Microsoft To Extend Support for “Incompatible” Intel Devices

Earlier in the week, bad news surfaced for some Intel device users. Due to a change in the Windows service model, certain Intel processors would lose support much earlier than expected. This came about due to Microsoft’s move to a software as a service model. After the news surfaced, it looks like Microsoft is now willing to step up and take action. According to the latest reports, Redmond will provide some support for the beleaguered users.

The problem arose when certain Intel processors were unable to update to the latest Creators Update. Due to the new Windows as a service model, Microsoft would only provide 18 additional months of support of un-updated Windows 10 devices. For those who chose the free upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 8.1, their support period is dramatically reduced. Support would end sometime in 2018 instead of in 2023 with Windows 8.1

Microsoft Offers 6 Years of Security Updates

To remedy the situation, Microsoft is offering continued security support. This means the approximately 10 million users will see 6 more years of updates on Windows 10 Anniversary Edition. That would bring their support in line with what they would receive from Windows 8.1 had they not upgraded to Windows 10. More specifically, the  Z2760, Z2580, Z2560, Z2520 systems get support till January 2023.

Part of the blame lies with Microsoft make changes in the Creators Update that caused incompatibility. The other side of the problem is Intel who dropped support early by cutting off new drivers. This is not entirely Intel’s fault as reports suggest that the PowerVR GPUs in the SoCs created by Imagination Technologies are to blame. Whatever the root cause, it looks like Microsoft will have to make some changes to their service model going forward.