Users using Windows 10, of which there are still a large number, will need to make a decision. The operating system introduced in 2015 is incompatible with Wi-Fi 7, the new wireless transmission standard that offers improved stability and speed.
Windows 10 smells like fir for the operating system even though Microsoft keeps updating it and it isn't yet out of date. We already know that the Redmond behemoth will cease providing upgrades in 2025. Additionally, we now know that Windows 10 won't support one of the significant advancements in connectivity: Wi-Fi 7.
For the operating system, a serious blow. Consequently, you must update the OS if you crave speed. However, keep in mind that if upgrading to Windows 11 is still free, you'll need a very new PC or to force the OS upgrade on a device that can't support it.
WI-FI 7 IS GOING TO IMPASSE ON WINDOWS 10
According to a document from Intel and broadcast on X (Twitter), Wi-Fi 7 should offer a TCP TPT rate that can reach 5 Gb/s and a TCP TT rate that can go up to 3 Gb/s. Something to dream of those who rail against the Wi-Fi connection of their box or their router, even if almost all are now compatible with Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E. The other promise of Wi-Fi 7 is above all to use a 3rd frequency band (that of 6 GHz), in order to unclog beaches. Even faster and more stable throughput, that's what Wi-Fi 7 has in store for us.
But compatibility with the transmission standard is perhaps the most important piece of information to come out of the Intel publication. Wi-Fi 7 requires Windows 11, which Windows 10 cannot support, according to Intel. Likewise, neither Qualcomm nor MediaTek CPUs support Windows 10 on the market.
The most customers still use Windows 10, which was released eight years ago. Statcounter reports that 71.1% of users are now using this version of the software, whilst only 23.68% are using Windows 11.
On the other hand, the same document also reveals that Linux and ChromeOS will support Wi-Fi 7. What could cause some people to avoid Microsoft, which will merely alter the operating system?