Can the Intel Core i5-7200U Run Windows 11?
The introduction of Windows 11 by Microsoft has generated a wave of excitement and curiosity among users worldwide. As with any new operating system, the question arises: Will my hardware support it? One of the components that often comes into question when discussing compatibility is the processor. In this article, we will explore whether the Intel Core i5-7200U can run Windows 11, looking at its specifications, the formal requirements for Windows 11, potential challenges, and overall real-world performance expectations.
Understanding the Intel Core i5-7200U
Before diving into the compatibility specifics, it’s essential to understand the i5-7200U processor itself. The Intel Core i5-7200U is a dual-core processor that was part of Intel’s 7th generation Kaby Lake family. It was designed primarily for use in thin and light laptops due to its energy efficiency. Here are some critical specifications of the i5-7200U:
- Base Clock Speed: 2.5 GHz
- Max Turbo Boost Speed: 3.1 GHz
- Cores/Threads: 2 cores and 4 threads
- TDP: 15W thermal design power
- Integrated Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620
- Architecture: 14nm process technology
These specifications underscore that while the i5-7200U is capable of handling everyday computing tasks, it is primarily designed for low power consumption and efficiency, making it ideal for ultrabooks.
Windows 11 System Requirements
For a processor to be officially supported by Windows 11, it must meet specific system requirements set by Microsoft. Here’s a breakdown of the relevant specifications needed for a Windows 11 installation:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster with at least 2 cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC).
- RAM: 4 GB or more.
- Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
- System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
- Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x.
- Display: >9” with HD Resolution (720p).
Now, we can analyze whether the i5-7200U meets these requirements.
Compatibility Analysis
Processor Analysis
The Intel Core i5-7200U exceeds the minimum requirement for clock speed, as it has a base frequency of 2.5 GHz and a turbo frequency of 3.1 GHz. Additionally, it has 2 cores and 4 threads, which also meets the requirement of having at least 2 cores.
However, the major concern lies with the other requirements—specifically the TPM 2.0 and UEFI firmware capabilities.
TPM and UEFI
TPM 2.0
The i5-7200U was often found in laptops that either have or do not have TPM 2.0 modules. TPM 2.0 is a crucial requirement for running Windows 11, as it adds a layer of security by storing cryptographic keys that protect your data.
If you are running a machine with the i5-7200U, you will need to check if your device includes TPM 2.0. You can do this by:
- Pressing
Windows + Rto open the Run dialog. - Typing
tpm.mscand pressing Enter. - At the top of the window, you will see the status of the TPM. Look for «TPM Manufacturer Information» to confirm the version.
If your laptop does not have TPM 2.0 but has TPM 1.2, Windows 11 may not install. In that case, upgrading to a newer computer may be necessary.
UEFI Firmware
The second major requirement is that the system must run UEFI firmware instead of the traditional BIOS. Most devices released around the time of the i5-7200U’s launch are UEFI-capable, but older devices may not.
To check if your system uses UEFI:
- Enter System Information by typing
msinfo32in the Run dialog. - Look for «BIOS Mode» in the system summary. If it says UEFI, you’re good to go.
If your laptop only supports Legacy BIOS, Windows 11 cannot be installed.
RAM and Storage
In terms of RAM, the i5-7200U typically accommodates 4 GB or more in most configurations, complying with the requirement for Windows 11. As for storage, most modern devices also exceed the minimum storage capacity of 64 GB, ensuring compatibility in this regard.
Graphics Card Requirement
The i5-7200U is equipped with integrated Intel HD Graphics 620, which is compatible with DirectX 12. Thus, it satisfies the graphics requirements for Windows 11.
Final Compatibility Verdict
Summarizing the compatibility requirements based on our analysis of the specifications:
- CPU: Compatible (satisfies core and frequency requirements).
- RAM: Generally compatible (requires at least 4GB).
- Storage: Generally compatible (requires at least 64GB).
- TPM: Potentially incompatible (must have TPM 2.0).
- UEFI: Potentially incompatible (must support UEFI).
- Graphics: Compatible.
Thus, while the Intel i5-7200U processor has the necessary compute capabilities to run Windows 11, its actual compatibility will largely depend on the presence of UEFI firmware and TPM 2.0. If your laptop lacks one or both of these, it may not support the installation of Windows 11.
Performance Expectations on Windows 11
If you successfully manage to meet the Windows 11 installation requirements, what can you expect regarding performance?
