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HarrisonMills
Iron Contributor
Jan 20, 2026

Plan to upgrade to Windows 11. What is the windows 11 25h2 cpu support?

Just heard Windows 10 is out of official support so I plan to upgrade my Windows 10 to Windows 11 24H2, as it is the latest one I can download from Microsoft.  I'm unsure about the Windows 11 25H2 C...
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bonirl's avatar
bonirl
Bronze Contributor
Jan 20, 2026

Microsoft has explicitly stated that system requirements for Windows 11 throughout its entire lifecycle (including the CPU compatibility list) remain fixed. This policy has been consistently applied since the initial release across versions 22H2, 23H2, and 24H2. Consequently, the officially supported CPU list for Windows 11 25H2 will be identical to that of 24H2.

Windows 11 25H2 CPU Support Statement

Compatibility Status for Older CPUs (Non-Officially Supported Models)

  • Complete Incompatibility: Starting with 24H2, certain extremely outdated CPUs (primarily models lacking the POPCNT instruction, such as some Intel Core 2 Duo and early AMD Phenom processors) have been subject to a ‘hard block’. These CPUs cannot boot Windows 11 24H2/25H2, and workarounds are ineffective.

  • Cases where adaptation is possible via third-party tools: For ‘unofficially supported but capable’ CPUs (such as the popular Intel 7th Gen Core i7-7700K and AMD Ryzen 1000 series), the bypass method remains effective in 24H2 and is expected to be applicable in 25H2 as well.

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