Thursday, March 16th 2017

Microsoft Locks System Updates for Windows 7, 8.1 on Ryzen, Kaby Lake Systems

It would seem Microsoft is ever looking for more creative ways of pushing its Windows 10 operating system towards the masses. Some Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users have apparently encountered one of these: a lock on system updates. The error message, which reads "Your PC uses a processor that isn't supported on this version of Windows", points towards a hardware lock-in in exchange for added security and updates.

A Microsoft Support page sheds some light on this issue: that Windows 10 is the only Microsoft operating system to support particular hardware configurations. Namely, systems based on Intel's "seventh (7th)-generation processors or a later generation" (Kaby Lake); "AMD seventh (7th)-generation ("Bristol Ridge") processor or a later generation"; and "Qualcomm "8996" processor or a later generation". This move on Windows 7 might make some sense; however, Windows 8.1 is still in its lease of life (and Microsoft support) until at least 2018.
Source: Microsoft Support
Add your own comment

116 Comments on Microsoft Locks System Updates for Windows 7, 8.1 on Ryzen, Kaby Lake Systems

#1
Divide Overflow
Isn't Ryzen running faster on a "non-supported" OS version than a "supported" one?
So much for MS support!
Posted on Reply
#2
TheGuruStud
Isn't this illegal?

You pay for this pos OS and are to receive updates as long as m$ supports the OS. They're defrauding customers. There's no technical reason.

I bet it doesn't say this if I install windows 8 on a pentium 1 (assuming I had enough ram).
Posted on Reply
#3
XNine
CaseLabs Rep
TheGuruStudIsn't this illegal?

You pay for this pos OS and are to receive updates as long as m$ supports the OS. They're defrauding customers. There's no technical reason

I bet it doesn't say this if I install windows 8 on a pentium 1 (assuming I had enough ram).
There's a very good technical reason, actually. MS doesn't have persistent advertising riddling 7 and 8. What better way to sink your ad generating claws into a consumer by forcing them to upgrade to their OS?
Posted on Reply
#4
Vayra86
TheGuruStudIsn't this illegal?

You pay for this pos OS and are to receive updates as long as m$ supports the OS. They're defrauding customers. There's no technical reason.

I bet it doesn't say this if I install windows 8 on a pentium 1 (assuming I had enough ram).
No? When you bought Windows 7 or 8 you didn't have a Ryzen. You had a full year to upgrade to 10 if you had such a license. There is no realistic reason left to build a new Ryzen system and buy or use a license that is outdated and was intended for a different system not even considering the fact that your OEM license will be locked to your old motherboard and thus platform while Ryzen is on a new socket, and even if you have a full (non OEM/builders) license, you also had a free upgrade opportunity that you explicitly chose not to use.

Your choice to stay on 7 or 8 is entirely your own.

Nonetheless this 'no 7/8 support for new CPUs' is a complete non issue regardless, for 18-20 EUR you've got yourself a new license for 10, and the idea that you need to stay on 7 or 8 for whatever reason makes no sense when you build a new system.

It may also be worth noticing that the official support for 7 has already ended in 2015 and for 8 will end in 2018, all it gets now is 'extended' support which means critical security patches and that is all.

And here is the kicker: Microsoft has a best-in-business support cycle for its OS versions.
Posted on Reply
#5
TheGuruStud
Vayra86No? When you bought Windows 7 or 8 you didn't have a Ryzen. You had a full year to upgrade to 10 if you had such a license. There is no realistic reason left to build a new Ryzen system and buy or use a license that is outdated and was intended for a different system not even considering the fact that your OEM license will be locked to your old motherboard and thus platform while Ryzen is on a new socket, and even if you have a full (non OEM/builders) license, you also had a free upgrade opportunity that you explicitly chose not to use.

Your choice to stay on 7 or 8 is entirely your own.

Nonetheless this 'no 7/8 support for new CPUs' is a complete non issue regardless, for 18-20 EUR you've got yourself a new license for 10, and the idea that you need to stay on 7 or 8 for whatever reason makes no sense when you build a new system.

It may also be worth noticing that the official support for 7 has already ended in 2015 and for 8 will end in 2018, all it gets now is 'extended' support which means critical security patches and that is all.

And here is the kicker: Microsoft has a best-in-business support cycle for its OS versions.
You didn't negate anything. You're just a m$ apologist.

