This guide sheds light on the Intel Processors supported by Windows 11 and some helpful information covering the following topics:
- Check if the System is Compatible With Windows 11.
- Which Processors Are Compatible With Windows 11?
- Windows 11 and Intel Processors.
- Is it Worth upgrading to Windows 11?
How to Check if the System is Compatible With Windows 11?
First, check for the official system requirements for Windows 11 and check if your system meets the requirements to install Windows 11. An app called “PC Health Check App” also assesses the system’s compatibility with Windows 11.
Which Processors Are Compatible With Windows 11?
A long list of supported processors can be viewed from the official page. Here’s an overview of the supported list of processors:
| Manufacturer | Brand | Processor Model |
|---|---|---|
| Intel® | Atom® | x6200FE and latest |
| Intel® | Celeron® | 6305 and latest |
| Intel® | Core™ | I3-8100 and latest |
| Intel® | Pentium® | Gold 4417U and the latest |
| Intel® | Xeon® | Bronze 3104 and the latest |
Windows 11 and Intel Processors
All the latest (8th gen+) processors are supported by Windows 11. While Intel processors support Windows 11, the compatibility of a specific processor model and generation may vary.
To improve security, the system must support “TPM 2.0”, the most prominent requirement for Windows 11, as CPUs older than the 8th gen do not support it. Malware can compromise a system by tampering with encryption keys to protect important data. Encryption keys can be called digital locks used to secure data, and if these keys are compromised, attackers can access the data meant to be kept private. So, if these keys tamper, “TPM 2.0” ensures that the system does not boot to protect your data.
If you plan to upgrade your CPU for Windows 11, you should know about the motherboards that support the latest gen CPUs. For example, the 8th, 9th, and 10th generation Intel Core processors use the LGA 1151 socket, while the 11th generation Intel Core processors use the LGA 1200 socket.
Conclusion
For the best user experience, Microsoft significantly shifted the system requirements for Windows 11. It cannot be installed on older processors. It requires at least “Intel® Atom® x6200FE”, “Celeron® 6305”, “Core™ I3-8100”, “Pentium® Gold 4417U”, “Xeon® Bronze 3104”, and all the latest models. This shift in the system requirements is for the added security through TPM 2.0, which is only supported by processors not older than the last five years.
