As promised last week, Microsoft has now issued the first official list of PCs that have Intel's six-generation Core processors, also known as "Skylake", that will support Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 until July 17, 2017. After that date, those PCs must be updated to Windows 10 to continue receiving OS support.
The list of over 100 supported Skylake PCs are being made by four PC OEMs: Dell, HP. Lenovo and NEC. Microsoft says it will update this list with new OEMs on a regular basis, and each PC maker will also update its list of supported Skylake PCs.
As previously announced, Microsoft is making this move primarily for its business customers, who might need some extra time in updating their apps orPC systems for Windows 10. Microsoft's Windows and Devices head Terry Myerson said at the time:
"For the listed systems, along with our OEM partners, we will perform special testing to help future proof customers' investments, ensure regular validation of Windows Updates with the intent of reducing potential regressions including security concerns, and ensure all drivers will be on Windows Update with published BIOS/UEFI upgrading tools, which will help unlock the security and power management benefits of Windows 10 once the systems are upgraded."
As far as future processors beyond Skylake, Myerson said last week:
"Going forward, as new silicon generations are introduced, they will require the latest Windows platform at that time for support. 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."
Source: Microsoft (opens in new tab)
