Popular Windows 11 bypass tool hit by malware copycat | Flyoobe hijacked putting Windows 10 users at risk

A fake version of the popular Flyoobe tool is circulating online, tricking Windows 10 users into downloading malware under the guise of bypassing Windows 11 hardware checks.

If you’re one of the millions of Windows 10 users looking to bypass Microsoft’s strict Windows 11 hardware requirements, beware: cybercriminals are exploiting that desperation. A fake version of the popular Flyoobe tool — used to install Windows 11 on unsupported PCs — is making the rounds, and it may contain malware or tampered code. The tool’s developer has issued a public warning, urging users to avoid unofficial mirrors and download only from the official GitHub page

While it's apparent that Microsoft would prefer these users to upgrade to Windows 11, it seems highly unlikely, especially for users with relatively new devices that have essentially been rendered obsolete following Windows 10's death. Some users have even branded Microsoft's decision to end support for the OS as programmed obsolescence.

Of course, alternative platforms like Linux and ChromeOS are seemingly gaining popularity among users who refuse to upgrade to Windows 11, citing Microsoft's stringent hardware requirements and flawed design elements. A lack of ads and telemetry tracking is also among the main incentives that could trigger the huge jump.

There's also been an increase in popularity for third-party tools that make the transition to Windows 11 a little bit less hectic. For instance, Flyoobe (formerly Flyby11) lets Windows 10 users bypass Microsoft's stringent hardware requirements, including 4GB of RAM, TPM 2.0 chips, UEFI with Secure Boot, and more, making it easier to install Windows 11 in outdated PCs.

While the software allows you to strip Windows 11 down to the basics by removing unwanted AI features and apps, bad actors are seemingly capitalizing on its growing popularity, following Windows 10's end of support, to trick unsuspecting Windows 10 users trying to upgrade to Windows 11.

As spotted by Tom's Hardware, the bad actors have availed a malicious update for the software via an official-looking domain. However, Flyoobe's developer has issued a warning about the suspicious website and update for the tool, further indicating that it is not affiliated with the project.

According to the security warning on Flyoobe's official GitHub page:

Additionally, the developer has urged users to only download the tool directly from the official GitHub page. But these are among the critical issues that you are bound to encounter when interacting with third-party tools, which might even end up "bricking" your device. It's always important to tread carefully.