Complete list of Windows 11 Supported Processors

Here is the complete guide to Windows 11 supported Processors, which include Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm processors. We will also cover why this compatibility is important for security, stability, and performance, and will go over how to check which of your devices will run Windows 11 smoothly.

Windows 11 Supported Processors

Upon the release of Windows 11, they were very much talking about the group of supported processors at the start of Windows 11. Also, unlike past versions, Windows 11, which had more lenient requirements Windows 11 now has strict ones for security, stability, and performance. Only certain Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm processors are put forward by Microsoft as supported, which has many users going to great lengths to check compatibility.

That your CPU is on this list means your system will support advanced features like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and improved energy efficiency. If your processor does not appear in the list of Windows 11 supported processors, you may have issues with installation or miss out on key updates from Microsoft.

Why does your processor play a role in Windows 11 performance?

The core of your computer is its processor, which, with Windows 11, Microsoft has put forward stability and security as a top priority. We see that Windows 11 did not have the same rigorous approach to hardware, which in Windows 11 is much more strict. Also, they released a list of which processors support Windows 11, which in turn improves performance, and also we see better in built security features like virtualization-based security and TPM 2.0.

If you do not have one of the processors that Windows 11 officially supports, your device may not receive updates at all, and you may not have the best experience even if you install the OS yourself.

Categories of Windows 11 Supported Processors

Microsoft has provided in-depth lists of Windows 11 supported processors for Intel and AMD, as well as Qualcomm processors for ARM-based devices. Here goes:.

Intel Windows 11 Supported Processors

For Intel CPUs, Windows 11 reports that it supports 8th Gen and up. Some 7th Gen processors see partial support; in general, Microsoft recommends at least an 8th Gen Core i3, i5, i7, or i9. Which includes many Intel Windows 11 supported processors, such as:.

Intel Core i3 (8th Gen and above)
Intel Core i5 (8th Gen and above)
Intel Core i7 (8th Gen and above)
Intel Core i9 (8th Gen and above)
Intel Xeon W series (select models)

AMD Windows 11 Supported Processors

For example, in the case of AMD, we see the 2000 series and up, which includes full support for 3000, 4000, 5000, and the current 7000 series. Also, which Windows 11 versions from AMD do we have

AMD Ryzen 2000 Series and above
AMD Ryzen 3000 Series
AMD’s Ryzen 4000 Series (mobile and desktop).
AMD Ryzen 5000 Series AMD
Ryzen 7000 Series AMD EPYC processors for servers

Qualcomm Windows 11 Supported Processors

For ARM-based laptops and tablets, Qualcomm Snapdragon processors are supported. In this category, we see Windows 11 supported processors which include:.

Snapdragon 850
Snapdragon 8c, 8cx
Snapdragon 7c
Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2

How to tell what processors we support

If at any time you are not sure that your device has a supported Windows 11 processor, Microsoft has a tool for you, which is the PC Health Check app. That simple program does a scan of your machine’s components and reports back on which, if any, of the requirements are not met, also it will tell you if your processor is approved by Microsoft. Sure, you can go to Microsoft’s official site and check out the list of Windows 11-supported processors.

Which of the older processors is not supported?

In part due to security, which is a primary factor of what we see in the limited list of Windows 11’s supported processors. Out-of-date CPUs do not have the in-depth security features that Windows 11 uses. Also, Microsoft is into the fact that we see smooth performance of modern apps, multitasking, and AI-based features. Some old processors do run Windows 11, which is true technically, but Microsoft has decided against including them in the Windows 11 supported list for the sake of consistent and reliable performance across devices.

What if your system is not supported?

If you have a CPU that is not on the supported list for Windows 11 use it still has some options. Some tech-savvy users report having gotten Windows 11 installed via workarounds. We warn you, though, that you may not get all important security updates. For best results, either upgrade your hardware or stay in Windows 11 until 2025, which is when support runs out.

Conclusion

For which platform Intel, AMD, or Qualcomm you are using, it is a must that you check if your CPU is on the supported list before you upgrade. If your device does not pass the mark, it may be time to look at upgrading your hardware in order to fully experience Windows 11.

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