Windows 10: You probably won't be able to install Windows 7 on your next laptop

MICROSOFT has confirmed Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 will not be supported on Intel’s next CPUs.

 

Microsoft will not support Windows 7 on the next generation of Intel chips

 

Intel’s upcoming sixth generation Skylake processors will be the last to support Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, Microsoft has confirmed.

Going forward, Microsoft will only support its latest operating system on the latest silicon from Intel.

Microsoft's Executive Vice President of the Windows and Devices Terry Myerson confirmed the change in a blog post.

“As new silicon generations are introduced, they will require the latest Windows platform at that time for support,” he confirmed.

“This enables us to focus on deep integration between Windows and the silicon, while maintaining maximum reliability and compatibility with previous generations of platform and silicon. 

“For example, Windows 10 will be the only supported Windows platform on Intel’s upcoming Kaby Lake silicon, Qualcomm’s upcoming 8996 silicon, and AMD’s upcoming Bristol Ridge silicon.”

 

Chief Executive Officer for Intel, Brian Krzanich

 

In other words, if you want to continue to use Windows 7 for the foreseeable future – you should probably upgrade your hardware now, before Intel rolls out its new chips.

Windows 7 will continue to be supported for security, reliability and compatibility through January 14, 2020 – but only on previous generation silicon.

Windows 8.1 will receive the same support through January 10, 2023. 

 

“This includes most of the devices available for purchase today by consumers or enterprises,” Microsoft lead Mr Myerson reassures.

It makes sense for Microsoft to focus on its latest operating system, which is quickly becoming an unprecedented success for the US technology firm.

Mr Myerson reveals in his blog that “compared to Windows 7 PC’s, Skylake when combined with Windows 10, enables up to 30x better graphics and 3x the battery life.”

That’s great news for consumers, especially those looking at getting the next generation of laptops.

 

The latest range of Dell hardware, including the Latitude 12 and XPS 13 will be supported

 

Microsoft recommends a Dell Latitude 12, Latitude 13 7000, and XPS 13, HP EliteBook Folio and EliteBook 1040 G3, Lenovo’s ThinkPad T460s, X1 Carbon, and P70.

Each of these devices will continue to receive full support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 until July 2017.

After that, consumers can upgrade to Windows 10 on the same hardware and continue to receive the latest support from Microsoft.

Windows 10 remains a free upgrade for anyone running a genuine copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8.

NewsNewsBlog.blogspot.com was impressed with the new operating system, in our review we said it marked "a brilliant start to the next chapter for Microsoft Windows.”

But despite Microsoft’s best efforts, Windows 7 still accounts for more than half of all Windows web traffic, according to online-tracking firm GoSquared.

Meanwhile, Windows 10 hovers between 10 to 20 per cent of traffic, according to its statistics.