Microsoft lists Skylake based systems that will receive Windows 7 and 8.1 support

Late last week Microsoft dropped a bombshell on its customers, primarily those in the enterprise, that they would only continue to support their Windows 7 and 8.1 operating systems on Intel's 6th Generation Skylake chips until 17 July 2017.

The move to be transparent has been met with a mixed reaction.

At that time Microsoft's Windows and Devices VP Terry Myerson explained the change in support like this:

Going forward, as new silicon generations are introduced, they will require the latest Windows platform at that time for support. This enables us to focus on deep integration between Windows and the silicon, while maintaining maximum reliability and compatibility with previous generations of platform and silicon. For example, Windows 10 will be the only supported Windows platform on Intel’s upcoming “Kaby Lake” silicon, Qualcomm’s upcoming “8996” silicon, and AMD’s upcoming “Bristol Ridge” silicon.

Through July 17, 2017, Skylake devices on the supported list will also be supported with Windows 7 and 8.1. During the 18-month support period, these systems should be upgraded to Windows 10 to continue receiving support after the period ends. After July 2017, the most critical Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 security updates will be addressed for these configurations, and will be released if the update does not risk the reliability or compatibility of the Windows 7/8.1 platform on other devices.

Rough translation is that anyone on newer hardware will need to be running Windows 10 and if you need to run Windows 7 in your enterprise then you will have to make sure you do not upgrade to any hardware with the above listed CPUs. Other than that everyone should be fine - right?

If you are curious what systems are impacted by this decision then you can go read the list Microsoft has just posted that covers OEM partners HP, Dell, Lenovo and NEC.

Currently there are over 100 models listed in this database and what I find interesting is that the link for each company goes to their support sites for the listing of devices that fall under this new support policy from Microsoft.

That means the listing will be updated by the OEM themselves and not Microsoft then, as other partners introduce their own new silicon that falls under this 18 month support policy, you can expect links to their own listings on this main page from Microsoft. 

But, wait...there's probably more so be sure to follow me on Twitter and Google+.