Microsoft has started to prevent installing Windows 10 on some computers due to the hardware they contain. Several users and researchers complain they received notifications that their system is no longer supported.
The affected systems all appear to be based on Intel Atom Z2xxx (Clover Trail architecture) processors.
Users who try to update their Clover Trail based systems to a build 1703 (Creators Update) now receive the error message, "Windows 10 is no longer supported on this PC, Uninstall this app now because it isn't compatible with Windows 10", or error code 0xC1900209.
The error message is confusing as there are no incompatible apps that can be uninstalled. The only thing users can do is to choose not to upgrade to the Creators Update, or downgrade when they receive the error message after the upgrade process.
Ed Bott from ZDnet writes that he received the message on a HP Envy X2, a convertible he purchased in 2015. The device contains an Intel Atom Clover Trail Z2760 processor. At first the compatibility check of Windows 10 went well, after which the 'Creators Update' update process started. However, during the upgrade Bott received the previously mentioned error message and the upgrade was blocked.
There isn't really a solution available, except that users can choose not to upgrade or to downgrade. This means users are stuck on build 1607 of Windows 10 (Anniversary Update). Unfortunately this version of Windows 10 is only supported till the first quarter of 2018, after that no security updates for that version will be released anymore. If Microsoft doesn't come up with a solution before that date, users will have to purchase a new computer or install another OS in case they want a secure and up-to-date system.
Device with an Atom Z2760, Z2520, Z2560 and Z2580 CPU are at least known to be affected. Acer has confirmed to ZDNet that these CPUs are indeed no longer supported by Microsoft.
The company also told ZDNet that it is working with Microsoft to develop compatible drivers for these CPUs. Users who despite all were able to upgrade, report they have issues with the display of icons and texts.
