Why is an Intel Core i7-6650 CPU @ 2.20 GHz not compatible with Windows 11?

Question

Why is an Intel Core i7-6650 CPU @ 2.20 GHz not compatible with Windows 11?

Lisa Heath 56

I have a Microsoft Surface Pro 4, that is oddly not compatible with the Microsoft Windows 11 upgrade. I need to understand why. This is not a hunk of junk PC, so and it has a what seems to be a good, fast processor. Help me understand why this PC is going to be relegated to paper weight status, please. I truly don't understand.

It has an Intel Cor i7-6650 CPU @ 2.20 GHz. It is a good PC, and a Microsoft product. Help me understand this, please.

Darius Wallace 6 Reputation points

2021-10-07T20:53:14.267+00:00

I have somewhat same issue with Dell PC, OptiPlex 7040,....Intel I5, 6500, 3.2GHz. It is on the latest list as being supported by Windows 11, but PCHealth app says it not! Help
Vighneswar Reddy Pulmamidi 26 Reputation points

2021-10-08T23:40:51.747+00:00

Hi All,
I have the similar issue where mine is DELL Lattitude E7470 with processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-6600U CPU @ 2.60GHz 2.80 GHz and microsoft healthcheck is showing that this processor is not supporting for Windows 11 upgrade.
When can we expect the update for this processor ?
Vighneswar Reddy Pulmamidi 26 Reputation points

2021-10-08T23:41:14.66+00:00

Hi All,
I have the similar issue where mine is DELL Lattitude E7470 with processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-6600U CPU @ 2.60GHz 2.80 GHz and microsoft healthcheck is showing that this processor is not supporting for Windows 11 upgrade.
When can we expect the update for this processor ?
Anson Ma 11 Reputation points

2021-10-08T23:46:02.993+00:00

I bet you that you can still get Windows 11 using Windows Update if you're lucky...
Lonnie Courtney 6 Reputation points

2021-10-24T18:15:39.74+00:00

I have the same problem with all of my laptops for my company. They are HP 820 G3 with the Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-6600U CPU @ 2.60GHz 2.81 GHz. All are currently under extended warrantee. So go figure I'm paying for support but can't upgrade.
Ernst Steffen 26 Reputation points

2022-01-07T14:09:40.88+00:00

Same problem with Surface Books
1TB 16GB Ram I7 6600U, 2,6 GHz
Why to by a new one for 2000€?
Still inacceptable.
Just bought several of them for my school. Promising support up to 2025 , why?
I need a new operating system now, otherwhise i have to change up to fte big fruit. Never ever Surface books or.... add the list of the supported processoer units.
Using them at school , it is neccessary to use the latest Version because new pupils also use Win 11 at home and not win 10.
This seems the best way to show them Linux or Mac OS
Steve 6 Reputation points

2022-02-17T18:31:03.84+00:00

I contacted Microsoft technical support. I tried to paste the content of that conversation here but this format will not allow it for length.

Suffice to say, the engineers, whatever powers that be, do not see fit to give us an explanation. They leave us here, to spend our time (cheap for them) to try figure it out for ourselves. Typical Microsoft!

I purchase my Surface Pro 4 direct from Microsoft. I got the latest processor and paid premium price for it to ensure long term compatibility with whatever might come along and now I see many lesser processors on the approved list. Yes, it sure does make me look over at Apple to see what they've got.

Good luck out there, you're on your own!
SamT 6 Reputation points

2022-08-12T22:00:51.65+00:00

I have the identical issue and question as so many others... purchased the "PREMIUM" Surface Pro 4 i7 et al believing that a PREMIUM HIGH $$$$ MicroSoft PC would surely be supported by MS for time to come. But, hey, we're dealing with MicroSoft here!!! This has been a great performer, but wanting to stay current with the W11 version OS. I would think MS would want us to continue with this otherwise excellent machine into the future, but they make it obsolete after only a few years [purchased mine in 2017]. They want us to buy another of their products to utilize the latest Windows 11 upgrade. And then what? Purchase another in a couple of years when they decide to upgrade and obsolete another high end machine? Like someone else said in this string, "MicroSoft, we're still here"... at least for now. I have resisted shifting to Apple for years... but now??? Giving serious thought to scrapping MicroSoft just like they have scrapped their COMMITTED user base. C'mon MicroSoft!!! You should be able to do better than this!!! But are they actually looking at these comments??? I guess we'll see...
Andreas Baumgarten 131.5K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2022-08-12T22:38:22.61+00:00

I have resisted shifting to Apple for years... but now???