Task Performance
The i5-7200U is a capable processor for daily tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and even some light multimedia editing. However, Windows 11’s increased visual components may demand more resources than Windows 10. Features such as enhanced gaming compatibility, Snap Layouts, and more complex UI elements may slightly strain a device with limited CPU power.
Gaming and Multi-tasking
For users who enjoy gaming or require efficient multitasking capabilities, the i5-7200U may not deliver the best results on Windows 11. Integrated graphics are typically insufficient for demanding games. Users should expect lower frame rates and potential graphical issues in more modern titles that utilize advanced graphics settings.
Battery Efficiency
Being designed for energy efficiency, when running Windows 11, users can still expect reasonable battery life. However, as resources are consumed, battery drainage may increase, particularly if multitasking or using resource-intensive applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Intel Core i5-7200U can potentially run Windows 11, provided the hardware meets certain requirements such as UEFI and TPM 2.0 support. While the processor itself meets the basic computational needs to run the operating system, its age and specifications may limit performance, especially where demanding applications or multitasking are concerned.
Ultimately, if you are considering installing Windows 11 on a device powered by an i5-7200U, it is crucial to verify TPM and UEFI capabilities. If your device checks those boxes, you can look forward to a new user experience with Windows 11—but keep in mind the limitations in processing power and graphics capabilities for more intensive tasks.
In summary, while feasible, running Windows 11 on the i5-7200U may not provide an optimal user experience, and users requiring more robust performance may want to consider upgrading to more modern hardware to fully harness the potential of Windows 11.
Если попробовать выполнить обновление до Windows 11 на компьютере или ноутбуке, где отсутствует или отключен доверенный платформенный модуль TPM 2.0, установлен процессор неподдерживаемого поколения или имеются другие проблемы с совместимостью, вы получите сообщение «Этот компьютер не соответствует минимальным требованиям к системе для установки Windows 11». Однако, это можно обойти.
В этой инструкции о простом способе выполнить автоматическое обновление системы до Windows 11 без TPM 2.0 и в случае, если есть другие несоответствия минимальным требованиям к системе.
Параметры запуска программы установки
Один из самых работоспособных способов обновиться до Windows 11 на неподдерживаемом компьютере, при этом не выполняя чистую установку — использовать специальный ключ запуска setup.exe, шаги будут следующими:
- Скачайте ISO образ Windows 11 с официального сайта или другими способами.
- Смонтируйте образ в системе (правый клик по файлу ISO — Подключить) и запомните букву диска, которая будет присвоена подключенному образу.
- В командной строке или в диалоговом окне «Выполнить» используйте следующую команду, заменив букву диска D на ту, которая используется в вашей системе:
D:\setup.exe /product server
- Запустится программа установки Windows 11, при этом будет сообщаться о том, что устанавливается Windows Server. Однако, будет установлена та же редакция системы, которая уже установлена на вашем компьютере и без проверки совместимости.
Дальнейший процесс установки не должен вызвать каких-либо проблем: почти все действия будут выполнены автоматически, кроме начальной настройки системы после обновления.
Учитывайте, что метод обновления путем запуска setup.exe с указанными параметрами подойдет только для новых версий Windows 10 или 8.1, но может не работать для более старых ОС, для них потребуется использовать чистую установку системы. Здесь вам может пригодиться инструкция про создание загрузочной флешки Windows 11 без проверки совместимости и наличия модуля TPM 2.0.
Автоматическое обновление до Windows 11 без проверки совместимости с помощью Universal Media Creation Tool
Вы можете найти различные способы обхода минимальных системных требований Windows 11 для обновления для установки на несовместимый компьютер, например редактирование образа ISO или реестра. Также можно использовать чистую установку ОС с флешки, однако это не всегда удобно.
Более комфортный способ — Universal Media Creation Tool, простой скрипт, изначально разработанный для возможности загрузки старых версий системы, но позволяющий также выполнить обновление до Windows 11 на неподдерживаемых компьютерах, минуя проверку наличия TPM 2.0, поколения процессора и других аппаратных характеристик. Способ обновления состоит из следующих шагов:
- Зайдите на официальную страницу скрипта Universal Media Creation Tool официальную страницу скрипта Universal Media Creation Tool и скачайте архив с файлами, нажав по стрелке рядом с кнопкой Code, а затем — кнопку Download ZIP.
- Распакуйте архив в удобное вам расположение.
