Windows 11 shows watermark warning on unsupported hardware

You will now see a watermark warning if you're running Windows 11 on unsupported hardware.

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By (@Pureinfotech) , Windows How-To Expert and IT Specialist with 21 years of experience.
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System requirements not met
System requirements not met
  • Microsoft to show watermark warning on unsupported hardware.
  • The watermark message reads “System requirements not met. Go to Settings to learn more.”
  • It’s available starting Windows 11 build 22000.588 (KB5011563) and higher.

Microsoft is now forcing a new watermark to let users know that they are using Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. Starting with the update KB5011563 and higher releases, Windows 11 will begin showing a watermark in the bottom-right corner warning users that the hardware is not supported to run the latest version of the OS.

The watermark reads, “System requirements not met. Go to Settings to learn more,” similar to the watermark the company uses for preview builds available in Windows Insider Program. In addition, the same message will be available in the Settings app with a link to get more information about the requirements.

Although Windows 11 increases the hardware requirements to improve the system security, it’s been possible to bypass the TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and other components with a few workarounds (including a Registry hack posted by Microsoft), to allow many capable computers to upgrade to the latest version of Windows. However, the new warning message further indicates that the company does not want you to use Windows 11 on any hardware configuration.

If you install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, you can remove the “System requirements not met. Go to Settings to learn more” watermark by turning off the UnsupportedHardwareNotificationCache key in the Registry.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of (est. 2010). With over 21 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.

Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.

Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.

You can follow him on YouTube, Threads, BlueSky, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].