For now. Windows 11 comes with updated system requirements. And the bar has been set so high that the latest version of the OS would only be available for 8th generation Intel processors and newer.
Freaky!
These limitations have stirred a lot of controversy in the Windows community, with many a user believing that they would not receive the new operating system due to these hardware limitations. Even powerful machines built 4 or 5 years ago look set to miss out on the upgrade.
Redmond was even forced to defend these sky-high requirements, saying that it needed to increase the system requirements for the new operating system as it comes with substantial improvements in the areas of security, reliability, and compatibility.
But now that the very first preview build of Windows 11 is finally up for grabs, Microsoft has said that it is allowing some older chips to try out the new operating systems.
As the company says:
“Using the principles above, we are confident that devices running on Intel 8th generation processors and AMD Zen 2 as well as Qualcomm 7 and 8 Series will meet our principles around security and reliability and minimum system requirements for Windows 11. As we release to Windows Insiders and partner with our OEMs, we will test to identify devices running on Intel 7th generation and AMD Zen 1 that may meet our principles. We’re committed to sharing updates with you on the results of our testing over time, as well as sharing additional technical blogs.”
So then, these old processors are in for the ride for the time being.
No guarantee that the new OS would become available for these when the production rollout starts in the coming months. Most signs point towards an October availability for Windows 11, with upgrades for eligible computers set to begin early next year.
It all should be crystal clear by then.
