1 TB.
Boot is faster than my desktop

I used Rufus 3.18 with non compliant settings. A real breeze.

spapakons · Mar 26, 2022

JamieTech said:
I tried that but it says "Your PC is not supported"

As I have said in an older post, upgrade through Windows Update is not allowed for unsupported machines. You have to download the Windows 11 ISO and run setup. At first screen, before doing anything else, delete the hidden file C:\$Windows\sources\appreserres.dll to bypass compatibility check. Then proceed as normal.

Whackbag · Mar 26, 2022

I update thru WU on unsupported everytime, no tpm, no secure boot, legacy bios.

I don't delete AppraiserRes i overwrite it (witch corrupts) but leaves the file and my updates continue and install just fine. You can open AppraiserRes in notepad then just save it again to corrupt it or open note and just save a blank file named AppraiserRes.dll, either way it's the same thing.

Keep a copy on hand and when your update starts around 7-8% goto C:\$Windows\sources and paste it in there & overwrite the existing file. Your dl will continue and install just fine.

Zardoc · Mar 26, 2022

With Rufus, way simpler

Whackbag · Mar 27, 2022

Yes, creating or downloading an iso everytime is way easier than just waiting for a folder to show up on your c drive, then copy/paste.

It's like when you have to vacuum but just buy a new house instead...easy peezy.