Microsoft has quietly updated the list of processors that are officially supported by Windows 11, the company’s latest operating system that was launched in October 2021. The updated list includes many new Intel and AMD chips that were previously excluded from the minimum system requirements.
Microsoft’s website has the full list of the new Intel SKUs that are now supported by Windows 11. The most notable one is the 6GHz Core i9-13900KS. Some Intel Raptor Lake mobile CPUs such as the i5-1334U, 1335U, 1335UE, 13500HS, and more are also included.
The AMD side has more interesting additions. The chips with 3D V-cache on-board are now supported. These are the AM4-based 5800X3D and the AM5-based 7950X3D, 7900X3D, and 7800X3D. Other AM4 SKUs are the Ryzen 3 4100, Ryzen 5 4500, 5500, and 5600. For AM5, there are the non-X Ryzen variants like the Ryzen 7 7700 and Ryzen 5 7600. Some older gen SKUs have also made it to the list of CPUs.
Microsoft has also clarified that the updated list of supported processors is final and will not change in the near future. The company has also updated its PC Health Check app to reflect the new list and help users check if their devices are eligible for the free upgrade. Users who are running Windows 10 on unsupported hardware can still try Windows 11 through the Windows Insider Program, but they may encounter compatibility issues and reduced security.
Current Windows 11 Hardware Requirements
- Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC) that appears on the list of approved CPUs.
- RAM: 4 gigabyte (GB).
- Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
- System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
- Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver.
- Display: High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel.
- Internet connection and Microsoft account: Windows 11 Pro for personal use and Windows 11 Home require internet connectivity and a Microsoft account during initial device setup.
Windows 11 requirements have sparked controversy among some users and critics who feel that they are too stringent, restrictive, or inconvenient. The main points of contention are the need for a recent CPU, a TPM 2.0 chip, and the difficulty of changing default apps. Microsoft has defended its decisions by citing the benefits of reliability, security, and compatibility, and has made some adjustments to address the feedback.
Last Updated on November 8, 2024 12:42 pm CET
