Intel’s i3 processors of the 7th generation are not compatible with the latest Microsoft operating system – Windows 11.
The Intel i3 7th generation processors have not been listed as compatible processors for Windows 11 by Microsoft.
Why are the Intel i3 7th generation processors not supported by Windows 11?
With the exception of processors used in the Microsoft Surface laptops, all the 7th generation Intel processors are not supported by Microsoft for the Windows 11 operating system upgrade or fresh installation.
The two 7th generation i3 processors compatible with Windows 11 are:
- i3 N300 processor
- i3 N305 processor
Both processors are in use for making surface laptops by Microsoft.
Some i3 7th generation processors are still actively marketed and available for building desktops and PCs.
When we say that the Intel i3 7th generation systems are not compatible with Windows 11, it implies that such systems will not have a direct upgrade path from Windows 10 to Windows 11 through the Windows Update program.
Which models of i3 7th Generation processors are not compatible with Windows 11?
There are 17 processors in the i3 7th generation. 2 of these are the N series processors which are compatible with Windows 11.
Apart from N300 and N305 processors, there are 15 other processors manufactured by Intel for desktops and laptops. As of writing this, 10 of these processors are retired. 5 processors are being actively marketed.
All these 15 processors are not compatible with Windows 11. You cannot upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on these i3 7th generation processors.
On a similar basis, clean install or fresh installation of Windows 11 will not work on these 15 processors.
The full list of i3 7th generation processors that are not compatible with Windows 11 is presented below:
| Processor | Release date | Number of cores | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intel i3-7020U | Q2, 2018 | 2 | Discontinued |
| Intel i3-7130U | Q2, 2017 | 2 | Discontinued |
| Intel i3-7320 | Q1, 2017 | 2 | Discontinued |
| Intel i3-7100T | Q1, 2017 | 2 | Discontinued |
| Intel i3-7350K | Q1, 2017 | 2 | Discontinued |
| Intel i3-7167U | Q1, 2017 | 2 | Discontinued |
| Intel i3-7100 | Q1, 2017 | 2 | Discontinued |
| Intel i3-7300T | Q1, 2017 | 2 | Discontinued |
| Intel i3-7300 | Q1, 2017 | 2 | Discontinued |
| Intel i3-7100H | Q1, 2017 | 2 | Discontinued |
| Intel i3-7100E | Q1, 2017 | 2 | Current |
| Intel i3-7102E | Q1, 2017 | 2 | Current |
| Intel i3-7101TE | Q1, 2017 | 2 | Current |
| Intel i3-7101E | Q1, 2017 | 2 | Current |
| Intel i3-7100U | Q3, 2016 | 2 | Current |
Comparing these 15 processors with N300 and N305 processors of i3 7th generation reveal:
- N300 and N305 core processors come with 8 cores each. Other 15 processors in the i3 7th generation have 2 cores only.
We can see that performance considerations may have weighed on the Windows 11 compatibility for these 15 i3-7th generation processors.
It has been suggested that clean installation of Windows 11 can be done on such systems. To perform a clean installation, you may need to tweark the registry entries. We do not recommend installing Windows 11 on incompatible processors because of the following reasons:
- Access to Windows 11 security updates on unsupported hardware and processors is not guaranteed
- There is a possibility of system malfunction on account of inherent incompatibilities.
Can I continue with Windows 10 on Intel i3 7th generation processor based computers?
For sure, you can continue with Windows 10 operating system on an Intel i3 7th generation processor based computer. Windows 10 goes end of life in October 2025.
This means you will have access to the security updates, feature updates, and other product updates for the Windows 10 operating system until October 2025.
After October 14, 2025, you will not have access to security updates for Windows 10. So, this means that any threats or vulnerabilities discovered after October 2025 will remain unpatched on Windows 10 computers. However, your Windows 10 computer will continue to work after 14 October 2025.
You do have an option to enroll in the ESU program for Windows 10. It will give you access to extended security updates for a subscription fee. The extended security updates for Windows 10 can be subscribed for a period between 1 to 3 years.
The Extended Security Updates are paid subscription. The cost of an ESU is relatively higher than regular license costs. So, please do consider the costs associated with the ESU licenses for Windows 10 before planning your next course of action.
I am on Intel i3 7th generation and I need Windows 11 now
We understand that some users prefer to work on the latest operating system or software. For such technology fans, we advise that you may consider buying a new computer that ships with a preloaded Windows 11 operating system.
Alternatively, you may even buy a new computer (outside Intel 7th generation processor) with Windows 10. This will ensure that you get access to the Windows 11 upgrade through the Windows Update as and when it is made available for your computer. This could be a good way to get an automatic upgrade path from Windows 10 to the Windows 11 operating system.
Getting a compatible Intel processor and motherboard?
One potential cost saving option is to get a new processor and motherboard combination that is compatible with Windows 11. You will end up getting Windows 11 on a system without incurring costs for the display, peripherals (mouse and keyboard), hard disk drives.
Conclusion
All the Intel i3 7th generation processors are incompatible with Windows 11.
You may choose to clean install Windows 11 on such systems. But, you will have issues without the availability of updates through the Windows Update program.
Sadly, you are left with an option to buy a new Windows 11 supported computer or upgrade the processor and motherboard of your PC. Alternatively, you can consider getting Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 operating system.
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.