- Запустите файл MediaCreationTool.bat из папки.
- После запуска файла вы можете получить уведомление фильтра SmartScreen, связанное с тем, что программа неизвестна системе. Нажмите «Подробнее», а затем — выполнить в любом случае.
- После запуска откроется командная строка и окно, в котором требуется выбрать версию системы, выбираем Windows 11.
- В следующем окне предлагается выбрать необходимое действие, в нашем случае — Auto Setup (автоматическая установка).
- После запуска автоматической установки сначала будут загружены необходимые файлы напрямую с сайта Майкрософт (что можно будет увидеть в окне командной строки), затем, после подтверждения в PowerShell запустится программа установки.
- Несмотря на то, что в программе установки будет указано, что выполняется загрузка Windows 10, по факту загружается обновление до Windows 11: суть в том, что для установки используется Media Creation Tool от предыдущей системы.
- Останется лишь дождаться завершения загрузки, «создания носителя» (по факту, никакой носитель не записывается и установки Windows 11 — всё это будет выполнено полностью автоматически, компьютер будет перезагружаться в процессе.
- После этапа «Работа с обновлениями» вы попадете на экран входа в Windows 11, а после входа будет выполнена подготовка к первому запуску.
В результате вы получите обновлённую до Windows 11 систему с возможностью отката обновления при необходимости, всё что потребуется с вашей стороны после 6-го шага — дождаться завершения процесса и не выключать компьютер. При «зависании» на каком-либо проценте, лучше не торопитесь что-либо предпринимать, подождите (даже если это займёт около часа). Читатели сообщают, что первые накопительные обновления на установленную таким образом систему успешно пришли.
Официальный способ пропустить проверку модуля TPM и поколения процессора от Майкрософт
На официальной странице, посвященной установке Windows 11, Майкрософт предлагает собственный метод обхода проверки наличия модуля TPM 2.0, однако указывается, что наличие как минимум TPM 1.2 всё равно требуется. Поколение процессора проверяться не будет. Необходимые шаги:
- Нажмите клавиши Win+R на клавиатуре и введите regedit в окно Выполнить, после чего нажмите Enter.
- Перейдите к разделу реестра
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup
- Нажмите правой кнопкой мыши в правой панели редактора реестра, выберите Создать — Параметр DWORD (32 бита) и создайте параметр с именем AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU
- Дважды нажмите по параметру и задайте значение 1 для него.
- Закройте редактор реестра и запустите помощник по установке Windows 11 с официального сайта для обновления.
Как поведёт установка обновления в случае отсутствия модуля TPM даже версии 1.2 — сказать не могу, жду ваших отзывов в комментариях.
Помощник по установке Windows 11 в режиме совместимости
Ещё один способ (в комментариях сообщают, что уже не срабатывает) — использовать официальный помощник по установке Windows 11 с официального сайта https://www.microsoft.com/ru-ru/software-download/windows11, но запустить его в режиме совместимости с Windows 7. Для этого:
- Скачиваем помощник по установке в удобное расположение.
- Нажав правой кнопкой мыши по загруженному файлу выбираем пункт Свойства в контекстном меню
- На вкладке «Совместимость» отмечаем пункт «Запустить программу в режиме совместимости с» и указываем Windows 7.
- Применяем настройки и запускаем помощник по установке.
Сообщали, что в этом случае проверка совместимости системы с Windows 11 не производится и установка обновления выполняется успешно, но, похоже, уже нет.
В случае, если вы будете использовать один из предложенных способов обновления неподдерживаемой системы до Windows 11, прошу поделиться результатами, особенно интересны следующие моменты: обновление на Legacy-системах с MBR диском, а также результаты при обновлении не с Windows 10, а с более ранних систем (в этих сценариях скрипт мною опробован не был).
Introduction
As technology advances, so do the requirements for operating systems. One noteworthy topic in the realm of personal computing has been the compatibility of various processors with the latest iterations of Windows. Specifically, the Intel Core i5 7200U has become a point of interest, especially concerning its capability to support Windows 11. This article delves into the intricacies of the i5 7200U processor, the requirements for Windows 11, and how they align or misalign.
Understanding the Intel Core i5 7200U
Before diving into Windows 11 compatibility, let’s take a closer look at the Intel Core i5 7200U. Launched in the first quarter of 2016, this processor is part of Intel’s 7th generation Kaby Lake lineup. The i5 7200U is designed primarily for ultrabooks and laptops, emphasizing efficiency while providing adequate performance for daily tasks.
