If you're encountering the error message "Your PC's CPU isn't compatible with Windows 10/8.1/8," there's no need to worry anymore. The issue of a "CPU not supported" or "CPU not compatible" error in Windows 10/8.1/8, or even Windows 7, can now be resolved on your own. If you need to resolve CPU compatibility issues to upgrade to a new Windows system, follow this article to discover effective and free methods to easily fix this problem.

Note: To prevent unexpected data loss issues, make sure to backup important data and files beforehand.

"CPU is not supported on Windows 10/8.1/8, how can I fix it?"

Sometimes, problems can occur without any prior indication or warning. Here are some issues related to CPUs not being compatible with Windows that you might encounter while updating Windows 8/8.1/10 or installing a new system. If you're experiencing similar problems as those listed below, please continue reading this passage to find a relevant solution for your specific issue.

CPU is not supported.

    • "I purchased a new PC with Windows 8.1 installed, and I attempted to upgrade to Windows 10. However, when checking for the Windows 10 update, I received a message stating that my CPU is not supported. What can I do? My CPU is an i7-4790k."
    • "I attempted to install Windows 8, but the installation failed with a message saying, 'Your PC's CPU isn't compatible with Windows 8.'
    • "On my Windows 7 system, I received a notification that Windows 10 was available for an update, so I clicked on it. Another message appeared, informing me that 'The CPU isn't supported.' What can I do in this situation?"
    • "I have been using Windows 8 for a few months, but recently, an error message keeps popping up, stating that 'Your PC's CPU isn't compatible with Windows 8.' However, I am currently using Windows 8. How can I address this issue?"

For most Windows users, it's no longer a novel issue to encounter the error message "Your PC's CPU isn't compatible with Windows 8/8.1/10" or "CPU isn't supported" on Windows 10/8.1/8. While many proficient computer users have managed to resolve this issue independently, a considerable number of non-expert average Windows users might still stumble upon this problem when attempting to update or install a new Windows system on their devices. How can these issues be addressed? Discover relevant solutions tailored for your computer now.

Fix 1: Resolve "CPU is not supported with Windows 10" error

Firstly, please ensure that your PC meets the following requirements:

1. The PC is running the latest operating system: Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1. If not, upgrade to the newest version first;
2. Have a processor or System on a Chip (SoC) that runs at 1 GHz or faster;
3. For 32-bit systems, ensure you have at least 1 GB of RAM, or 2 GB for 64-bit systems;
4. Allocate a minimum of 16 GB of hard disk space for 32-bit or 20 GB for 64-bit systems;
5. The graphics card must have DirectX 9 or later with a WDDM 1.0 driver;
6. The display resolution should be 1024*600 or higher.

Method 1: Run Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser to Resolve CPU Not Supported/Compatible Error with Windows Patch

1. Open the Control Panel and click on Windows Update. Then, select View update history and check if the Windows patch is listed in the results:

For Windows 8/8.1, the patch is KB2976978;
For Windows 7, the patch is KB2952664;

If your current system does not have the patch, please first download and install it by clicking on the download links: KB2976978 link and KB2952664 link.

2. Open CMD by following: Press Win + R, type CMD, and click OK to open the Command Prompt. Alternatively, you can search for Command Prompt and choose Run as Administrator.

3. Type: schtasks.exe /Run /TN "\Microsoft\Windows\Application Experience\Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser" and press Enter.

Fix Your PC's CPU is not compatible with Windows 10/8 error.

Method 2: Enable the NX Bit (No Execute Bit) in BIOS to resolve the CPU not supported nx issue

1. Restart your PC and boot into the BIOS. Locate the NX setting within the Advanced Configuration menu.

2. Enable: Execute Disable Memory Protection, EDB (Execute Disable Bit), EVP (Enhanced Virus Protection), and No Execute Memory Protect. Enable the following options: Execute Disable Memory Protection, EDB (Execute Disable Bit), EVP (Enhanced Virus Protection), and No Execute Memory Protect.

Fix CPU is not compatible/supported issue in Windows 10/8.1/8/7.

3. Save all the changes you've made, and then exit the BIOS.

Fix 2: Resolve the 'Your PC's CPU isn't compatible with Windows 8' error

To resolve this error, kindly adhere to the manufacturer's instructions to activate the NX or its equivalent XD feature in the BIOS settings. Simply ensure that you enable:

    • No Execute Memory Protect
    • Execute Disabled Memory Protection
    • EDB (Execute Disabled Bit)
    • EVP (Enhanced Virus Protection)

The solution to resolve the "Your PC's CPU isn't compatible with Windows 8" error is similar to Method 2 in Fix 1.

If the BIOS setting for NX (XD, EDB, EVP) support is not available on your computer system, please contact the manufacturer to update the BIOS.

Additional Tips to Address CPU Incompatibility Issues with Windows 10/8.1/8

In addition to the recommended methods above, some other effective tips can also significantly help with system update errors or resolve CPU compatibility issues.

Tip 1. Extend/Free Space for System Partition, Clean Up Junk Files, Check and Fix System/File System Errors

This will be incredibly helpful in resolving internal errors within the Windows system, thus preventing CPU compatibility issues under Windows 10/8/7. Additionally, extending or freeing up space for the system partition can effectively address issues with Windows failing to install, installation getting stuck, or slow boot problems. There's an efficient method that makes it easy to tackle all these complex tasks. What is it? A professional partition manager software - tools Partition Master will assist you in fixing these problems for free. Just a few simple clicks, and you're good to go!

Tip 2: Revert to a Previous System When the CPU is Not Supported or a CPU-Compatible Bug Appears

When attempting to update or install the Windows system, if the system alerts you with an incompatible or unsupported CPU message, you can try reverting to the previous system using a system backup image. It is strongly advised to create backup images for crucial data and the system on your PC before undertaking any updates or new Windows installations. The Todo Backup Free tool ensures 100% security and offers a free solution to back up all essential data and systems using a compressed image format.