Windows 11’s system requirements are heavy, and Microsoft’s decision to limit the operating system to newer hardware has been criticized even before launch.
A significant number of PCs can’t officially upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 or any version of the operating system, and this is unlikely to change in the future. While Microsoft is not bringing back support for older models, the company always updates Windows 11 with support for newer processors.
Microsoft recently delivered Windows 11 version 22H2 (Windows 11 2022 Update) to the general public, and the operating system’s first major update apparently adds support for new processors. According to the documentationwhich was quietly updated earlier in October, Windows 11 is officially supported on Intel’s 13th-generation processor.
According to another support documentAMD’s Ryzen 7000 series (desktop) is now also officially supported.
Microsoft officials have backed off that it will not add support for Intel 7th generation and AMD Zen processors. It has no plans to look back at any of the older processors to see if any of them can be added to the Windows 11 22H2 compatibility list. Last year, after testing, the company added support for select 7th-generation CPUs such as the Core X series and Xeon W series.
Likewise, the other requirements such as TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot, 4 GB memory and 64 GB storage have become indispensable. These requirements are necessary to provide the best Windows 11 experience, so there will be no changes to the hardware compatibility list for now.
It’s pretty clear that Microsoft really wants users to upgrade to new hardware or at least have an Intel 8th Gen or AMD Zen 2 processor. While the company has allowed some 7th-generation CPUs, it won’t expand the hardware compatibility list to older processors.
Windows 11 version 22H2 rollout
Windows 11 version 22H2 (Windows 11 2022 Update) is currently available for all eligible devices, with Microsoft confirming that the rollout has expanded to include more PCs excluded in the first wave due to compatibility issues.
The company has not provided more information on when the new update will appear in all configurations. However, it is likely that availability will expand in the coming weeks as Microsoft gathers more information from early adopters.
If the update scores high on stability and reliability in early feedback, more users can upgrade. We expect more information about Windows 11 version 22H2 and the next update (Moment 2) in the coming months.
Windows 11 continues to be supported for many users, and the release of the 2022 update does not change Microsoft’s operating system support plans.
