Intel i3 6th generation processors are not compatible with Windows 11 operating system. Let us review the list of i3 6th generation processors that are not compatible with Windows 11.
Which Intel i3 6th generation processors are not compatible with Windows 11?
The following i3 6th generation processors are incompatible with Windows 11:
| i3 Processor | Release Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| i3-6006U | Q4 2016 | Discontinued |
| i3-6098P | Q4 2015 | Discontinued |
| i3-6100T | Q3 2015 | Discontinued |
| i3-6100H | Q3 2015 | Discontinued |
| i3-6157U | Q3 2016 | Discontinued |
| i3-6167U | Q3 2016 | Discontinued |
| i3-6300 | Q3 2015 | Discontinued |
| i3-6300T | Q3 2015 | Discontinued |
| i3-6320 | Q3 2015 | Discontinued |
| i3-6100 | Q3 2015 | Current |
| i3-6100U | Q3 2015 | Current |
| i3-6100E | Q4 2015 | Current |
| i3-6100TE | Q4 2015 | Current |
| i3-6102E | Q4 2015 | Current |
These processor based computers are not compatible with:
- Update of Windows 10 to Windows 11 using the Windows Update program
- Clean installation of Windows 11
i3 N Series Processors
There are 2 processors in the N series using i3 6th generation processors.
- i3 N300 processor released in Q1 2023
- i3 N305 processor released in Q1 2023
Both N series processors have 8 cores and are compatible with Windows 11.
Do we recommend Windows 11 installation on i3 6th generation?
We do not recommend installing Windows 11 on i3 6th generation processor based computers because of the following reasons:
- Access to Windows 11 security updates for systems using i3 6th generation processors is not guaranteed
- Forceful installation of Windows 11 operating system on i3 6th generation processors could cause the system to malfunction because of inherent incompatibilities.
What are the options for i3 6th gen processors running Windows 10?
If i3 6th gen computers are running Windows 10, there are important points to consider.
- Windows 10 becomes end of life on 14 October 2025. Access to security updates for Windows 10 will be unavailable after 14 October.
- You could choose to get a paid subscription of Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 for a period between 1 to 3 years. More details of the ESU program for Windows 10 can be read on this page. You can read about the pricing details for ESU for Windows 10.
- You could look into getting a new computer that comes with Windows 11 preloaded. This is an expensive option, but offers a long term hassle free solution.
- You could look into swapping the processor and motherboard of i3 6th generation computer with a combination of processor and motherboard that is compatible with Windows 11.
- You could choose to run Windows 10 as it is after 14 October 2025 without security updates. Your computer is prone to security threats and vulnerabilities.
If your system is running on Windows 10, please have a look at the latest updates about the situation around Windows 10 becoming end of life on 14 October 2025:
Windows 10 Extended Security Updates are free for retail consumers in Europe, except for people in Switzerland and United Kingdom. For people outside Europe, you could get 1 year of free access to Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 by encashing Microsoft reward points or backing up your computer’s settings to OneDrive. Detailed instructions can be read here.
- At the end of August 2025, 45 percent of all Windows desktops continue to run on Windows 10. These systems will sunset into the end of life status in less than 8 weeks from now.
- A Californian man has sued Microsoft for retiring Windows 10 in October 2025. You can read about the lawsuit here. The Court is yet to hear and pass an order on this lawsuit. We will keep you posted.
- Nearly 250 million Windows 10 computers will become end of life in October 2025. WIthout access to security updates, these computers are highly likely to be exploited by threat actors in launching cyberattacks.