The reason doesn't matter. You paid for it meaning you can use on the hardware you want. We should start killing phone apps if you don't buy a new phone to run them on.
Posted on Reply
#6
YukikazeQ
TheGuruStudIsn't this illegal?

You pay for this pos OS and are to receive updates as long as m$ supports the OS. They're defrauding customers. There's no technical reason.

I bet it doesn't say this if I install windows 8 on a pentium 1 (assuming I had enough ram).
"m$ supports the OS" MS doesn't support the OS on that hardware and support for anything but critical security updates ended for 7 in 2015. Also you couldn't install 8 on a p1 anyway because NX support is required to install 8.
Posted on Reply
#7
TheGuruStud
YukikazeQ"m$ supports the OS" MS doesn't support the OS on that hardware and support for anything but critical security updates ended for 7 in 2015. Also you couldn't install 8 on a p1 anyway because NX support is required to install 8.
Again, there's no reason other than to force people to upgrade.

Also, you can install without NX, but that's not the point. You're side stepping the point.
Posted on Reply
#8
kruk
Vayra86No? When you bought Windows 7 or 8 you didn't have a Ryzen.
This really isn't important for those who purchased a retail version of Windows 7. They are ending support 3 years prematurely for the customers who bought/will buy Ryzen/Kaby Lake. It's none of their business on what type of CPU I install my retail Windows 7 copy. It's also none of their business why I didn't upgrade to Windows 10. End of story.
Posted on Reply
#9
HD64G
A purely evil decision, clearly related to their need to push their spyware OS and beyond any logic about getting more money by selling licences for Win10, as they gave it away for "free" in 2016. Blocking Win8.1 for example isn't legal even, as it is supported for updates. And sw updates have nothing to do with which CPU anyone has in its PC.
Posted on Reply
#10
Vayra86
TheGuruStudYou didn't negate anything. You're just a m$ apologist.

The reason doesn't matter. You paid for it meaning you can use on the hardware you want. We should start killing phone apps if you don't buy a new phone to run them on.
The reasons do matter.

You paid for a Windows VERSION number with a LIMITED support period of which in the case of 7, that support ended two years ago. It's really that simple.

Also, your phone app analogy is extremely flawed. There are TONS OF APPS that do not work unless you update your Android OS. And many, MANY phones don't get Android OS updates, hell this is one of the primary criticisms Android has always siuffered from, and one of the main reasons my phone is a Nexus 5 which gets stock Android directly from Google itself.

That is also why I said that Microsoft's lifecycle policy is one of the best in the business. And it really is, only MacOSX comes close to it. And when you look at W7 enterprise and embedded, it is truly unsurpassed. The only other OS in the world with a longer lfecycle is Linux, which is community driven for the most part.

Last, no need to get all touchy and personal at all....


Full support VS Extended (security only)
Windows XP 14 april 2009 8 april 2014
Windows Vista 10 april 2012 11 april 2017
Windows 7* 13 januari 2015 14 januari 2020
Windows 8 9 januari 2018 10 januari 2023

Now, we could have a debate on dropping the support for 8, but when it comes to 'is this illegal'.... I strongly doubt you'll get Microsoft convicted because of all the reasons I posted earlier.
Posted on Reply
#11
eidairaman1
The Exiled Airman
I'm building a manual updates usb key for Win 7 64bit now, I have one for 32bit already (No Telemetry).

Vayra86, I put custom roms in my G900T, the One thing I can't stand is AOSP gui, it's too basic and seems limited on functionality, feels like iOS.
Posted on Reply
#12
TheOne
Can you smell the desperation?

Not surprising since Win10's numbers have slowly been decreasing lately, Ryzen should have boosted them, but with the reports that it is faster in Win7 it may have lead people away.
Posted on Reply
#13
TheGuruStud
Vayra86The reasons do matter.

You paid for a Windows VERSION number with a LIMITED support period of which in the case of 7, that support ended two years ago. It's really that simple.

Also, your phone app analogy is extremely flawed. There are TONS OF APPS that do not work unless you update your Android OS. And many, MANY phones don't get Android OS updates, hell this is one of the primary criticisms Android has always siuffered from, and one of the main reasons my phone is a Nexus 5 which gets stock Android directly from Google itself.

