With the release of Windows 11 there are a lot of questions to be answered. Intel makes the most popular and best performing CPUs, in particular their i-series range such as the i3, i5, and i7.
In this article, I will explain if arguably one of the best CPUs – the i5 will run on Windows 11.
Overall, the Intel i5 processor (CPU) can run Windows 11. But, only i5’s that are 8th generation and above are supported by Microsoft. This means they will help you if there is an issue. Windows 11 can run on i5’s that are older than 8th gen, but crash more and have decreased security.
8th generation i5’s have a model number that starts with the number 8. For example, i5-8000, and i5-8001. But, these are examples so that you get the idea.
Microsoft lists all of the i5 processors that are supported on Windows 11. Below, I will explain what supported means, and what you can expect if you install Windows 11 on an i5 that is older than 8th gen.
What Happens if You Run Windows 11 on an Unsupported i5
Windows 11 will install on an i5 that is not supported. However, there are a few reasons why you may not want to do it. Below is what happens if you install and run Windows 11 on an unsupported i5.
On average, Windows 11 will crash twice as often. But, the crash rate is still very low. Supported Intel i5 CPUs Windows 11 crash 0.08% of the time, compared to 0.16% of the time on unsupported i5’s. The enhanced security added to Windows 11 also generally won’t work, explained below.
The enhanced security features added to Windows 11 require TPM 2.0, which most i5’s older than 8th generation don’t have. However, there are some exceptions. Windows 11 won’t be as secure from viruses and malware on i5’s that don’t have TPM 2.0
Here’s a list of the currently supported i5’s, more will be added as newer i5’s come out:
- i5 – 7th generation (only a few models)
- i5 – 8th generation
- i5 – 9th generation
- i5 – 10th generation
- i5 – 11th generation
- i5 – 12th generation
- i5 – 13th generation
Why only 8th gen i5’s or newer are supported
Windows 11 was designed with certain requirements for security provided to Windows by various organizations. It was found that CPUs with a special type of technology called TPM 2.0 were far more secure, and it made sense to design Windows 11 with this in mind to future proof it.
The other is that during testing by Microsoft it was found that only 0.08% of users with CPUs that are supported by Microsoft reported that it crashed. Whereas, 0.16% of CPUs that are NOT supported by Microsoft crashed.
Microsoft states that the crash rate is twice as much, but on closer examination the actual crash rate is very low. It’s kind of like if you were to decide between buying two items that were $1000.00 each.
But, one is $1000.25, and the other is $1000.10.
Overall the difference is so small, relatively, that you would choose the one you want regardless of this price difference. Therefore, it appears the main consideration is the enhanced security features added to Windows 11, which require TPM 2.0 or newer.
How long will Windows 10 be supported
Windows 10 will continue to be supported until October, of 2025. After that time, Microsoft will no longer release updates for it. Or, provide customer support for it.
However, funnily enough Windows 10 will continue to run for a long time if you don’t install Windows updates. Therefore, chances are you can continue to use Windows 10 just fine for at least 6 months to a year after 2025. Now, that I’ve answered: can an i5 Processor Run Windows 11, here’s is if an i3 can run Windows 11.
Can the Intel Core i3 Run Windows 11
The Intel Core i3 is not as fast as the i5, but does depend on the specific generation of each you are comparing. Some of the later generation i3’s are very fast and perform amazing well on Windows 10. But, here is if the i3 can run Windows 11.
Windows 11 will run on an Intel Core 3. But, only on 8th generation or newer i3’s. Windows 11 can run OK on Intel i3’s that are older than 8th generation, but are not supported by. It has been reported Windows 11 crashes much more frequently on i3’s than are older than 8th gen.
Any i3 that is older than a 4th generation are too slow to use comfortably, because they take too long to load. While Microsoft does not officially support i3’s that are older than an 8th generation, it will still work.
But, Microsoft has added some enhanced security features, which only work if your CPU has a feature called TPM 2.0. Which 8th generation i3’s and newer have. But, i3’s that are older than 8th gen don’t.
What Generation i5’s Does Windows 11 Run On
The Intel Core i5 is the top rated Intel CPU according to thousands of user reports comparing different CPUs. All i5’s can run Windows 10. But, here is what generation i5’s will run Windows 11.
Windows 11 runs OK on a 2nd generation i5 or newer. But, i5’s that are older than an 8th gen such as the 7th, and 6th generation are not supported by Microsoft, and in general don’t have TPM 2.0. TPM 2.0 is required to utilize the enhanced security features added to Windows 11.
Interestingly Windows 11 and Windows 10 have virtually identical speed performance, as found through independent testing.
However, a 2nd generation i5 is about the minimum you need to run Windows 10 comfortably, to the point where it isn’t too slow. Provided, you have an i5 that is newer than an 2nd generation i5 Windows 11 will run perfectly fine. But, won’t be as secure as a supported i5.