A Windows user has found a way to update a Windows 8.1 PC to Windows 11, which is normally impossible. For the moment it is not known if this is a deliberate decision by Microsoft or a coincidence.
The latest version of the Windows system is almost 2 years old. And if Windows 11 always offers more interesting new features such as simplified repair or the organization of your windows in one click, it leaves many users behind. Installing it requires have a minimum configuration (not all processors are compatible) and above all, computer must be running Windows 10 version 2004 or later. Are you on Windows 7 or 8.1? No Windows 11 update for you.
To ensure that people are encouraged to get a newer pc, Microsoft has even blocked any possibility of updating from a too old version of its operating system. In June 2022, the Insider update (the betas of Updates) numbered 25131 completely prevented upgrading from Windows 8.1 to 11. Once launched, the built-in update utility returned an error message impossible to circumvent.
A user upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 8.1
A user by the name of Xeno, however, managed to override the ban and update your Windows 8.1 PC to version 11. For this he used some files from the latest Insider build dated, the 25905, to modify the update utility of his PC under 8.1. He thus succeeded in make “believe” that the update to Windows 11 was authorizedand launched it as you would from the settings.
Will also read – Windows: how to download updates for older versions (if possible)
It is unclear if this is a deliberate move by Microsoft. This is very unlikely to be the case, so we do not recommend that you attempt the manipulation yourself by referring to the tutorials on the Web. A future update could very well fix this flaw and prevent the proper use of the devices that would have benefited from it. You can still take a look at the maneuver, Xeno has put together a short video of the result.
Starting with build 25131 (May 2022) it is no longer possible to upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 11 using untouched setup media?
However, by replacing install.wim in build 25126’s setup media, you can successfully upgrade 8.1 to build 25905https://t.co/Yj6TDlZ8X3 pic.twitter.com/cIgZJibZOs
—Xeno (@XenoPanther) July 20, 2023
Source: Neowin