Microsoft has now made it very clear that they want everyone still using their older operating system versions, namely Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, to update to their latest Windows 10 version. In the past, the company has employed a lot of ways to force users into updating their operating systems. Now, the company has outlined their plans to finally end their support for the older operating systems and to force users to upgrade should they still want to receive any further support and security updates.

According to Hot Hardware, Microsoft is apparently now planning to block all updates for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 for the newer generation CPUs. This would include Intel's latest seventh generation Kaby Lake chips, Qualcomm's 8996 processors, and AMD's new Bristol Ridge Ryzen CPUs.

Those that are still using the older generation operating systems will not be able to run multiple GPUs and will be forced to update if they want to run SLI or CrossFire with Vulkan. Microsoft recently stated that they merely want to focus on deeper integration with their latest operating system and the new processors that have been released. The company argues that the Windows 7 system, released more than a decade ago, was built before the introduction of 32-bit and 64-bit SOCs.

Windows 7 is unable to run any of the modern CPUs by itself and would need device drivers and firmware emulation to do so. Microsoft explains that altering and redesigning the subsystems of Windows 7 to run the new chips would only compromise its security and stability.

Support for Windows Vista will officially come to an end on April 11. Critical updates for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 will also be halted in July. Users who are still using the older operating system version will likely be dismayed by the announcement as they will be left with no other choice but to upgrade should they wish to use any of the new chipsets or to receive further security updates.