Microsoft has definitively outlined which of its older Surface devices, initially equipped with Windows 10, are ineligible for an upgrade to Windows 11, a critical clarification as the October 14 end-of-support deadline for Windows 10 rapidly approaches.
The list of devices detailed on an updated Microsoft Support page, comes less than six months before Windows 10 support ceases. For users with these incompatible Surface machines, Microsoft’s primary recommendation is an upgrade to new hardware, specifically its Copilot+ Surface PCs.
Older Surface Models Lack TPM 2.0
The core reason many older Surface models cannot transition to Windows 11 lies in the operating system’s stringent hardware prerequisites, particularly the requirement for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0. Microsoft has consistently maintained this is crucial for enhanced security, with Steven Hosking, a Senior Product Manager at Microsoft, previously stating that “TPM 2.0 is a necessity for a secure and future-proof Windows 11”.
This hardware hurdle is significant given that Windows 10 still commanded a substantial market share of over 60% in early 2025, according to data from Statcounter. The free upgrade option to Windows 11 is also ending around the Windows 10 EOL date, as Microsoft informed in early 2025.
Beyond the operating system itself, Microsoft has also stated that “Microsoft 365 Apps will no longer be supported after October 14, 2025, on Windows 10 devices.” The company says that “to use Microsoft 365 Applications on your device, you will need to upgrade to Windows 11”, further pressuring users to migrate.
While Microsoft Support assures users that their Windows 10 PCs will continue to function post-deadline, they strongly recommend to upgrade to Windows 11, as these devices will no longer receive vital security updates, software fixes, or technical assistance from the company.
The Ineligible List And User Alternatives
The official list from Microsoft Support confirms several Surface models will not receive the Windows 11 upgrade. These include the first-generation Surface Book, Surface Book 2 units with the 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7300U processor, the original Surface Go, and the first-generation Surface Laptop.
Additionally, the Surface Pro (1st Gen), Surface Pro 2, Surface Pro 3, Surface Pro 4, Surface Pro (5th Gen), and the original Surface Studio are also on the incompatible roster.
For those affected, Microsoft is promoting its new Surface Copilot+ PCs, such as the new Surface Pro (12-inch) and Surface Laptop (13-inch) models, which feature Snapdragon X Plus processors with integrated NPUs for on-device AI processing.
Kedar Kondap of Qualcomm expressed excitement about this partnership. However, for users not ready to purchase new hardware, Microsoft offers paid Extended Security Updates (ESUs). The consumer ESU program will be a one-year option for $30, as confirmed by Microsoft.
For businesses, the ESU program is more tiered, costing $61 per device for the first year, with this price doubling annually for a maximum of three years, according to Microsoft Learn; ZDNET calculated the three-year total at $427 per PC. It’s crucial to note these ESUs are cumulative and only cover security patches, not new features or general support.
Some users are also exploring alternatives like Linux distributions, with options like installing Linux on a Surface Laptop, and the “End of 10” project offering guidance.
Compatible Devices And The Path Forward
A significant number of Surface devices are, however, eligible for the upgrade to Windows 11. Compatible models include the Surface Book 2 (specifically those with 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8350U or i7-8650U processors), Surface Book 3, Surface Go 2, Surface Laptop 2, Surface Laptop 3, Surface Laptop 4, and the Surface Laptop Go.
The Surface Pro 6, Surface Pro 7, Surface Pro 7+, Surface Pro X, Surface Studio 2, and Surface Hub 2S also make the cut. Microsoft explains that “these devices came with Windows 10 installed but are also compatible with Windows 11.”
Owners of these compatible devices can check for upgrade availability via the standard Windows Update process (Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates). Microsoft also suggests using the PC Health Check application to ensure all system prerequisites are met.
The company had previously expanded the list of compatible 64-bit processors for Windows 11 in August 2021 to include certain Intel Core X-series, Xeon W-series, and specific Intel Core 7820HQ models that shipped with modern DCH drivers, as detailed by Windows Blogs.
The Broader Windows Ecosystem Shift
This clarification for Surface devices is a component of Microsoft’s ongoing effort to transition its user base to Windows 11. Feature updates for Windows 10 concluded with version 22H2 in April 2023, shifting the older OS into a security-update-only phase. The emphasis on Windows 11’s security, underpinned by technologies like TPM 2.0 and Virtualization-based Security (VBS), has been a consistent message from Microsoft since late 2021.
The TPM 2.0 mandate, while central to Microsoft’s security strategy, has faced harsh criticism. The Free Software Foundation (FSF) has been a vocal opponent, arguing it promotes e-waste and restricts user autonomy, advocating for GNU/Linux as an alternative.
Greg Farough of the FSF warned that “very soon, the end of support for Windows 10 will force users away from perfectly working hardware.” Despite these concerns, and a somewhat slower Windows 11 adoption rate, Microsoft continues to push towards its newer operating system, recently infusing Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs with more AI features.
For users seeking more predictability, Microsoft launched a public Windows roadmap in March 2025, though it comes with the caveat that there “all information is subject to change.” when features or products are canceled or postponed.
