Windows 11 has maintained its reputation for stringent hardware requirements, and Microsoft is showing no signs of relaxing them. Since its release in 2021, the operating system has required a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 for security, preventing many older PCs from upgrading. However, another critical factor is processor compatibility, and Microsoft has now raised the bar again for Windows 11 24H2.
As of two weeks ago, Microsoft updated its official list of supported Intel processors for Windows 11 24H2, the latest iteration of the operating system, which is now mandatory for all Windows 11 users. The updated requirements specify that only 11th-generation Intel processors and newer are officially supported, replacing the previous minimum of 8th-generation Intel CPUs. This change means that users with processors older than Intel’s 11th-gen lineup may encounter issues updating to Windows 11 24H2, even if they have been running Windows 11 on an older CPU until now.
So, what does this mean for users? On paper, this requirement forces users to have even better hardware to stay up-to-date with Windows 11. However, older CPUs are not immediately locked out. Versions 22H2 and 23H2 of Windows 11 do not have these new processor restrictions. However, it’s important to note that 22H2 has already reached end-of-support, and 23H2 will follow suit on November 11, 2025. That means older CPUs will only remain viable for a limited time before security updates stop arriving.
Users can check their processor model in Settings > System > About and compare it to Microsoft’s official compatibility list. Alternatively, Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool can assess overall compatibility with Windows 11 24H2, including CPU, TPM, and other system requirements.
Microsoft justifies these increasing hardware requirements by emphasizing that the CPU is “a critical factor for running Windows 11.” The latest versions of the OS, particularly 24H2, require more powerful processors to ensure smooth performance across all features. Additionally, the rise of AI-powered tools within Windows 11 is likely influencing the decision, as AI workloads demand significantly more processing power than traditional computing tasks. This shift suggests that Microsoft is future-proofing Windows 11 for an AI-driven ecosystem, albeit at the cost of leaving older systems behind.
