Table of Contents
Are You at Risk? The Unfortunate Surface Models Missing Out on Windows 11 Upgrades
Microsoft has officially published a list of Surface devices that are not eligible to upgrade to Windows 11, leaving many users facing a significant transition as Windows 10 support nears its end. Understanding which models are affected is crucial for planning your next steps and ensuring ongoing security and productivity.
Surface Devices That Cannot Upgrade to Windows 11
If you own one of the following Surface models, your device does not meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11 and will remain on Windows 10 unless you pursue unsupported workarounds. This limitation is primarily due to hardware constraints, such as older processors lacking necessary security features like TPM 2.0 or unsupported CPUs.
Ineligible Surface Models:
- Surface Book (1st Gen)
- Surface Book 2 (with 7th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-7300U processor only)
- Surface Go (1st Gen)
- Surface Laptop (1st Gen)
- Surface Pro (1st Gen)
- Surface Pro 2
- Surface Pro 3
- Surface Pro 4
- Surface Pro (5th Gen)
- Surface Studio (1st Gen)
Key Points
- Processor Compatibility: Many older Surface devices use CPUs that do not meet Windows 11’s strict requirements, especially regarding security and performance.
- No Official Upgrade Path: These devices will not receive Windows 11 through Windows Update. Manual installation is possible but not recommended, as it may block critical updates and compromise security.
- End of Windows 10 Support: With Windows 10 support ending soon, continuing to use these devices could expose you to security risks and software incompatibilities.
- Microsoft’s Recommendation: Microsoft advises upgrading to a newer Surface model, such as the Copilot+ Surface PCs, to benefit from the latest features and ongoing support.
What Should You Do Next?
- Check Your Model: Confirm your device’s eligibility using Microsoft’s official support page.
- Plan for Upgrade: If your model is listed above, consider budgeting for a new device to ensure you stay secure and productive.
- Explore Alternatives: Some users may opt for alternative operating systems like Linux, but this requires technical know-how and may not suit all needs.
“If your PC is on the second list, ie, it cannot upgrade to Windows 11, Microsoft’s official recommendation is to buy a new Copilot+ Surface PC.”
If your Surface device is on the ineligible list, it’s time to consider your upgrade options. Staying proactive will help you avoid negative impacts on your productivity and security as Windows 10 support ends