Key Specifications
-
Cores and Threads: The i5 7200U is a dual-core processor with four threads, owing to Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology. This feature allows for concurrent processing, improving multitasking performance.
-
Base and Boost Clock Speeds: The base clock speed is set at 2.5 GHz, with the ability to turbo boost up to 3.1 GHz. This duality facilitates both energy efficiency during low-demand tasks and performance enhancement for more intensive applications.
-
Integrated Graphics: The chip houses Intel HD Graphics 620, enabling basic graphics performance—ideal for everyday tasks and some light gaming.
-
Thermal Design Power (TDP): With a TDP of just 15 watts, the i5 7200U is engineered for low power consumption, consistent with its design for ultrabooks and portable devices.
To summarize, the i5 7200U is well-suited for common productivity tasks like web browsing, word processing, and media consumption.
Windows 11: An Overview
Released in October 2021, Windows 11 introduced a refreshing interface and host of new features aimed at modernizing the user experience. However, it also surfaced with a set of stringent hardware requirements that echoed the need for improved security and performance.
Minimum System Requirements for Windows 11
To install Windows 11, Microsoft set the following minimum requirements:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster with at least dual-core on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC).
- RAM: 4 GB or more.
- Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
- Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
- Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x.
- Display: >9” with HD Resolution (720p).
- Internet connection: Internet connectivity is necessary to perform updates and to download and take advantage of some features.
Compatibility of i5 7200U with Windows 11
Given the explicit hardware requirements for Windows 11, the question remains: Can the Intel Core i5 7200U support Windows 11?
Processor Capability
The i5 7200U meets several of the basic criteria set by Microsoft:
-
Clock Speed: It operates at a base speed of 2.5 GHz, well above the minimum 1 GHz requirement for processors.
-
Cores: With dual cores and four threads, it clearly exceeds the dual-core prerequisite.
However, the more significant factors revolve around motherboard and firmware support:
UEFI and Secure Boot
One central requirement for Windows 11 is that the system must have UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capabilities. Most ultrabooks equipped with the i5 7200U do feature UEFI firmware, yet not all may have Secure Boot enabled or even available; this can vary based on the manufacturer and model.
TPM 2.0 Requirement
One of the most significant challenges for the i5 7200U is the requirement for TPM 2.0. While many new systems come pre-installed with TPM 2.0 modules, older devices—including some using the i5 7200U—may only support the older version (TPM 1.2) or none at all.
Microsoft has been emphatic about the necessity of TPM 2.0, as it offers enhanced security features that protect against firmware attacks and bolstered encryption capabilities essential for the modern landscape of cybersecurity threats.
Evaluating Your Device
For users determining whether their i5 7200U-based system can run Windows 11, it’s crucial to investigate a few aspects of their device:
-
Access UEFI Settings: Restart your computer and enter the UEFI firmware settings—often by pressing keys like F2, F10, or Delete during boot up.
-
Check TPM Status: Within the UEFI settings or through Windows itself (using the command
tpm.msc), check whether the TPM version is listed as 2.0. -
Secure Boot Configuration: Ensure Secure Boot is enabled in the UEFI settings after confirming its availability.
Practical Steps to Upgrade to Windows 11
If you’ve concluded that your i5 7200U-equipped device meets Windows 11 requirements, follow these steps to upgrade:
-
Backup Important Data: Always back up critical files before making significant changes to your operating system.
-
Update Your System: Ensure your existing OS is up to date. The latest updates from Windows can sometimes include firmware updates, which may add UEFI/TPM support.
-
Download the PC Health Check Tool: Microsoft provides a tool to evaluate your device’s eligibility for Windows 11. This tool will scan your system and tell you if it meets the necessary requirements.
-
Allocate Installation Media: If eligible, you can either upgrade directly through Windows Update or download the installation media from Microsoft’s site.
-
Follow On-Screen Instructions: Complete the installation by following the prompts provided by the upgrade wizard, ensuring that you’ve selected a compatible upgrade path that maintains your applications and files.
Conclusion
The Intel Core i5 7200U shows a mixed bag in terms of compatibility with Windows 11. While it meets the core specifications in terms of processing power and memory, the added requirements surrounding UEFI firmware, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0 create barriers that many users may encounter.
