Intel’s i5-7500 processor is not compatible with Windows 11. The processor is not supported by Microsoft for upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. The i5-7500 processor based computers would fit in to other compatibility check conditions of Windows 11. However, the problem seems to be the fact that this is a seventh generation processor of Intel. And, Microsoft’s Windows 11 does not support seventh generation of Intel processors. Obviously, seventh generation Intel processors that are a part of the Microsoft Surface series laptops are fully supported.
What are the specifications of the Intel i5-7500 processors?
Launched for the first time in Q1 of 2017, Intel’s i5-7500 ticks most boxes in terms of processor capabilities and configuration. It has the following configuration:
- 4 cores
- 3.8 GHz clock speed
- processor based frequency of 3.4 GHz
- 6 MB internal cache
You would see that the processor configuration does not raise any red flags in terms of readiness to run Windows 11 operation system.
Why is the Intel i5-7500 not supported by Microsoft for Windows 11?
Microsoft has had a look at the Intel’s seventh generation processors to finalize the list of compatible processors. During the second pass, it was expected that the seventh generation Intel processors may make the cut for Windows 11 compatibility. However, Microsoft did not clear the Intel 7th generation processors for Windows 11 compatibility even after having had a re-look at the processors family for Windows 11 performance.
While Microsoft and Intel have not disclosed the reasons for non-compatibility between Windows 11 and Intel’s seventh generation processors, we can only assume that this would have to do with higher than the usual benchmark crash rates on the incompatible systems and processors. Microsoft has repeatedly emphasized that systems that do not conform to standard user performance and higher than usual crash rates are not considered for compatibility and support with Windows 11.
Can I install Windows 11 on Intel i5-7500 system?
Yes, you can still install Windows 11 on a system that is based on the Intel i5-7500 system. Microsoft has allowed clean installation of Windows 11 on such unsupported systems. However, systems based on Intel i5-7500 based processors cannot be upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11 using the normal and organic path of Windows Update on the control panel.
Fresh installation of Windows 11 on Intel i5-7500 based systems can be done through one of the following three ways advertised by Microsoft-
- You can download an ISO image from the Microsoft website. Before downloading the ISO image, do make sure you are downloading the 32 bit or 64 bit ISO file to work with your system. You may download the ISO image from the following link.
- You can also use the Media creation tool on the Microsoft site to burn a DVD or USB drive. This media can be used to run through the complete Windows 11 installation on your Intel i5-7500 based computer.
- Microsoft has also devised an installation assistant. You may download the Windows 11 installation assistant and it will hand-hold you through the download and installation of Windows 11 on your Intel i5-7500 based computer.
We do suggest that you set up Windows 11 on an unsupported PC in a dual boot mode. It may be a good idea to install Windows 11 on a separate hard drive and then use it for dual booting between Windows 11 or Window 10 based operating system.
You may even install Windows 11 on an external hard drive. However, operating system performance through an external hard drive is always below par and sub-optimal.
Will I get support from Microsoft if I install Windows 11 on an Intel i5-7500 based computer?
If you choose to install Windows 11 on Intel i5-7500, such a Windows 11 install will not be supported by Microsoft. What this means is that you will not have access to:
- feature updates of Windows 11 operating system through the Windows Update program
- quality updates of Windows 11 through the Windows Update program
- security updates of Windows 11 through the Windows Update program (as of writing this)
In other words, an Intel i5-7500 based computer that works on Windows 11 will not have access to any updates through the Windows Update program.
If you use an Intel i5-7500 based computer for business, we strongly suggest to avoid installing Windows 11 on such a system. It is not worth your time and energy to handle an operating system that is installed on an unsupported processor combination.
Windows 11 options for Intel i5-7500 based computers
Practically speaking, you have 3 options for Windows 11 on an Intel i5-7500 based system.
- Do a fresh install and live with a system that won’t get system updates from Microsoft through the Windows update program
- Buy a new system that comes with pre-loaded Windows 11 operating system. PC manufacturers like HP, Dell, Acer and ASUS have already released systems with pre-loaded Windows 11 operating systems.
- Buy a new system that comes with Windows 10. Buying a new computer with a Windows 10 operating system does ensure that you will get an upgrade path to the Windows 11 based computer through the Windows Update program. You will need to make sure that you are buying a computer that has eighth generation or higher generation Intel processor.
These three options are for people who wish to work on a computer based on Windows 11 operating system
Can I continue with Windows 10 on Intel i5-7500 computer?
Yes, you can continue to run on Windows 10 based Intel i5-7500 computer. Windows 10 will become end of life in October 2025. This means that all Windows 10 based computers will be supported by Microsoft. You will continue to get unhindered access to the product updates, feature updates, security updates and quality updates through the Windows Update program on Windows 10 computer.
So, technically speaking, there is no immediate urge for you to buy a new system. If you are happy with running Windows 10 on an Intel i5-7500 based computer, there is absolutely no problem.
Conclusion
Intel i5-7500 based computers are not supported by Microsoft for Windows 11 installation. Intel i5-7500 computer users may continue to work on Windows 10 until it becomes end of life in October, 2025. Or you may choose to perform a fresh install of Windows 11 on Intel i5-7500 computers. Such installations are not supported by Microsoft as of now.
You may like to read the following related content on Windows 11:
- Can Windows 11 run on Intel i3 processors?
- Windows 11 S mode for secure app performance
- Does Windows 11 have dark mode?
- Missing ‘Update’ option for Windows 11
- i7-7700K is not compatible with Windows 11
- i7 6700K cannot run windows 11 – incompatible with Windows 11
Rajesh Dhawan is a technology professional who loves to blog about smart wearables, Cloud computing and Microsoft technologies. He loves to break complex problems into manageable chunks of meaningful information.