MICROSOFT STARTED BLOCKING UPDATES FOR WINDOWS 7 / 8.1

If you're hoping to start running Windows 7 or 8.1 on a shiny new AMD Ryzen or latest intel i3 / i5 / i7 processor ,you might want to rethink those plans. 

Last week , Microsoft published KB 4012982, with the title "'Your PC uses a processor that isn’t supported on this version of Windows' error when you scan or download Windows updates", suggesting that the restriction was now being enforced.

If you have a Windows 7 or 8.1 machine on older hardware, you should be unaffected and continue to receive updates through each OS's support end date of January 14, 2020 and January 10, 2023, respectively. As for anyone trying to run the older OS versions on newer hardware, it looks like your only choice is to make the jump to Windows 10.

Users will get the following error message when they run the scan:

Unsupported Hardware

Your PC uses a processor that isn’t supported on this version of Windows and you won’t receive updates.

Microsoft notes that users may see other error messages when they use Windows Update, including:

Windows could not search for new updates

An error occurred while checking for new updates for your computer.

Error(s) found:

Code 80240037 Windows Update encountered an unknown error.

That message, and another that cited error code 80240037, will be triggered when attempts to retrieve updates are made from Windows 7- or Windows 8.1-equipped devices powered by seventh-generation processors from Intel and AMD -- aka "Kaby Lake" and "Bristol Ridge," respectively -- or the next-generation Snapdragon 820 series mobile CPUs from Qualcomm.

The cause, according to Microsoft, is that "new processor generations require the latest Windows version for support". Microsoft mentions seventh generation Intel processors, AMD "Bristol Ridge" and Qualcomm "8996" processor families specifically on the support page.

SOLUTION - HOPE YOU CAN GUESS THE SOLUTION . YES ,you guessed it — is to upgrade to WINDOWS 10.

The company has a solution for users affected by the issue: upgrade to Windows 10:

We recommend that you upgrade Windows 8.1-based and Window 7-based computers to Windows 10..

Is there another option besides upgrading the operating system to Windows 10? Updates that are released for Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 are also made available on the Microsoft Update Catalog website.

I don't have access to one of the processors mentioned on the support page, but it is possible that manual installation of updates released for Windows 7 or 8.1 still works. While this means more work for the user, as it is necessary to monitor update releases to run searches on the Microsoft Update Catalog whenever they are released, it may be an option to keep on using the older version of Windows.

Microsoft does not mention this explicitly on the support page, but it does not deny it either.

Because of how this support policy is implemented, Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 devices that have a seventh generation or a later generation processor may no longer be able to scan or download updates through Windows Update or Microsoft Update.

Blocking Windows devices from using Windows Update is certainly an anti-consumer friendly move with the aim to get users to upgrade to Windows 10.

WINDOWS OPERATING IS GETTING CHANGED ....
Windows 10 doesn’t behave like the Windows of yesteryear. Instead of a monolithic operating system replaced by a successor in a year or two, it’s more of a living, breathing entity—one that’s constantly changing with the release of massive new “named” updates. The most high-profile example was 2016’s Anniversary Update, which added features like the Bash Shell, a dark theme, Windows Ink, Xbox Play Anywhere, and a whole, whole lot more.

But that’s nothing compared to what you’ll find in this spring’s Windows 10 Creators Update. Let’s dig in to the goodies Microsoft has planned this time around, and don’t forget to sign up for the Windows Insider preview program if you want to get your hands on early-access test builds before the clamoring masses.
AT A GLANCE ON NEW UPCOMING UPDATES OF WINDOWS ---
1) Create amazing things with the Remix 3D and Paint 3D Previews.
2)Your new community for 3D. Browse thousands of models and get inspired.
3)A new world of mixed reality experience is waiting for you. With your Windows 10 PC and a compatible headset, you can enjoy familiar Windows apps, features and navigation, while discovering new apps, games and media perfect for AR, VR and everything in between..
4)The technology that powers mixed reality doesn’t have to be out of reach. Our partners – including HP, Lenovo, Dell, Acer and ASUS – will be introducing a range of VR headsets starting at $299 with innovative built-in sensor technology for more flexibility and easy, marker-free set-up. Watch for yours, coming in 2017.
5)Xbox Live and Windows 10 take you to the next level of epic with 4K gaming, built-in Beam broadcasting, and people-generated Arena tournaments.
6)The updated Photos app: Now in dark or light..hotos also now has a horizontal navigation bar, making it easier than ever to view your memories in different ways: your whole collection chronologically, or by Albums or Folders. We’ve also taken the time to add subtle animations throughout the experience to make your memories come alive.
7)Draw on your memories - We each use photos and videos to capture some of the most important moments in our lives. But sometimes, there is more to the story than what our pictures and videos can convey on their own, or you’d just like to personalize a message. Now you can use your stylus (or your finger if you have a touch screen device, or your mouse!) to draw on your memories directly.
8)Editing made simple - The photo editor now has a new, easy-to-use interface. The commands have been rearranged to emphasize the most common user needs, such as easy cropping and adjusting. All the other capabilities are still there under Enhance and Adjust. We’ve added a whole new set of filters too. Get creative with filters such as Zeke or Denim, then check out the other adjustable enhancements you can make to your photos, like tweaking the lighting or warmth.
9)Photos now on Xbox - As a Universal Windows application, Microsoft Photos is showing up throughout the Windows ecosystem. We’re also releasing Photos for the Xbox, which allows you to browse media you have stored on OneDrive for access on all your devices. Use your controller to navigate your memories just as you would expect with our Xbox optimized user interface.

FROM WINDOWS COMMUNITY--

We fixed an issue resulting in some unexpected visual distortion when watching certain mp4 videos in Movies and TV on recent flights.
We fixed an issue resulting in OOBE crashing when you tapped the birthday date field when creating a new account and email address.
We fixed a recent issue resulting in certain VPN connections being unexpecting missing from Network Connections.
We fixed an issue where in recent flights, some Direct3D 9 games might periodically fail to launch. To work around this, it was necessary that your default display resolution be the recommended setting for your system. You can now return your display configuration to your preferred settings.

AS A PART OF WINDOWS INSIDER PROGRAM AND WINDOWS DEVELOPER PROGRAM ; WE WILL TRY TO IMPROVE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH WINDOWS ...THIS FEATURE ARE AVAILABLE FOR DEVELOPER ONLY AND WILL BE COMING SOON ....