Microsoft accidentally releases Windows 11 22H2 to the Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel. Some users think Microsoft has changed the hardware and system requirements for Windows 11. However, it is just a bug in Windows 11. You can follow this MiniTool post to get some related information.

Microsoft Accidentally Releases Windows 11 22H2 to Unsupported PCs

Windows 11 is a new version of Windows 10, which was initially released on Oct 5, 2021. Microsoft has introduced new hardware and system requirements for Windows 11. Computers that don’t meet the requirements will not receive this update in Windows Update.

Now, Microsoft is preparing for Windows 11 22H2, the next feature update that will be released in the fall of 2022. On June 7, 2022, Microsoft released Windows 11 22H2 Build 22621 to Insiders in the Release Preview Channel. The supported PCs can upgrade to Windows 11 via Windows Update. The unsupported PCs should not receive this build. But instead, they received. On Reddit, there is a lively discussion about this issue: My 6700k desktop (gtx 1080, 32gb ram) became compatible with W11 22h2? Skylake is now supported?

Many Insiders in the Release Preview Channel reported that Windows 11, version 22H2 is available in Windows Update even though their computers are not Windows 11 eligible. The following image is a screenshot from AceRimmer412 (a user name) on Reddit:

unsupported PSs accidentally receive Windows 11 22H2

Image source: AceRimmer412 on Reddit

In the above screenshot, the Windows 10 user shows the Windows 10 version he uses, the Intel processors he has, and the Windows Update interface on his PC. The Intel processor is not on the list of Windows 11’s supported Intel processors, but Windows 11 22H2 is available in Windows Update.

Does Microsoft change Windows 11 requirements? Microsoft said, “It’s a bug and the right team is investigating it” and “The requirements have not changed”.

Microsoft’s reply on Twitter

Windows 11 hardware and system requirements

Now, only Insiders in the Release Preview Channel and the Beta Channel can upgrade to Windows 11 22H2 Build 22621 even if their computers don’t support running Windows 11. This situation might change in the future.

Here, let’s remind the hardware and system requirements for Windows 11:

  • Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC).
  • RAM: 4 GB or greater.
  • Storage: 64 GB or more.
  • Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
  • System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
  • TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0, enabled.
  • Display: High definition (720p) display, 9″ or greater monitor, 8 bits per color channel.
  • Internet connection: Internet connectivity is enabled and works well.
  • Operating system requirements: PCs run on version 2004 or later, and have installed the September 14, 2021 security update or later, to upgrade directly to Windows 11.
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How to Upgrade to Windows 11 22H2?

Upgrade to Windows 11 22H2 via Windows Update

When Windows 11 22H2 is officially released, you can go to Start > Settings > Update & security > Windows Update to check for updates and download & install it on your device.

Install Windows 11 22H2 on Unsupported PCs

Although Windows 11 has its hardware and system requirements, you can still use some special methods to install it on your unsupported computers. Here are 4 ways to install Windows 11 on unsupported PC/hardware.

Join the Beta Channel or the Release Preview Channel

Microsoft has released Windows 11 22H2 preview build to Insiders in the Beta Chanel and the Release Preview Channel. If your computer can run Windows 11, you can join one of these two Channels and go to Windows Update to upgrade your Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 22H2.

Note: Although you can install Windows 11 on an unsupported device, it is not recommended to do this as there may be some compatibility issues that may bring you a poor experience.

How to Roll Back to Windows 10?

Although unsupported PSs accidentally receive Windows 11 22H2, this might not be a fixed state. We don’t know what will happen in the future. If your unsupported Windows 10 computer accidentally upgrades to Windows 11 and you don’t want to run it, you can roll back to Windows 10 within 10 days by going to Start > Settings > System > Recovery > Go back.

Other methods are offered in case 10 days have passed: how to go back to Windows 10?

If your files are lost by mistake, you can use MiniTool Power Data Recovery (professional data recovery software) to get your files back.

MiniTool Power Data Recovery TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

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