No, Intel i3 3rd generation processors do not support Windows 11. Intel i3 3rd generation processors are not compatible with Windows 11. Microsoft has published a list of compatible processors that will support an upgrade to Windows 11 through the Windows Update program.
You can read more about the list of compatible Intel processors on this page of the Microsoft website. We look at the processor models from the 3rd generation of the Intel i3 family of core processors.
When will Microsoft end support for Windows 10?
Windows 10 will become end of life on 14 October 2025. To continue getting security updates for Windows 10 after 14 October 2025, you can enroll in the ESU program for Windows 10.
What Intel i3 3rd generation processors do not support Windows 11?
Not many Intel i3 3rd generation processors are in an active processor market right now. Most are old and have retired by now. The following Intel i3 3rd generation processors are retired or discontinued by Intel.
- Intel i3-3210
- Intel i3-3220
- Intel i3-3225
- Intel i3-3240
- Intel i3-3245
- Intel i3-3250
All these 6 processors from the Intel i3 3rd generation are discontinued and they are not supported for Windows 11 upgrade using the Windows Update program.
Assuming you are running Windows 10 on i3 3rd generation processor based computer, you need to be aware that Windows 10 will become end of life on 14 October 2025. After that date, you will not have access to any security updates for Windows 10.
To get extended security updates for Windows 10, you will need to enroll in the paid subscription for the ESU or the Extended Security Update program for Windows 10.
If you are very keen on getting Windows 11, the best way forward is to :
Get a new computer
Getting a new computer with compatible Windows 10 operating system offers a hassle free period of long term ownership. You get unbridled access to security updates until 2031.
Upgrade processor
You may save money by upgrading the i3 processor and motherboard to ones that are compatible with Windows 11. So, rather than upgrading the entire system, you could conserve costs by reusing the display monitor and peripherals. You may save the hard drive costs as well if the same is compatible with Windows 11 hardware requirements.
Can I live without updating to Windows 11?
Yes, for Intel i3 3rd generation processors, you can choose to live with the Windows 10 operating system.
Windows 10 came into being in 2015 and goes end of life in 2025. Until 2025, Microsoft will provide support for systems based on the Windows 10 operating system. If you wish to stick to Windows 10 for now, nobody is forcing you to upgrade to the Windows 11 operating system. You can enjoy your journey with the Windows 10 operating system until October 2025.
After that period, you will need to consider getting paid subscription of the ESU or Extended Security Updates.
You could choose to run Windows 10 without security updates (not recommended) as well after October 2025. Your computer would be at a high risk for security threats and vulnerabilities in Windows 10.
Summary
- Intel i3 3rd generation processors are not compatible with Windows 11.
- You can stick to Windows 10 operating system until 2025.
- Installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware is not recommended
Rajesh Dhawan is a technology professional who loves to write about Cyber-security events and stories, Cloud computing and Microsoft technologies. He loves to break complex problems into manageable chunks of meaningful information.