Microsoft has extended the support period for systems powered by a Skylake CPU that are running Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. Intel's upcoming CPU generation, Kaby Lake, will still only be supported on Windows 10.
Skylake CPU powered systems previously had to upgrade to Windows 10 before the 17th of July 2017 to continue to receive support from Microsoft. Many users complained and Microsoft claims his feedback made them extend the support period.
Both Skylake powered Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 systems will continue to receive security updates till the end of the regular support period for both operating systems.
That means Windows 7 will continue to receive updates till the 14th of January 2020 and Windows 8.1 support will be provided till the 10th of January 2023. Extension of the support period is possible through cooperation with Intel. The chip giant will be performing security update validation testing and upgrade testing for Skylake systems running Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 through the end of support dates.
Intel's upcoming CPU generation Kaby Lake and AMD's 7th generation CPUs will only be supported by Windows 10. There will be no changes to that policy. Microsoft also still recommends Skylake system owners to upgrade to Windows 10.
Windows 10 support ends at the 13th of October 2026 when the Anniversary Update is applied. Before the release of the Anniversary update the end of support was scheduled at the 14th of October 2025.