Please be aware: Apple has a similar strategy related to OS and hardware dependencies ;-)
MacOS Monterey requires for instances a MacBook Pro "early 2015 or newer". It might be one or 2 years more ... but at the end same story ;-)
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212551

----------

(If the reply was helpful please don't forget to upvote and/or accept as answer, thank you)

Regards
Andreas Baumgarten
˻ M ˼ 6 Reputation points

2022-09-07T10:50:31.253+00:00

Even so, you can still update Surface 4 Pro to Windows 11. Just add one registry entry before updating and the updater will start. I also have Surface 4 Pro and Windows 11 works on it without any problems. Everything works and it's efficient.
Anthony 106 Reputation points

2024-09-04T08:48:13.8166667+00:00

I am having the same problem. Windows 11 minimum requirements are a CPU with 1ghz and 2 cores the Core i7-6650U is 2.2ghz 2 cores and still can't install be interested in how many people bought Windows 11 thinking they could install and can't.

This is definitely a problem now that Windows 10 is nearing EOL my Surface Pro 4 still does all I need and more but won't be able to be able to install new security updates.

So Microsoft either fix your minimum requirements or allow these cpu's to work.
Marco 0 Reputation points

2025-10-07T14:14:17.63+00:00

Is this planned obsolescence?

9 answers

Your answer

Darius Wallace 6 Reputation points

2021-10-07T20:53:14.267+00:00

I have somewhat same issue with Dell PC, OptiPlex 7040,....Intel I5, 6500, 3.2GHz. It is on the latest list as being supported by Windows 11, but PCHealth app says it not! Help
Vighneswar Reddy Pulmamidi 26 Reputation points

2021-10-08T23:40:51.747+00:00

Hi All,
I have the similar issue where mine is DELL Lattitude E7470 with processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-6600U CPU @ 2.60GHz 2.80 GHz and microsoft healthcheck is showing that this processor is not supporting for Windows 11 upgrade.
When can we expect the update for this processor ?
Vighneswar Reddy Pulmamidi 26 Reputation points

2021-10-08T23:41:14.66+00:00

Hi All,
I have the similar issue where mine is DELL Lattitude E7470 with processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-6600U CPU @ 2.60GHz 2.80 GHz and microsoft healthcheck is showing that this processor is not supporting for Windows 11 upgrade.
When can we expect the update for this processor ?
Anson Ma 11 Reputation points

2021-10-08T23:46:02.993+00:00

I bet you that you can still get Windows 11 using Windows Update if you're lucky...
Lonnie Courtney 6 Reputation points

2021-10-24T18:15:39.74+00:00

I have the same problem with all of my laptops for my company. They are HP 820 G3 with the Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-6600U CPU @ 2.60GHz 2.81 GHz. All are currently under extended warrantee. So go figure I'm paying for support but can't upgrade.
Ernst Steffen 26 Reputation points

2022-01-07T14:09:40.88+00:00

Same problem with Surface Books
1TB 16GB Ram I7 6600U, 2,6 GHz
Why to by a new one for 2000€?
Still inacceptable.
Just bought several of them for my school. Promising support up to 2025 , why?
I need a new operating system now, otherwhise i have to change up to fte big fruit. Never ever Surface books or.... add the list of the supported processoer units.
Using them at school , it is neccessary to use the latest Version because new pupils also use Win 11 at home and not win 10.
This seems the best way to show them Linux or Mac OS
Steve 6 Reputation points

2022-02-17T18:31:03.84+00:00

I contacted Microsoft technical support. I tried to paste the content of that conversation here but this format will not allow it for length.

