Windows 7 and 8.1 No Longer Getting Updates on New Processors

[CrAKeN]

 

Windows 7 reaching end of support in January 2020

 

Starting this month, Microsoft is no longer shipping updates for Windows 7 and 8.1 when new processors are detected, as the company is only supporting these chips on Windows 10.

 

Part of Redmond’s strategy to encourage the transition to Windows 10, the blocking of updates on Windows 7 and 8.1 systems powered by processors like AMD’s Ryzen or Intel’s Kaby Lake, leaves users with no other option than to upgrade to the latest operating system.

 

A notification that’s displayed to users when trying to update these systems provides them with instructions on how to perform the switch to Windows 10.

 

“Your PC uses a processor that is designed for the latest version of Windows. Because the processor is not supported together with the Windows version that you are currently using, your system will miss the important security updates,” this notification reads.

 

The benefits of moving to Windows 10

It goes without saying that without patches and security updates, systems remain vulnerable just like they are running an unsupported version of Windows, while at the same time missing all the opportunities of new technologies that are bundled into Windows 10.

 

In terms of gaming, for example, users who are upgrading to Windows 10 can use not only the new DirectX 12, but also the Game mode that’s exclusively available in the Windows 10 Creators Update. This new feature boosts gaming performance by setting the game’s main process to high priority level, while also pushing other less critical processes to standby mode for reduced resource usage.

 

Migrating to Windows 10 is a step that sooner or later everyone needs to make, especially because older operating systems are slowly but surely reaching end of support anyway. Windows 7, for example, is projected to stop receiving updates is January 2020, so users running it have less than 3 years to perform the switch to Windows 10.

 

Source

[J.D]

That is true AFAIK when using a KabyLake Processor but is OK for updates using the SkyLake CPU - (according to a post somewhere on this forum)

[luisam]

3 hours ago, CrAKeN said:

Migrating to Windows 10 is a step that sooner or later everyone needs to make, especially because older operating systems are slowly but surely reaching end of support anyway. Windows 7, for example, is projected to stop receiving updates is January 2020, so users running it have less than 3 years to perform the switch to Windows 10.

 

Can't but disagree with this "affirmation". If users' hardware (computer and peripherics) is not fully compatible with Windows 10 and most probably neither with Windows 8.1, they WON'T migrate, simply  because they can't.  Migrating in those cases means to dispose your 100% good system and replace it for a new one. So the solution is to stick with current system, Windows 7, as it goes!

Same goes for those who currently don't like Windows 10. They won't migrate, just for the sake of migrating.

 

Oooh.. so they have less the 3 years to perform the switch? Well, if during this 3 years term you start having issues with your computer, you may switch to one BUILT for Windows 10, with all drivers running on Windows 10 and hoping that Windows 10 gets more likable for users.

 

I remember that when Windows XP was released by end of 2001 I didn't like it and continued for some time using Windows 98 SE.  I had a computer built for Windows 98, with 1 Gb of RAM. Started to use XP when I bought a new computer by 2002 and... still didn't like windows XP until SP2 was released.

 

Similarly, I bought a new computer on early 2007; it was already made for Vista but after some days using Vista, I decided to downgrade to Windows XP. Currently, I'm still using the same computer (yes, it's about 10 years old) with dual booting between Windows 7 and XP because some of my devices working 100% with Windows XP are not running with Windows 7. Same goes for some applications I find useful, like MS Office 2016, Autocad and latest version of Google Chrome which are not compatible with Windows XP.

So, why to bang your head in Windows 10? Your have still almost 3 years and In any case, there is no physical limitation to continue using Windows 7 after January 2020; it's NOT a deadline! And ultimately, you'll only need about 2 hours to install and get working the THEN latest version of windows 10 - if no better option arises meantime!

