Are the Intel i5 5th generation processors compatible with Windows 11? If not, what are the available options for people running Windows 10 on i5 5th generation processor-based computers?
i5 5th Generation Processors affected
The discussion below caters to the 5th generation of Intel i5 core processors. We are specifically talking about the following Intel i5 5th generation processors:
- Intel i5-5200U
- Intel i5-5250U
- Intel i5-5275U
- Intel i5-5287U
- Intel i5-5300U
- Intel i5-5350U
- Intel i5-5350H
None of the 5th generation Intel i5 processors are compatible with Windows 11. You cannot upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on i5 5th generation processors.
Refer the list of processors compatible with Windows 11 on the Microsoft website. The 8th generation processors of Intel i5 starting with Intel i5-8250U are compatible with Windows 11.
Therefore, if you are running Windows 10 on i5 5th Generation processors, the time is running out because Windows 10 becomes end of life on 14 October 2025.
We look at the 3 possible scenarios for computers running Windows 10 on i5-5th generation processors.
Get a new computer
If you are a business user, you may want to get a new computer with preloaded Windows 11. This ensures hassle free access to security updates for Windows 11 operating system.
This is an expensive option. But, it offers the maximum value for your money over the long term.
Get Extended Security Updates
Microsoft offers options to get Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 before it goes end of life on 14 October 2025. The ESU program for Windows 10 allows access to Extended Security Updates for a period between 1 to 3 years. This is a paid subscription. For more details, you may refer this page. Understandably, the ESU license is always costlier than the regular license.
Do Nothing
Windows 10 users on i5 5th generation processors may choose to do nothing and let Windows 10 run as it is. You would not get any access to security updates for newly detected or discovered security vulnerabilities.
Without access to security updates, a computer is prone to:
- Security issues as attackers may target unpatched or unsecured systems
- Your computers may become victim of cyberattacks, and become part of a botnet network to launch DDoS attacks
- Using security vulnerabilities, attackers may install malware or malicious code within your computer
The risks associated with running unsecured Windows 10 after October 2025 are noteworthy and must be considered before choosing to take no action after Windows becomes end of life.
For business computers, it is foregone that one must not rely on running operation on EOL or End of life operating systems without access to security updates.
Our recommendation
We prefer investing in a new PC with preloaded Windows 11. As mentioned above, it offers a hassle free period of long term ownership of the PC.