Suffice to say, the engineers, whatever powers that be, do not see fit to give us an explanation. They leave us here, to spend our time (cheap for them) to try figure it out for ourselves. Typical Microsoft!

I purchase my Surface Pro 4 direct from Microsoft. I got the latest processor and paid premium price for it to ensure long term compatibility with whatever might come along and now I see many lesser processors on the approved list. Yes, it sure does make me look over at Apple to see what they've got.

Good luck out there, you're on your own!
SamT 6 Reputation points

2022-08-12T22:00:51.65+00:00

I have the identical issue and question as so many others... purchased the "PREMIUM" Surface Pro 4 i7 et al believing that a PREMIUM HIGH $$$$ MicroSoft PC would surely be supported by MS for time to come. But, hey, we're dealing with MicroSoft here!!! This has been a great performer, but wanting to stay current with the W11 version OS. I would think MS would want us to continue with this otherwise excellent machine into the future, but they make it obsolete after only a few years [purchased mine in 2017]. They want us to buy another of their products to utilize the latest Windows 11 upgrade. And then what? Purchase another in a couple of years when they decide to upgrade and obsolete another high end machine? Like someone else said in this string, "MicroSoft, we're still here"... at least for now. I have resisted shifting to Apple for years... but now??? Giving serious thought to scrapping MicroSoft just like they have scrapped their COMMITTED user base. C'mon MicroSoft!!! You should be able to do better than this!!! But are they actually looking at these comments??? I guess we'll see...
Andreas Baumgarten 131.5K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2022-08-12T22:38:22.61+00:00

I have resisted shifting to Apple for years... but now???

Please be aware: Apple has a similar strategy related to OS and hardware dependencies ;-)
MacOS Monterey requires for instances a MacBook Pro "early 2015 or newer". It might be one or 2 years more ... but at the end same story ;-)
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212551

----------

(If the reply was helpful please don't forget to upvote and/or accept as answer, thank you)

Regards
Andreas Baumgarten
˻ M ˼ 6 Reputation points

2022-09-07T10:50:31.253+00:00

Even so, you can still update Surface 4 Pro to Windows 11. Just add one registry entry before updating and the updater will start. I also have Surface 4 Pro and Windows 11 works on it without any problems. Everything works and it's efficient.
Anthony 106 Reputation points

2024-09-04T08:48:13.8166667+00:00

I am having the same problem. Windows 11 minimum requirements are a CPU with 1ghz and 2 cores the Core i7-6650U is 2.2ghz 2 cores and still can't install be interested in how many people bought Windows 11 thinking they could install and can't.

This is definitely a problem now that Windows 10 is nearing EOL my Surface Pro 4 still does all I need and more but won't be able to be able to install new security updates.

So Microsoft either fix your minimum requirements or allow these cpu's to work.
Marco 0 Reputation points

2025-10-07T14:14:17.63+00:00

Is this planned obsolescence?

Answer 1

Peter Jalowenko 46

Hi,
Similarly surprised and disappointed that Win 11 is not compatible with my i7-6600u Surface Book, and I'm guessing that my wife's SurfacePro from about the same time is also going to be in the same boat.
Our Microsoft PCs represented significant outlays for us and were purchased in the belief that we were getting a high-end product which would provide many years of service.
They're both still in excellent condition and certainly not ready to be turned into useless landfill yet.

I hope MS reconsiders their position, making high-end MS PCs incompatible when they are still in good working order takes away any incentive to spend extra dollars for MS products.

Thanks.

Peter Jalowenko 46 Reputation points

2022-02-18T00:30:41.39+00:00

Thanks for adding your voice. It's very disappointing to be treated this way after being told, and paying for, a "premium" product.
Claudio Pimentel 6 Reputation points

2022-04-25T21:23:13.303+00:00

Its inadmissible! a 4 year old laptop top of the line its rubish for microsoft!!
5 stars for supporting your products and loyal customers... we are still here and not with Apple....
Ron Vonk 0 Reputation points

2024-08-27T13:10:05.8233333+00:00

I agree fully. We may expect better service from MS

Answer 2

Kapil Arya 37,661 Volunteer Moderator

I recommend you to drop a feedback to Microsoft about this, using Feedback hub app.

