Recently, there have been reports from NEOWIN claiming that Microsoft has changed the system requirements for Windows 11, allegedly dropping support for 8th, 9th, and 10th-generation Intel processors.
However, this claim is completely false. Despite this, several tech media outlets have spread the misinformation without verifying the original sources, leading to unnecessary confusion among users.
So, what’s going on? We’ll clarify what Microsoft’s removal of these processors from its compatibility list in Microsoft Docs means.
What has happened
This controversy started when Neowin noticed a change in the official list of Intel processors supported by Windows 11 (24H2) on Microsoft Docs. In this update, 8th, 9th, and 10th-generation Intel processors disappeared from the list, leading many to believe they were no longer compatible with the latest version of Windows 11.
However, an important detail was overlooked by many media outlets: the documentation explicitly states that this change only applies to new OEM designs. In other words, manufacturers are now advised not to use these processors in new devices that come preloaded with Windows 11 24H2.
This does not mean that existing PCs with these processors will lose compatibility with Windows 11.
Oems May use the following cpus for new windows 11 devices. New Windows 11 Devices Must Use Modern Device Divers Which Have Passed The Windows Hardware Compatibility Program For Windows 11 or The Latest Available Modern Device Drivers Based DECLARATIVE, COMPONENTIZED, HARDWARE SUPPORT APPS (DCH) Design Principles.
With this, it is understood that this change in documentation does not affect end users. Any team that meets the current Windows 11 requirements can update Without any problem and will continue to receive technical support.
This type of changes are not new: they have also happened with Windows 10
If you’re wondering whether this kind of change is new, the answer is no—it has happened before with Windows 10 as well.
If you check the list of processors supported by the latest version of Windows 10, you’ll notice that many older Intel and AMD generations are missing. However, this doesn’t mean your PC is no longer compatible with Windows 10. These lists are guidelines for manufacturers, advising them not to build new devices using outdated processors.
Ultimately, this seems like yet another case of clickbait misinformation from certain tech media outlets, deliberately spreading false claims for attention. Even though the rumor has been debunked, some sources continue to push the false narrative—without any intention of correcting or retracting their misleading reports.
