Microsoft is doubtful that next-generation CPUs will run on Windows 7.
Windows 10 has been receiving a much warmer reception than its predecessor, Windows 8, but that still doesn’t mean it’s perfect, and many PC gamers are understandably sticking with Windows 7 for now. However, those of you holding out may not be able to do so for much longer, as a recent article from Microsoft discussing Windows 10’s compatibility with Intel’s sixth-gen Skylake CPUs, suggests that it will be next to impossible to get the chips working on Windows 7.
“Windows 7 was designed nearly 10 years ago before any x86/x64 SOCs existed. For Windows 7 to run on any modern silicon, device drivers and firmware need to emulate Windows 7’s expectations for interrupt processing, bus support, and power states-which is challenging for WiFi, graphics, security, and more,” wrote Windows and Devices Group Executive Vice President Terry Myerson.
“As partners make customizations to legacy device drivers, services, and firmware settings, customers are likely to see regressions with Windows 7 ongoing servicing.”
For those of you worried that Microsoft will straight-up drop support for the OS, Myerson assures us that Windows 7 will be supported for “security, reliability, and compatibility” on previous-generation CPUs until January 14, 2020. You just probably won’t be able to upgrade to the shiniest newest stuff. As an example, he said that Intel’s upcoming Kirby Lake, Qualcomm’s 8996, and AMD’s Bristol Ridge will only support Windows 10.
Source: Windows Blog via PC Gamer
