Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11, with recent updates focusing on tightening security requirements and adding new features to its productivity suite. However, a significant change in the latest Insider build may impact users running Windows 11 on older hardware.
TPM 2.0 Bypass Method Blocked
In a move that could affect many users, Microsoft has patched a popular workaround for bypassing Windows 11's TPM 2.0 requirement. The method, which involved using the /product server argument during installation, tricked the system into thinking it was a server edition. This allowed installation on hardware lacking TPM 2.0 support.
The block was discovered in Windows 11 Insider Build 27686 (Dilithium) by X user Bob Pony. While currently limited to beta versions, it's likely to roll out to all users in future updates.
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| Microsoft has blocked a popular workaround to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, enhancing security compliance |
Implications for Users
This change continues Microsoft's trend of gradually closing loopholes that allow Windows 11 installation on non-compliant hardware. For users currently running Windows 11 on older systems via this method, there's no immediate cause for concern. However, future updates may eventually render these systems incompatible.
New Features on the Horizon
While tightening security requirements, Microsoft is also enhancing its software ecosystem:
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Microsoft Teams Improvements:
- Hand interaction support for Mesh users on Meta Quest headsets
- Whiteboard and chat integration for Mesh event attendees
- Intelligent recap for ad-hoc meetings
- New centralized hub for teams and channels management
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Outlook Enhancements:
- Always on feature showing who is physically present in the office
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Copilot for Microsoft 365 Updates:
- Prompt suggestions based on previous interactions
- Image generation capabilities using natural language
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| The new Outlook interface highlights improvements aimed at enhancing user productivity in Microsoft 365 |
Looking Forward
As Microsoft continues to evolve Windows 11 and its associated services, users can expect a mix of stricter hardware requirements and innovative new features. While the closure of bypass methods may frustrate some, it reflects Microsoft's commitment to maintaining a secure and modern operating system.
For those considering an upgrade or new PC purchase, ensuring TPM 2.0 compatibility will become increasingly important to access the latest Windows features and updates.
Update: Tuesday August 20 04:49
Microsoft's latest Windows 11 Insider builds introduce advanced camera features, currently hidden behind feature flags. These include multi-app camera access, allowing simultaneous camera use by multiple applications, and a basic camera mode for debugging. While not yet available for mainstream use, these additions hint at Microsoft's focus on enhancing productivity and creative workflows in future updates. Additionally, the company has implemented stricter installation requirements, including the need for CPUs to support SSE4.2 instructions, introduced in 2008. Some editions, like Windows 11 IoT, still bypass certain checks, providing limited flexibility for specific use cases.
Update: Tuesday August 20 15:00
Microsoft is also streamlining power management in Windows 11, introducing more accessible options to customize power modes in the latest Canary build. The update brings crucial power settings directly into the main Settings app, allowing users to easily toggle between performance-focused and battery-saving modes based on their device's power state. This change simplifies the process of optimizing laptop performance and battery life, addressing a long-standing user pain point. Additionally, the update increases the FAT32 partition size limit from 32GB to 2TB and introduces a new Windows Sandbox Client Preview.
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| Windows 11 introduces new power management options, streamlining the experience for users aiming to optimize performance and battery life |