A couple of weeks ago, changes to the Windows 11 24H2 CPU requirements support document aimed at OEMs stirred up a whirlwind of confusion and mi’s truths within the tech and Windows community. There were reports that flooded social media claiming that Microsoft were no longer supporting a heap of older CPUs on and after the Windows 24H2 update marking them as “unsupported”.
Microsoft have come back saying that this was a essentially a classic case of miscommunication and as a result they have updated their blog to ensure better clarity.
The Source of the Confusion
The misunderstanding came about when Microsoft updated its documentation to recommend newer CPUs to OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers like Dell, HP etc) madaring the use of newer processors and chipsets for new devices. This might sound obvious, after all if you buying a new device in 2025, you’d expect it not to be based on five year old technology such as 8th or 9th generqtion processors especially in the wave of demand for NPU supported internals to support the growing wave of edge AI powered software.
In shirt, many misinterpreted this and read it as Microsoft changing the core Windows 11 compatibility ability requirements which they have not.
Clarity on support for older CPUs
Just to confirm, Microsoft have not and are not excluded older CPUs from running Windows 11 outside of the already well communicated compatibility requirements. Microsoft’s updated clarified documentation explicitly lists Intel’s 8th, 9th, and 10th-generation processors among the CPUs that are supported CPUs, along with a few other models.
The clarity also re states the restrictions are for OEMs, ensuring that users are not “conned” into buying value priced new devices built on old and aging chipsets.
What this means for Users.
In short, “Keep Calm and Carry on”. The updated support document is primarily intended for OEMs, guiding their decisions for new hardware production. Although it’s unlikely that manufacturers will or would priotise older CPUs for upcoming Windows 11-capable PCs, the list ensures flexibility for scenarios where such hardware might still be utilised and also gives consumers and buyers better confidence.
For users with existing devices running on these processors, this clarification provides the following reassurance: older yet reliable and compatible hardware will continue to be supported in the Windows 11 24H2 ecosystem.
Windows 11 hardware requirements
The link below takes you to Microsoft’s official communications and compatibility requirements for Windows 11.