CPU support Archives

Winsage

February 17, 2025

These chips are no longer supported by Windows 11

Microsoft has released an updated support list for Windows 11 tailored for OEM systems with the introduction of the 24H2 update. This update officially supports new Intel processors, including the Lunar Lake and Arrow Lake Core Ultra 200 series, but excludes older Intel 8th, 9th, and 10th-generation chips, including the Core i9-10900K. The exclusion of these processors aligns with Intel's strategy to transition older integrated GPUs to a legacy support model. AMD processors, including those from the Ryzen 8000 series, remain supported, though some models from the Ryzen 9000 and Ryzen AI families are missing. Existing systems with unsupported Intel processors can still install Windows 11 24H2 and receive updates, but the changes primarily affect OEMs launching new systems. Microsoft has also removed the official guide for installing Windows 11 without a TPM 2.0 check.

Winsage

February 16, 2025

Intel 8th, 9th and 10th Gen processors absent from Microsoft’s Windows 11 24H2 CPU support list

Microsoft has released the processor support lists for Windows 11 version 24H2, adding support for Intel's Lunar Lake and Arrow Lake Core Ultra 200 series processors. Support for Intel's 8th, 9th, and 10th Generation processors has been discontinued, following Intel's shift of its 7th to 10th Gen integrated graphics processing units (iGPUs) to a legacy support model. The official CPU support lists were published after several months of Windows 11 version 24H2 being available. The removal of support for the 10th Gen Comet Lake processors, such as the Core i9-10900K, has raised concerns, especially when compared to older models that remain supported. On the AMD side, Ryzen 8000 chips have been added to the support list, but there are discrepancies, including the mislabeling of the Ryzen 7 Pro 8945HS. The non-Pro variant is absent from the list, and Ryzen 9000 and Ryzen AI mobile chips, like the Ryzen AI 9 370 HX, are not explicitly supported. Microsoft has stated that new processors based on existing architectures will still be considered supported, even if not listed. Systems with CPUs outside the official support lists can still receive Windows updates, indicating a flexible support strategy.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

4 reasons why Windows 11 Pro is a solid OS for home labs

Many operating systems designed for server tasks are based on Linux due to its secure architecture, extensive packages, and community support, leading to a preference for Linux among DIY enthusiasts. Windows 11, particularly the Pro version, offers features that make it a viable option for experimentation servers, including a beginner-friendly GUI, built-in Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), higher RAM limits, dual-CPU support, and a built-in Hyper-V toolkit for running Windows VMs. Windows 11 Pro supports over 128GB of RAM and dual-processor setups, unlike the Home version, which has limitations. It can also function as an all-in-one workstation for gaming and everyday tasks, allowing users to host private game servers and run experimental virtual machines without complex configurations. However, Windows systems generally have less security and incur performance overhead compared to Linux-based platforms.

Winsage

November 22, 2024

Can your old PC even handle the Windows 11 upgrade? Here’s how to tell

As of October 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive monthly security updates, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 or exploring alternatives. The ability to upgrade depends on the age and specifications of the PC, particularly the CPU. PCs designed from 2019 onward generally meet the requirements for Windows 11, including the necessary Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. PCs from 2016 to 2019 may still be capable of upgrading but may require a registry edit if their CPUs are not officially supported. PCs designed between 2010 and 2015 may have some potential for upgrade, depending on the presence of a TPM and the CPU manufacturer. Older PCs from 2009 and earlier typically lack the necessary TPMs and CPU support for Windows 11, making upgrades unlikely. Users with these older machines might consider alternative operating systems like Linux.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

Windows Server 2025 supports CPUs packing two to 192 cores — CPU support list spans Pentium chips to Xeon and EPYC parts

Microsoft has unveiled the CPU support list for Windows Server 2025, which includes a range of processors. The Intel CPU support features second through fifth generation Xeon Scalable Processors (SP) built on the Emerald Rapids, Sapphire Rapids, Ice Lake, and Cascade Lake architectures, as well as the Xeon D series based on Ice Lake, the Xeon E-series utilizing Raptor Lake, and the Xeon 6 series derived from Granite Rapids. Additionally, the list includes the Pentium G7400 and G7400T processors, which are Alder Lake-based dual-core chips. For AMD, Windows Server 2025 supports all modern EPYC-based CPUs from Zen 2 to Zen 5, including the AMD EPYC 7002, 7003, 4004, 8004, 9004, and 9005 series. Microsoft has not included any mainstream consumer Ryzen processors in its support list. The list of supported processors is a prerequisite for system certification, and only systems with the specified CPUs can be certified to operate Windows Server 2025. Microsoft plans to update this list over time to include additional CPUs.