Microsoft reveals the list of Skylake devices that will include support for Windows 8.1 and Windows 7. Previously, the company announced some drastic changes in its hardware support policy, explaining that older versions of Windows will no longer support new processors.
Moving forward only the latest version of the operating system will support new hardware. However, the company also announced that Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 will still support the latest processors, but only on a select number of devices until July 17, 2018.
Today, the company updated its support page announcing the list of over 100 computer models running previous versions of Windows from Dell, HP, Lenovo, and NEC that are compatible with the latest Intel’s sixth-generation Skylake processors.
- Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 Skylake PCs supported by Dell
- Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 Skalake PC supported by HP
- Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 Skylake PCs supported by Lenovo
- Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 Skylake PCs supported by NEC
Microsoft says that partners are committed to additional testing to maintain compatibility during the transition period, as well as firmware and driver updates are needed as long fixes don’t “risk the reliability or compatibility of the Windows 7/8.1 platform on other devices.”
The software giant is also committed to keep delivering Windows updates and security patches as necessary, but companies should be aware that the next time they buy new computers for the organization, they need to be listed under the compatibility list, and after July 2018 these computers must be upgraded to Windows 10 to continue being supported.
Update, March 19, 2016: Article updated to reflect the new end of support date from July 17, 2017 to July 17, 2018.
Source Microsoft