Ultimately, the viability of upgrading to Windows 11 on a device powered by the i5 7200U heavily relies on the specific ultrabook or laptop configuration. Users should scrutinize their hardware capabilities, make necessary adjustments in their UEFI settings, and possibly upgrade hardware components if their current setups fall short.
As technology continues to evolve, older hardware will eventually fall behind, prompting updates and purchases of newer devices. If you find that your current device cannot support Windows 11, this may serve as a signal to assess your long-term computing needs and consider investing in a more modern solution that not only meets current software requirements but remains robust for future advancements.
Windows 10: intel core i5-7200U — Windows 11 not supported
Discus and support intel core i5-7200U — Windows 11 not supported in Windows 10 Software and Apps to solve the problem; Hello everyone, I had this question, why Intel core i3, i5 and i7 processors of 7th gen or below are not supported for Windows 11 update. Above is the…
Discussion in ‘Windows 10 Software and Apps’ started by DJ Soni, Feb 17, 2022.
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intel core i5-7200U — Windows 11 not supported
Hello everyone, I had this question, why Intel core i3, i5 and i7 processors of 7th gen or below are not supported for Windows 11 update. Above is the system requirements , my laptop processor i5-7200U. Are youMS Team going to make compatible for win 11. if yes.. when..??
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intel core i5 4690 on windows xp
Hello! Works intel Core i5 4690 on Windows xp
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Intel Gives Core i3 and Core i5 Dual-Core Processors K0 Stepping Update
Intel is giving some existing 32 nm «Clarkdale» based Core i3 and Core i5 processors an update. The processors will transition to the new K0 stepping from the existing C2 stepping. The parts that will be made on the K0 silicon are Core i3 models 530 (new sSPEC: SLBX7), 540 (new sSPEC: SLBTD) and Core i5 models 650 (new sSPEC: SLBTJ), 660/661 (SLBTK/SLBTB), 670 (SLBTL). Newer and upcoming models such as the i3-550, i3-560, i5-665K, and i5-680 are already being built on the K0 stepping die. Motherboards will require a BIOS update to support the new K0 stepping processors.
The K0 stepping change includes the following highlights:
- New S-spec and MM numbers for the converting products
- Extended CPUID will change from 0x00020652 to 0x00020655
- Host RevID will change from 0x12 to 0x18
- K0 stepping package is pin compatible with C2 stepping package
- Adds Processor Context ID (PCID) support
The revised older SKUs that are built on K0 stepping will be market-available by October 16.
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intel core i5-7200U — Windows 11 not supported
Windows 10 — Intel (R) vs Intel i
You are exactly right…. it is i5
I misread… and typed in the incorrect specs
Intel (R) Core (TM) i5-7200U CPU @ 2.50Ghz 2.71 GHz
Workstation Requirements
Laptop/Desktop:
- Speed: Dual-Core 2.8-GHz | Intel i class or higher
- Hard Drive: 60 GB usable memory or higher
- RAM: 4 GB or higher
- Operating System: Windows 10
Is there a way to increase the 2.71 GHz to 2.8 GHz ????
Thanking you in advance; I await your reply.
intel core i5-7200U — Windows 11 not supported
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Intel Core i5 7200U Not Compatible?
in Windows 10 Software and Apps
Intel Core i5 7200U Not Compatible?: Why is i5 7200U not compatible to upgrade to Windows 11? Is there any work around? Purchasing a new laptop is not an option.https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/intel-core-i5-7200u-not-compatible/de11e26a-b54f-43f6-9c51-a45dea256634
Intel i5 Core processors of the seventh generation are not compatible with the latest Windows 11 operating system.
Intel i5 core processors beginning with 8th generation fully support Windows 11 and you will be able to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 from such supported i5 processors.
As of writing this, there are 89 processors of the i5 series from Intel that support Windows 11. These include Intel i5 core processors of the 8th generation, 9th generation, 10th generation and the 11th generation.
And, there are 19 processors of the Intel i5 Core 7th generation that are not compatible with the Windows 11 operating system.
Table of Content:
- Why are Intel i5 7th generation processors not compatible with Windows 11 installation?
- Which Intel i5 7th generation processors are incompatible with Windows 11?
- Can I install Windows 11 on Intel i5 7th generation processors?
- What are the options for Intel i5 Core 7th generation processors?
- When will Microsoft end support for Windows 10?
- Our recommendation
Why are Intel i5 7th generation processors not compatible with Windows 11 installation?
