Latest list of Windows 11 version 24H2 supported Intel processors removes 8th-10th Gen processors, so OEMs have to use 11th Gen processors or later to make new 24H2 compatible devices.

MS didn't explain why these processors were removed from the list. However, Intel didn't release 24H2 compatible graphics drivers for 7th-10th Gen processors. Besides, Intel 8th-9th Gen processors will reach ESU on June 30, 2025. So it is a reasonable decision. But I will use Windows 10 21H2 until EOS.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/minimum/supported/windows-11-24h2-supported-intel-processors

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000022396/processors.html

looks simple to me, there was a reason win10 was free, and win11 also
the article rather writes about security reasons 

the security how they define it is from a person 

the plan is probaly to get rid of the person who owns the computer
so he can only do what they want

the TPM chip was also a such direction, you getting "trusted" for microsoft being secure from you

we know they had to be something wrong with it when it was offered for free
after the establishment they might want money, but before only spreading is important

20 hours ago, user57 said:

win10 was free, and win11 also

"...technically speaking you can install Windows and use for free. But legally when you install Windows you agree to Microsoft's terms and conditions and they state you must activate your copy of Windows, and that requires a license which must be purchased. So legally there is no free copy of Windows."

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/are-there-any-versions-of-windows-10-which-is-free/ef57a652-a05a-47cd-8245-7c3a545a25b7

I have 2 computers with 9th Gen Intel CPUs still on 23H2 that all of sudden are not compatible with W11 24H2 and higher anymore?

Or is this affecting only new OEM sales ? Looks like I'll be "upgrading" to W10 LTSC instead then because I just can't be bothered to use workarounds.

Edited February 23, 20251 yr by superleiw

9 hours ago, superleiw said:

Or is this affecting only new OEM sales ? Looks like I'll be "upgrading" to W10 LTSC instead then because I just can't be bothered to use workarounds.

You can upgrade to 24H2. The problem is Intel dropped support before Windows 10 reaches EOS. Intel won't fix vulnerabilities after June 30, 2025.

"Windows 10 was offered for free from its release on July 29, 2015, until July 29, 2016, for users of eligible previous versions of Windows. However, Microsoft continued to allow free upgrades for several years after that, officially ending the offer on September 20, 2023.

Q: Is the upgrade really free? Do I need to purchase Windows 10 after 1 year? A: With Windows 10, we will offer a free upgrade to Windows 10 for qualified Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 devices that upgrade in the first year. "

 

 

16 hours ago, halohalo said:

You can upgrade to 24H2. The problem is Intel dropped support before Windows 10 reaches EOS. Intel won't fix vulnerabilities after June 30, 2025.

Ah true, for a moment I put Intel and Microsoft in the same bag.

Microsoft added Intel 8th~10th generation processors because the old support list didn't reflect accurate offerings. Anyway, the support list will be continually updated.

On 2/23/2025 at 5:26 PM, superleiw said:

Or is this affecting only new OEM sales ?

OEMs can only use processors in the distribution channel, which should all be current gen.

Intel finally released an official W11 24H2 / 25H2 compatible graphics drivers for 7th-10th Gen processors

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download/776137/intel-7th-10th-gen-processor-graphics-windows.html?wapkw=driver

 

Edited December 27, 2025Dec 27 by superleiw

ESU (Extended Security Updates) != EOS (End of Service/Support)

Only Desktop processors have reached ESU. For now the drivers continue to get updated as some Intel 8th Gen Mobile processors are still supported until September 2026.

But in the end ironically all 7th-10th processors still benefit from these drivers... so good thing

Did Intel change the ESU expiration date for some 10th Gen processors ?

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/topics/support-and-servicing-for-processors.html

 

This could mean that the graphics drivers for 7th-10th Gen processors may continue to see updates until June 30th, 2027 !!

This would be good news !!

 

Edit -> Yep it's possible for them to change the dates (See Servicing Details and Disclaimers at the bottom of the link):

Baseline Servicing Periods, EOIS Dates, ESU Dates, or EOSL Dates in the future are subject to change.

Edited August 4Aug 4 by superleiw

10 hours ago, superleiw said:

Did Intel change the ESU expiration date for some 10th Gen processors ?

Intel added Comet lake, Amber Lake and Ice lake to the list. So Intel will provide security updates for 7th-10th Gen processor graphics until June 30th, 2027. However, Intel will not provide IPU after ESU date.