That is also why I said that Microsoft's lifecycle policy is one of the best in the business. And it really is, only MacOSX comes close to it. And when you look at W7 enterprise and embedded, it is truly unsurpassed. The only other OS in the world with a longer lfecycle is Linux, which is community driven for the most part.

Last, no need to get all touchy and personal at all....


Full support VS Extended (security only)
Windows XP 14 april 2009 8 april 2014
Windows Vista 10 april 2012 11 april 2017
Windows 7* 13 januari 2015 14 januari 2020
Windows 8 9 januari 2018 10 januari 2023

Now, we could have a debate on dropping the support for 8, but when it comes to 'is this illegal'.... I strongly doubt you'll get Microsoft convicted because of all the reasons I posted earlier.
Boy, you just ignored the point, again (as if I said anything about android or software updates when what I meant was hardware). You keep saying win 7 as if you have a point. You don't. Why does joe schmo with his 10 yr old dual core get updates, but I don't? You can't legitimately answer that, so you go off on tangents and say "support is ending soon."

Do us a favor and stop defending these assholes, mmkay?
Posted on Reply
#14
eidairaman1
The Exiled Airman
TheOneCan you smell the desperation?

Not surprising since Win10's numbers have slowly been decreasing lately, Ryzen should have boosted them, but with the reports that it is faster in Win7 it may have lead people away.
What do you expect from a less demanding OS. MS should of just released Service packs with DX 12 etc and a theme creator for W7 users etc. MS has totally lost its way since W8
Posted on Reply
#15
P4-630
If I want to upgrade and buy new computer hardware I'd like to decide myself what OS I want on it!!! :wtf::shadedshu:
Posted on Reply
#16
eidairaman1
The Exiled Airman
P4-630If I want to upgrade and buy new computer hardware I'd like to decide myself what OS I want on it!!! :wtf::shadedshu:
I feel the same lol. Instead of MS fixing the complexities of an OS they just launch a new one.
Posted on Reply
#17
LDNL
This is another illegal attempt by Micro$oft to force people to use their spyware operating system. If people want to run an older operating system, who cares. Last time they tried this with windows updates, they got fucked in court. Guess its time for round 2
Posted on Reply
#18
iO
Whats the fuss about? Its known for months that youll need Win10 for proper support on Kabylake and Ryzen.

Besides, someone will come up with an easy work around available really fast..
Posted on Reply
#19
Shihab
At this point, the urge to refuse giving Microsoft the acknowledgement that they can coerce consumers to do what they want is becoming the sole reason I'm staying away from 10 for personal use. :shadedshu:
Posted on Reply
#20
eidairaman1
The Exiled Airman
iOWhats the fuss about? Its known for months that youll need Win10 for proper support on Kabylake and Ryzen.

Besides, someone will come up with an easy work around available really fast..
yeah it is known as grabbing all the updates manually that work for your system that do not cause weirdness and putting them on a USB key
Posted on Reply
#21
exodusprime1337
The butt hurt is real in this thread. Entertaining.. butt real. lol
Posted on Reply
#22
Darmok N Jalad
So I guess I'm a little confused. Is it saying that if you have Kaby Lake or Ryzen, you won't get any updates of any kind on Win7/8? If that's true, I fear that that Windows 10 isn't going to slow the decline of PC sales, but accelerate it. I've been thinking about building my own PC lately, but the idea of using W10 just isn't very appealing.
Posted on Reply
#24
Shihab
eidairaman1yeah it is known as grabbing all the updates manually that work for your system that do not cause weirdness and putting them on a USB key
Until they bundle one of those security rollups with special update to the Update Agent making this platform check local. MS has shown to have little against including non-security "modifications" with security updates. Or eve simpler make all new MSU packages work that way.

It's becoming more and mroe difficult to trust MS when it comes to updates.
Posted on Reply
#25
etayorius
Win7 x64 is more than enough for me, i own no DX12 game in my list and Doom Multiplayer who i been playing obsessively supports Vulkan, which works on Win7. So no, i don't see myself using Win10 unless Bethesda (Or Rockstar) starts using DX12 and dumps everything else.... oh wait, Bethesda announced they will start using Vulkan in their next projects.
Posted on Reply
Add your own comment
Nov 21st, 2024 10:30 EST change timezone

New Forum Posts

Popular Reviews

Controversial News Posts