We discuss AMD Ryzen 7’s 1700 series processors and Windows 11 compatibility. Ryzen 7’s 1700 series comprises of 4 processors. Are all these compatible with Windows 11? Let us find out.
Quick Updates
If you are running Windows 10 on a Ryzen 7 1700 or Ryzen 8 1700 based computers, there are a few quick updates for you
- Less than a month remains for Windows 10 to become end of life.
- Over 45 percent of Windows operating systems continue to use Windows 10.
- Californian lawsuit against Microsoft for ending support for Windows 10 is yet to be adjuducated by the Court.
- Extended security updates are available for a period between 1 to 3 years to extend security protection for Windows 10 computers.
Ryzen 7 1700 Series Processors
The following processors are part of the Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 7 Pro 1700 series:
- Ryzen 7 1700
- Ryzen 7 1700X
- Ryzen 7 Pro 1700
- Ryzen 7 Pro 1700X
These processors were first released between March to June 2017. In a way, these processors are quite old as the launch took place 8 years back.
Ryzen 7 1700 Series – Windows 11 compatibility
All four Ryzen 7 1700 processors are incompatible with Windows 11. So, you cannot update your current operating system installation to Windows 11 on such systems.
For reference, you can check Microsoft’s Windows 11 compatible processor list. You can see that the Ryzen 7 1700 series processors are missing in the list.
If you are running Windows 10 on Ryzen 7 1700 series processors, you have an issue coming up in October 2025. Windows 10 will become end of life on 14 October 2025. After that date, security updates for Windows 10 will not be released by Microsoft.
It may also be prudent to find more information about the lawsuit filed by a Californian resident against Microsoft for retiring Windows 10 in October 2025. You can read details about the lawsuit here.
What does it mean and where would that leave you with the current system?
After 14 October 2025, regular security updates for Windows 10 will not be released. Extended security updates for Windows 10 will be released instead.
You could choose to enroll in Extended Security Update program for Windows 10. This will require a subscription fee to be paid to Microsoft. With Extended security updates, you can extend security coverage on Windows 10 systems for a period between 1 to 3 years.
The subscription cost for retail customers is $30 a year. The subscription cost for Windows 10 ESU program for business computers is $61 a year. More information about ESU pricing can be accessed here.
If you are unwilling to buy ESU for Windows 10 subscription, you could choose to run Windows 10 without security update coverage. This is not recommended for business computers for the inherent risks your system would be exposed to.
Ryzen 7 1800X Processors
While we are at it, let us also make a passing reference to the Ryzen 7 1800X series processor. Like the Ryzen 7 1700 series processor, this processor is also dated. And, like Ryzen 7 1700 series processors, the 1800X processor is not compatible with Windows 11.
Where does this leave you? Read below to find credible alternatives.
Extended Security Updates – Cost considerations
Bear in mind that cost of extended security updates is higher than regular software license costs for Windows 10.
A more long term solution could be to retire to donate the incompatible system and get a new computer.
Alternatively, you could upgrade the processor and motherboard of the computer to something that is compatible with Windows 11. This would reuse the monitor and other peripherals of the old computer. A part of new system cost could be conserved using this particular option.
Should I install Windows 11 on incompatible processors?
Technically, it is possible to install Windows 11 on incompatible systems or processors. However, we do not recommend installing or upgrading to Windows 11 on unsupported computers for the following reasons:
- Access to Windows 11 security updates is not guaranteed for such unsupported computers.
- There is a high possibility of system malfunction due to inherent incompatibility of software or hardware.
Simplifying technology, one step at a time.