Microsoft won't guarantee that you'll receive critical updates this way, and you may be left with an insecure build of your OS.įor security, then, the best thing to do is sit tight until you upgrade your hardware down the line. Instead, you may be able to install the OS via Microsoft's official downloads page (opens in new tab), using a Windows 11 ISO or installation media. If you're in that boat, with an older CPU that's not compatible with Windows 11, we do not recommend searching the web for an ISO or installer. That said, not every PC will be offered Windows 11, and that's down to security-based system requirements that the OS depends upon. Microsoft is releasing the new OS, launched in October, to compatible PCs gradually. HP notes that this attack used the same DNS servers, malware, and domain registrar as the Windows 11 one.Īs for Windows 11, there are ways to download it securely. Attackers used a similar spoof technique to set up a Discord webpage with a closely related but misspelt name to trick users into downloading a dangerous installer posing as Discord's own. It will then attempt to phone home to an IP address and send this information to the attackers.Īs HP notes, this is also similar to another attack that it analysed in 2021. When the file is run, it goes through the motions of downloading and running the RedLine Stealer malware, which attempts to steal user information, passwords, credit card information, and cryptocurrency wallets.

(Image credit: HP Wolf Security) (opens in new tab)

HP Wolf Security snapped this screenshot of the offending Windows 11 website with spoofed download links.

Windows discord download