The Windows 11 setup.exe/product server bypass is no longer working

Microsoft decided to surprise Windows users by stopping a workaround for installing Windows 11 on PCs that technically didn’t meet the system requirements. As you might know, the Redmond-based tech giant had set the bar high for what hardware could officially support their latest operating system.

It left many users with perfectly good, albeit slightly older, machines in the lurch. However, even so, until last week, there was a trick that allowed users to install Windows 11 on such devices. All it involved was adding a “/product server” command when running the Windows 11 setup, and the hardware check would magically be skipped.

This workaround wasn’t just for the tech-savvy; it was a lifeline for those clinging to older hardware, from the venerable Core 2 Duos to Ryzen 1st Gen CPUs. But as with all good things, this bypass method’s days were numbered.

According to tech enthusiasts who were probably trying to use the workaround to install Windows 11, Microsoft caught wind of this bypass and stopped it in their latest Canary build. The loophole was patched up, leaving users to look for alternative methods to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware.

But don’t lose hope just yet. There are still a few tricks up the sleeve, including Microsoft’s Windows 11 LTSC 2024, which offers a softer approach to system requirements.

While some may argue about the fairness of Microsoft’s strict hardware policies, the company aims to push users towards more secure and reliable systems. But the quest for a workaround continues for those not ready to part with their trusty machines.

Who knows what clever bypass the community will come up with next to access the Windows 11 setup?