0 comments

Answer 3

I agree. I too bought a premium product at the time. The best processor, 16 GB mem 512 GB storage. Cause I didn't want to be caught up the upgrade cycle. But since Microsoft deems the Top of the line Surface pro 4 is not good enough I'm already planning for my move to Apple Mac book pros. I was lent a MacBook pro M1 and it already does what my surface pro 4 does and much much much more and a boatload faster than the inferior Intel chips. And yes it runs Microsoft office faster. So who needs Microsoft and Intel. See ya Microsoft.

Answer 4

Rakesh Mahajan 6

My Surface Pro 4, I spend around $2500. And MS says it is not compatible for windows 11, I think it should be shame on Microsoft. Please do something to include these premium devices to be eligible for windows 11 upgrade.

TWF 16 Reputation points

2025-10-07T16:52:27.27+00:00

I too have a Microsoft surfaces pro 4 and i have an hp desktop with an I7.

Dumped Microsoft completely got a Mac mini with M4 chip and MacBook Pro with m4 chip. Both totally smoke the performance of the Microsoft/intel products. Also got a iPad pro13” and it runs over 2x faster than the surface..

Steve 6

I’ve looked into doing the same but I run one important app that won’t run on Apple’s system.

Considering doing it anyway. 

I don’t think Microsoft has its heart in the OS or app  business anymore.  It could be a good thing if they found a third party (one that cares, e.g a public benefit corporation), licensed it all to them and just collected royalties.

Answer 5

Leon Laude 86,116

Hi @Lisa Heath ,

Microsoft announced first that they would only support 8th Generation of Intel processors and newer, however they did later start supporting 7th Generation processors.

The processor you are using is a 6th Generation processor, you can check the compatible list of Intel processors for Windows 11 over here:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/minimum/supported/windows-11-supported-intel-processors

The list is still being updated so it is not final, more processors will surely be supported in the near future, but for now your processor is unfortunately not in the supported list.

For more information, also check the Windows 11 system requirements over here:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications

----------

If the reply was helpful please don't forget to upvote and/or accept as answer, thank you!

Best regards,
Leon

Vighneswar Reddy Pulmamidi 26 Reputation points

2021-11-30T03:58:15.153+00:00

Hi Thanks and does the ms11 requires the TMP 2.0 ? my system has 1.2 only.. does it becomes any problem?
Anson Ma 11 Reputation points

2021-12-01T02:29:12.207+00:00

I could work, because it was the soft floor requirement before and 2.0 is the hard floor. I would recommend using Microsoft's PC Health Check.
Ernst Steffen 26 Reputation points

2022-01-07T14:12:16.467+00:00

ame problem with Surface Books
1TB 16GB Ram I7 6600U, 2,6 GHz
Why to by a new one for 2000€?
Still inacceptable.
Just bought several of them for my school. Promising support up to 2025 , why?
I need a new operating system now, otherwhise i have to change up to fte big fruit. Never ever Surface books or.... add the list of the supported processoer units.
Using them at school , it is neccessary to use the latest Version because new pupils also use Win 11 at home and not win 10.
This seems the best way to show them Linux or Mac OS.
Customer Suppliance? This is the old Microsoft policy , changing System, requires new hardware and in actual times of rare hardware not the best way to get satisfied customers.
Techno007 11 Reputation points

2022-10-04T14:16:46.137+00:00

This is almost as bad as a Microsoft "non-answer."
Marco 0 Reputation points

2025-10-07T14:11:47.4233333+00:00

Is this planned obsolescence?

Share via

Why is an Intel Core i7-6650 CPU @ 2.20 GHz not compatible with Windows 11?

9 answers

Your answer