Microsoft has updated its list of supported processors for Windows 11, officially dropping support for a range of older chips.
This decision could impact many users, though the exact consequences remain unclear.
Windows 11 24H2 was first launched for Copilot+ PCs in May 2024, before rolling out to all other devices in October.
However, Microsoft has now revised its list of compatible processors, removing several older models, including:
Intel 8th, 9th, and 10th generation processors.
Ice Lake processors for laptops.
Comet Lake chips for desktops.
These chips, produced between 2017 and 2021, had previously been officially supported by Windows 11.
While these processors still meet the technical system requirements, they are no longer officially supported, according to WinFuture.
What Does This Mean for Users?
It is still unclear what the practical impact of this decision will be for users with affected processors.
Experts suggest that this does not necessarily mean Windows 11 will stop working on these devices. They will likely still receive updates, but over time, compatibility issues may arise.
For hardware manufacturers, the message is clear: they should no longer develop new devices using the affected processors.
For existing users, however, the uncertainty remains. Over time, functionality limitations could appear, impacting performance or security.
So far, Microsoft has not provided a detailed explanation for removing these processors from the support list.
However, experts believe this move is likely driven by security and optimization—as Microsoft shifts its focus to newer hardware with better performance and stronger cybersecurity protections.
Users with older processors can continue using Windows 11, but they may eventually experience performance limitations or security risks.
