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Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Microsoft says future PCs won’t support older versions of Windows.

Microsoft has confirmed that future PCs with new processors won’t support older versions of Windows, forcing customers to use the latest Windows 10 operating system. The company says this will ensure deeper integration “between Windows and the silicon.”

While new PCs ship with the latest version of Windows, users have long had the option to install an older copy of the software should they choose to. Windows 7, which is regarded as the best modern Windows release, is still favored by many, despite its age.

But if you’re planning to upgrade to one of the latest CPUs from AMD, Intel, or Qualcomm when they’re available, Windows 10 will be your only option.

“Going forward, as new silicon generations are introduced, they will require the latest Windows platform at that time for support,” Microsoft explains on the Windows blog. “This enables us to focus on deep integration between Windows and the silicon, while maintaining maximum reliability and compatibility with previous generations of platform and silicon.”

Microsoft goes on to confirm that “Windows 10 will be the only supported Windows platform on Intel’s upcoming “Kaby Lake” silicon, Qualcomm’s upcoming “8996” silicon, and AMD’s upcoming “Bristol Ridge” silicon.”

Windows 10 has been well-received since making its debut, so this news won’t be too disheartening for most PC users. It will also help Microsoft phase out older versions of Windows, which is has struggled to do, with so many still using Vista, Windows 7, and even the 14-year-old Windows XP.

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