[Sylence]

Microsoft lets the 2017's OS run on hardware built in 2009. 2nd gen Intel i-series CPUs, very smooth, all updated drivers available through Windows update. even hardware as old as Q6600 can use it. why nobody ever complains about that? Lol 

[Loboron]

1. INDYTECH

MICROSOFT STARTS FORCING WINDOWS 7 AND 8.1 USERS TO UPDATE TO WINDOWS 10

Changes to Microsoft's policy have also created plenty of confusion / REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

Users who stick with the older software will knowingly expose themselves to cybercriminals

 

• CHRISTINA ZHAO
• 7 hours ago

11

CLICK TO FOLLOW
THE INDEPENDENT TECH

Microsoft has started blocking Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 updates for computers running certain new chipsets.

The company announced plans last January to block next-generation Intel, AMD and Qualcomm processors from system updates on older versions of Windows, but didn't reveal when support would be cut.

The process appears to have just kicked off.

Gadgets and tech news in pictures

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Social media users are reporting that Microsoft is now blocking access to Windows 7 and 8.1 updates on devices running Intel's Kaby Lake processor.

Instead of the normal download screen, users attempting to update their systems are facing an error message reading, “Your PC uses a processor that is designed for the latest version of Windows. 

"Because the processor is not supported together with the Windows version that you are currently using, your system will miss important security updates."

Microsoft has tried to justify the move by saying that the processors offer new capabilities that makes compatibility with older systems difficult, but it's also being seen as yet another aggressive technique designed to migrate more customers to Windows 10.

Changes to Microsoft's policy have also created plenty of confusion. 

Skylake processors were included in the original policy announcement, but Microsoft has back-pedalled now says that some devices running the chipset will continue to receive Windows 7 and 8.1 updates, while others won't.

Machines running Ryzen, Kaby Lake and other new processors will have to upgrade to Windows 10.

Microsoft has released a Windows lifecycle fact sheet to clarify the situation.

• READ MORE

Windows 10 Creators Update: What you need to do before downloading it

“Without Microsoft support, you will no longer receive security updates that can help protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software that can steal your personal information,” it reads.

In other words, users need to upgrade to Windows 10 or knowingly expose themselves to cybercriminals.

According to NetMarketShare, almost half of all computer users are still on Windows 7, which came out in 2009.

[kkwong7878]

Oh my god

[Karlston]

Hasn't been without (the usual) Microsoft stuffups, in this nsane forum post...

 

Microsoft plan to force PCs with newer processors to Windows 10 backfires

 

Also, I posted a link to a workaround.

[straycat19]

I posted, last week I believe, that we just rolled out 15,387 laptops with Windows 7, all of which have SkyLake processors, and which we will use for 6 to 10 years.  Microsoft can stick Windows 10 where the sun doesn't shine.  At that time we will look at whether we are going with OSX or Linux in the future.  We were looking at going with OSX right now but decided to wait based upon the availability of the systems we were able to get.  On my personal computers I don't install any updates after June 2015 anyway.  And I have built a dozen new systems so far this year all with SkyLake i7 processors, fastest available, and 64-128 GB memory.  With Nvidia 1080 graphics cards these machines are plenty fast for any game I play or will play in the future.  

[46&2]

Screw MS and their "updates". I started blocking them (turned off WU and started blocking it with my FW) last Oct when they decided to go to the monthly patch rollups instead of individual patches. I havent had problems yet and dont expect to. If in the future something changes then I will deal with it when and IF I need to.

[SnakeMasteR]

This is how this topic looks like to me. Not impressed.

 

[luisam]

If Windows 7 and Windows 8,1 can run under those processors, I don't see any acceptable reason not to provide update compatible with them, It is, at least, looks like just another dirty trick coercing users to install Windows 10.

Microsoft is breaking it's own schedule. When they announced years ago that they'll support Windows 7 until Junuary 2020 and Windows 8 until 2023, nowhere they made exceptions about discontinuing support for some specific or unspecific processors to be released in the future! This unilateral decision of Microsoft should have some effective legal response because they are affecting so called collective and difuse public interest (Ejem... is this the legal terminology? Any attorney around?)

 

[WALLONN7]

20 minutes ago, luisam said:

It is just another dirty trick coercing users to install Windows 10.

 

Fits better!!!

[Batu69]

@Loboron

Topic moved from general news forum & merged.

[heyyahblah]

Microsoft Drops Windows 7/8.1 Support for AMD Ryzen & Intel Kaby Lake CPU & Lies About It - BUSTED!

