Support for Microsoft Windows 10 is set to conclude in October 2025, a timeline that will undoubtedly impact a significant number of users. Despite the availability of Windows 11 as a complimentary upgrade for some time now, many individuals remain steadfast with Windows 10. This adherence stems from a combination of personal preference and the elevated system requirements associated with Windows 11. Recently, Microsoft has introduced another development that may not sit well with certain users.
Changes to Processor Support
Microsoft has announced that support for 8th, 9th, and 10th generation Intel processors will be phased out for Windows 11 version 24H2. This decision indicates that these processor series will no longer be relevant for a multitude of manufacturers moving forward.
It is crucial to clarify that this alteration pertains solely to new OEM devices—those equipped with pre-installed Windows. Consequently, devices featuring processors from the aforementioned generations will not be shipped with Windows 11 version 24H2. However, users who currently own a PC or laptop powered by an 8th, 9th, or 10th generation processor can continue utilizing Windows 11 and will still receive updates. While it may seem that these CPUs are no longer compatible with Windows 11, they remain operational, albeit with potential limitations on future updates.
The rationale behind Microsoft’s decision has not been thoroughly articulated. Notably, Windows 11 mandates the presence of TPM 2.0 for any upgrade to occur. The affected Intel generations are equipped with this TPM 2.0 chip, thereby meeting the fundamental requirements. A TPM, or Trusted Platform Module, serves as an integrated security measure, functioning as a microcontroller that secures sensitive data through cryptographic means, ensuring platform authentication.
In a further tightening of requirements, Microsoft has stipulated that only devices with Intel processors from the 12th generation and beyond will qualify for new OEM devices running Windows 11. This shift may raise eyebrows, particularly when considering the release timeline of the 10th generation processors, which debuted between 2019 and 2020—a relatively recent development in the tech landscape. Additionally, new processors from AMD’s 8000 series have also been included in this updated eligibility criteria. For these OEMs, the continuity of important updates for Windows 11 remains unaffected.
