Kaby Lake And Zen Processors To Support Windows 10 Or Later

Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 computers powered by Kaby Lake or AMD Zen processors are nothing but a pipe dream: Microsoft recently confirmed the latest processors will only support Windows 10 and later.

Microsoft made a huge effort to convince Windows 7 and 8.1 users to upgrade to Windows 10, and allowing old OS versions to support the Kaby Lake and Zen processors would only encourage users to stick to their older operating systems.

From a technological point of view, Microsoft’s decision is a wise one because these processors haven’t been designed for older operating systems. Moreover, it would be a pity for Microsoft to limit the OS and app development possibilities these two processors offer.

However, Microsoft’s statement only added more fuel to the fire. Windows users have long complained about the methods the tech giant uses to convince them to install Windows 10. The general feeling is that Microsoft is simply robbing PC users of their choice of operating systems.

Intel and AMD totally back Microsoft in this affair explaining that their roadmap is fully aligned with Microsoft’s software strategy. Of course, tech-savvy users could try their luck and install Windows 7 on computers powered by a Kaby Lake processor. However, chances are the user experience will be a catastrophic one.

Since driver support and security updates won’t be available, it’s likely the app and the OS itself will crash. Of course, there is also the possibility that tech enthusiasts develop specially crafted drivers to allow Kaby Lake and Zen processors to run more smoothly on Windows 7 and 8.1 computers. Only time and practice will tell if this strategy is feasible.

All in all, the moral of this story is simple: Microsoft wants you to join the Windows 10 army and will go to great lengths to make sure this happens.