Intel i5-6500 is not compatible with the Windows 11 operating system as of December 2021.
Why is Intel i5-6500 processor not compatible with Windows 11?
Microsoft released a list of processors that are compatible with Windows 11. You may check the list for your ready reference on this link.
As of December 2024, the Intel i5-6500 processors are not a part of the list of Intel processors that are compatible with running Windows 11.
Microsoft has had a look at the processor compatibility list on a couple of occasions. More most practical considerations, you may consider the current list of Intel processors that are compatible with Windows 11 as a final list. We do not expect that an i5-6500 based processor will turn compatible in the future.
For the record, Microsoft’s Windows 11 operating system is compatible with Intel 8th generation and higher processors. Intel i5-6500 is a sixth generation processor. Hence, it is incompatible with Windows 11.
It all boils down to the security, performance, and user experience of Windows 11 users. Microsoft is clear in providing a consistent and efficient experience to Windows 11 users.
What does it mean that Intel i5-6500 is incompatible with Windows 11?
Intel i5-6500 is incompatible with Windows 11. This means that you will not get Windows 11 through the Windows Update program on your Windows 10 computer.
The normal and organic path towards updating your computer to Windows 11 is through the Windows Update program on the computer.
Can I install Windows 11 on Intel i5-6500 computers?
In all these methods, you will install a new Windows 11 operating system on the computer. Your computer, will however, continue to remain unsupported by Microsoft for Windows 11 install.
For this Microsoft has published a registry hive. The registry key forces Windows 11 installer to skip hardware checks. You can then proceed with installing Windows 11 on an incompatible PC.
The downside to doing this is that:
- Your system may malfunction due to driver and other software compatibility issues.
- The access to security updates for Windows 11 is not guaranteed.
As a matter of abundant caution, we do not suggest installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, especially if the computer is a business computer.
Alternate options for Intel i5-6500 based computers for Windows 11?
There are, unfortunately, not many options available to get Windows 11 to work with an unsupported processor. However, you could use either of the following options to try and work through the entire thing:
Buy a new processor
since Intel i5-6500 is unsupported, it may be worth checking if your computer’s motherboard could support one of the supported processors from the Intel family. In that case, you could buy a new processor that is compatible with Windows 11 and which can work with the existing motherboard. You will be back in business at almost 40 percent cost of the new computer.
Continue with Windows 10
Windows 10 was launched in 2015. It will continue to be supported by Microsoft until 14 October, 2025. At that point, Windows 10 will become an end of life operating system.
Until October 2025, you will get access to monthly rollup updates, security updates and any feature updates on a Windows 10 based computer. After October 2025, you can enroll in the ESU program for Windows 10. ESU program offers subscription-based access to extended security updates for a period between 1 to 3 years.
Can I continue with Windows 10 after October 2025?
Yes, Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 under the ESU program for Windows 10. The ESU program is a paid subscription for Extended Security Updates for a period between 1 to 3 years.
Buy Extended Support for Windows 10
There may be a situation that the support for Windows 10 expires in October 2025, and you are not keen on getting a new computer that is compatible with Windows 11.
In such a scenario, we would suggest the following 2 steps:
- Upgrade Windows 10 version to Windows 10 22H2.
- Buy Extended Security Updates Support for Windows 10 from Microsoft. The extended support would give you access to security updates for Windows 10. The Extended Support for Windows 10 is offered under the ESU program of Windows 10. You can read more about it on this page.
- The cost of Windows 10 ESU for retail users is $ 30 a year.
- The cost of Windows 10 ESU for business users is $61 a year.
Read full details about the pricing information of Windows 10 ESU.
Buy a new computer
Interestingly, many folks like me wish to work on the newest operating system. If you are like me, and wish to work only on a Windows 11 computer, then you may just need to invest on a new computer. Yes, buy a new computer with Windows 11. That would be one investment that will last well for the next 10 years, or until Windows 11 yields space to another version of the Microsoft operating system. Or, buy another computer that comes with an Intel processor of eighth or higher generation of processors.
Summary
Intel i5-6500 based computers are incompatible with Windows 11. You may still install Windows 11 as a fresh install on such unsupported computers. But, such installations will remain unsupported by Microsoft. Or, you may continue with Windows 10. Once support for Windows 10 expires, you may enroll is the ESU or the Extended Security Update program offered by Microsoft.
For the tech-friendly people, you may just get a new system with a supported processor. That would take you to Windows 11 sooner than many others.
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.