 

https://youtu.be/u5mFI9spp10

 

According to this guy you can use Kaby Lake CPU's and AMD Ryzen on Windows 7 & 8.1 without problems. So it's just a B/S Microsoft tactic.

 

Gigabyte GA-Z270X-Gaming 5 (rev. 1.0) Z270 Chipset Motherboard:

http://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-Z270X-Gaming-5-rev-10http://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-Z270X-Gaming-5-rev-10

 

This motherboard still supports O/S of Windows 7 32bit and 64bit with driver support for USB 3.0 and USB 3.1. They even have a BETA VGA driver if you plan on using the onboard CPU graphics, but its recommended to use a dedicated graphics card like Nvidia that still supports Windows 7 with their driver so you don't run into any problems.

 

The only things AFAIK that don't work with Windows 7 (and I think 8.1 as well) is using a M.2 PCIe NVMe drive as boot drive, it won't be detected. So you can't use a 950 PRO or 960 EVO and get those PCIe x4 NVMe speeds of 3200/1800 MB/s read/write of M.2 drives unless you use Windows 10, but you can still use SATA III 2.5" SSD's that have 550/525 MB/s read/write speeds with Windows 7 and it still boots in seconds compared to a conventional hard drive.

So ya, if you really don't want W10, you can build a 7700K with GTX 1070, or 1080 and Samsung 850 EVO, or Corsair MX300 2.5" SSD boot and use Windows 7 and it will update and such still and have driver support, depending on your manufacturer. Gigabyte's Z270 chipset still support Windows 7 with 7th gen processor. This is all just a MICROSHIT scare tactic, because 48% of the population still use Windows 7 and they don't like that ...haha they want Spydows 10 on everyone's computer.

 

 

 

[steven36]

You

7 hours ago, heyyahblah said:

According to this guy you can use Kaby Lake CPU's and AMD Ryzen on Windows 7 & 8.1 without problems. So it's just a B/S Microsoft tactic.

 

Maybe if you build a computer too his specs ?  But that still dont change the fact if you  go out and buy a new computer and downgrade windows it want update out the box.  So you have to pay even more money to downgrade  ?  Who wants to build a  PC to  someones else specs anyway? Most gamers are all ready on windows 10  and most who would go too all this trouble to downgrade are just  trying to prove a point against there Master Microsoft  witch will most likely  just send out another update to kill his workaround too.. Seems like a lot of trouble if you're on Windows 7 just too get 2 years and 8mths more of updates why not just use older hardware ?

[SoftChip]

Microsoft will support new hardware in the Mainstream support period. However, it ended in 2015 for Windows 7 SP1. See here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet

 

What is odd is that M$ never went to blocking Windows Update before Satya Nadella took over and tried to pump Windows 8 and 10 on us (GWX anyone?)! If Windows 7 works, let them have updates! I mean, OK, don't enhance Windows 7 with new features, don't bend backwards to support new hardware, but don't break what is working!!!

Oh, by the way, Windows desktop has no future in Microsoft... It's all Cloud now for Microsoft... Server will hang on for some time, maybe it's the new way to go? Anyway, It's all for your own good... And their (or Apple, Linux) pockets!

 

Sidenote: I encourage everyone to use the accessibility trick to lock in your upgrade from Windows 7 to 10 for free. Get Windows 7 Pro installed (on a separate disk if needed) and Activate it anyway you want, loader, KMS or other. Windows 10 will install on the same license as Windows 7, so 7 Home = 10 Home (Beurk!) or 7 Pro to 10 Pro (Yay!). The license is tied to the machine for life! Later, when you decide to use Windows 10, Pro will let you pick the Current Branch for Business updates, the stable and tested ones (by Home users!).

 

That's a nice thing to do if you are stuck on buying a machine that comes with Windows 10 Home too! Just attach a Microsoft account to the Windows 10 Pro activation, shut down, swap the drive to the Win10 Home one, log on the Microsoft Store with the same Microsoft account, and the Store will tell you you have a license to 10 Pro. Let it do the upgrade! I upgrade my customers new machines that way!!!