Intel i5 7th generation processors are not compatible with Windows 11. As a result, Windows 10 cannot be upgraded on such systems through the Windows Update program to Windows 11 operating system.
Microsoft has listed Windows 11 compatible processors based on internal testing and performance scores for each family of processors. Intel’s 7th generation processors have failed to make it to the list of compatible processors.
Which Intel i5 7th generation processors are incompatible with Windows 11?
All the 7th generation processors of the Intel i5 core family are incompatible with Windows 11. The list below contains names of the Intel i5 core processors that are incompatible with the Windows 11 operating system.
There are 19 Intel i5 core processors from the 7th generation that do not support Windows 11 operating system.
- Intel® Core™ i5-7200U Processor
- Intel® Core™ i5-7Y54 Processor
- Intel® Core™ i5-7500T Processor
- Intel® Core™ i5-7500 Processor
- Intel® Core™ i5-7600K Processor
- Intel® Core™ i5-7400 Processor
- Intel® Core™ i5-7600 Processor
- Intel® Core™ i5-7600T Processor
- Intel® Core™ i5-7400T Processor
- Intel® Core™ i5-7300HQ Processor
- Intel® Core™ i5-7440HQ Processor
- Intel® Core™ i5-7Y57 Processor
- Intel® Core™ i5-7300U Processor
- Intel® Core™ i5-7440EQ Processor
- Intel® Core™ i5-7267U Processor
- Intel® Core™ i5-7287U Processor
- Intel® Core™ i5-7442EQ Processor
- Intel® Core™ i5-7360U Processor
- Intel® Core™ i5-7260U Processor
If your system is running on any of these processors, you will not be able to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 through the Windows Update program.
Can I install Windows 11 on Intel i5 7th generation processors?
Yes, you can install Windows 11 on computers that run on the Intel i5 7th generation. Such installation of Windows 11 on unsupported Intel i5 7th generation processors will not be supported by Microsoft.
You are unlikely to get any feature updates on such systems through the Windows Update program. In terms of security updates from Microsoft, there is no clarity if such unsupported Intel i5 7th generation processors will have access to the periodic security updates from Microsoft.
We do not recommend installing Windows 11 on unsupported processors and hardware on business computers because of the following reasons:
- Access to Windows 11 security updates on unsupported hardware and processors is not guaranteed.
- There is a high possibility of system malfunction and less than optimum performance due to inherent software and hardware incompatibilities.
What are the options for Intel i5 Core 7th generation processors ?
As a word of caution, if you use your computer for business and your computer runs on Intel i5 Core 7th generation processor, we suggest that you may exercise one of the following two options:
Keep Using Windows 10
It really is not worth having a computer system that is incompatible with the operating system. If you are fine with Windows 10, please continue to work on the Windows 10 operating system.
Windows 10 will become end of life in October, 2025. Until then, you will get access to the feature and security updates from Microsoft. That means, your current investment on the computer system is worth its value until October 2025, and you are reasonably sure of optimum system performance.
Getting a new computer
Understandably, you may be very keen on using Windows 11 and your Intel i5 Core 7th generation processor is incompatible with Windows 11. We suggest that you buy a new computer that comes pre-loaded with Windows 11.
Upgrade processor and motherboard of your computer
Desktop users may consider swapping the incompatible processor with a set of compatible processor and motherboard. This will cost lesser money as you will re use the hard drive, monitor and peripherals.
When will Microsoft end support for Windows 10?
Windows 10 will become end of life on 14 October 2025. To continue getting security updates for Windows 10 after 14 October 2025, you can enroll in the ESU program for Windows 10.
When Windows 10 becomes end of life, access to security updates for Windows 10 will not be available. Windows 10 computers will be prone to being exploited through newly discovered security vulnerabilities.
Our recommendation
Given the impending end of life status of Windows 10 operating system, we feel that Windows 10 users on i5 7th generation computers must look at one of the two possible solutions:
- Buy a new computer with preloaded Windows 11
- Upgrade the processor and motherboard of your computer to a combination that is compatible with Windows 11. This may not work for notebook computers. But, the desktop users may benefit and save the costs by keeping the old monitor, peripherals and hard drives. Before you choose to swap processor and motherboard, do check with a computer technician about compatibility of hardware with Windows 11 standard hardware requirements.
Rajesh Dhawan is a technology professional who loves to write about Cyber-security events and stories, Cloud computing and Microsoft technologies. He loves to break complex problems into manageable chunks of meaningful information.