The point is Microsoft in cooperation with hardware manufacturers try to convince us our systems are too old by setting ridiculously high system requirements in Windows 11 and probably 12. These specs are not absolutely necessary to run Windows 11, otherwise we could not use all the features of the OS after we bypass compatibility check. We would not be able to install the OS at all in non-compliant systems. If for example Windows 11 needed certain CPU instructions only found in newer generations, it would justify Microsoft's requirements. Not even close, Windows 11 can run perfectly in unsupported computers, but they don't have the advanced security settings. When installing Windows 10 64-bit in the same computers we don't have these features anyway, that doesn't affect our OS experience. As long as we keep Windows Defender or other third party antivirus updated and we don't click on anything without reading it, we are perfectly safe using Windows 11 on unsupported computers.
There are a number of articles written and some informative videos about this exploit circulating on line. Apparently, the industry has had a huge slump in PC sales because people are getting smarter and hanging onto their PCs longer. So, in the name of security the conspiracy is to encourage people to "upgrade" via replacement. That's all well and good for the manufacturer but where does one suppose the old, "NON-SECURE", PCs go?
Well, suffice it to say that the average Joe user will toss that PC, give it to charity, or little Johnny (as if little Johnny doesn't have enough already) and it eventually winds up at a recycling centre at best, or in a land fill. Now I don't live far from one of these recycling centres and I can honestly say the view is grievous. In fact, I've rescued a few of these units from that centre until I got caught. lol
I'm talking about hundreds of PCs with very little wrong with them heading to the crusher or whatever for no good reason - no, they're not really being recycled. I know this. I talked to the people in charge. Many of these PCs aren't even 5 years old but guess what? They don't meet Win 11 requirements and yes, people panic and yes, people toss them. It breaks my heart. I even started a YouTube channel urging people to keep their PCs and show them how to upgrade because of this. For your average domestic end user there's no good reason to trash a PC that's only ten years old. This is insane! Sure. I realize the enthusiasts want the latest, greatest, state of the art hardware and all that but I also like to think enthusiasts are not really the problem.
My enthusiast days are over. I have enough old hardware to keep me busy for the remainder of my life now. It's time to step aside for the next generation. Enthusiasts are only a small percentage of PC users and I appreciate them. I enjoy watching their YouTube videos and garnering all the information on newer tech, but there's mountains of old hardware that runs perfectly fine with a little TLC. I've decided to focus on that more.
One good thing that I have to say about Windows 10 is that it has one of the best virus protection programs going. Does the average domestic end user really need TPM? The short answer is a resounding NO. But they don't know that. Instead, they keep getting prompted by Windows and most of them are being told their PC isn't good enough. Oh yes, that's definitely going to be a factor in the accumulation of E-Waste this planet already suffers from: Windows Fear ware. People like new stuff and they buy more because they want new and they want to stay current. Back in the day we called it 'keeping up with the Jones's'. But this is an old marketing strategy, tried and tested.
No, I'm not going to change anyone's mind about this. I realize that. I also realize that not everyone can be a PC builder. Somewhere through all of this there should be a factor of reason. Making TPM mandatory for an OS is just not reasonable — especially when it has failed numerous times to provide the protection that it promises. And no, I'm not going to go into long rants about stolen security keys and inundate the reader with links to support my statement. The proof is in the pudding and the writing is on the wall. TPM is not what it's cracked up to be. The Consortium has had ten years to prove otherwise. It's time to go back to the drawing board.
As technology advances it becomes increasingly evident that the age of towers and desk tops are becoming a thing of the past. In a way, that's a good thing. Even laptops are hardly as popular as tablets these days. Me, I'm from another time. I concur and respect the need for better security at the Corporate level. That's reasonable. What I frown upon is shoving it down the throats of domestic end users to make them pay for it. Yeah, sure, nobody is holding a gun to the head of the Windows user and saying, "Get Windows 11 or else". Psychology is more subtle than this. But let's be real. Nobody likes being told their PC sucks, or is too old. The piles of discarded PCs on pallets I've seen are proof enough of this.
