AMD Discusses Ryzen Compatibility with Upcoming Windows Version Requirements

AMD Discusses Ryzen Compatibility with Upcoming Windows Version Requirements

AMD Discusses Windows 10 Phase-Out and the Future of Copilot+ PCs

As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft has officially concluded support for Windows 10. Although the tech giant continues to offer updates through its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, it recently provided vital technical resources for enterprise PC users to facilitate ESU activation. This shift in operating system support has important implications for hardware manufacturers like AMD.

To delve deeper into how AMD is preparing for this critical transition, we engaged with Jason Banta, who provided insights into the company’s robust hardware offerings and readiness for the evolving Windows landscape, potentially including the anticipated Windows 12.

Innovation Opportunities Amidst OS Transition

Q: With the end of Windows 10 support, how does AMD perceive the urgency of this refresh cycle in comparison to prior OS transitions, considering that millions of devices remain on Windows 10? What challenges and opportunities does this present?

Jason Banta: The conclusion of Windows 10 support marks one of the major refresh milestones for the PC industry in a long time. As the deadline approaches, we see a growing interest in upgrading, prompting both consumers and businesses to rethink what a modern PC can accomplish. This shift offers significant opportunities for innovation, and our objective with Microsoft and our OEM partners is to ensure that moving forward feels like a genuine advancement rather than a mere lateral shift.

For users migrating from older systems, switching to Windows 11 on an AMD Ryzen platform provides clear benefits—enhanced performance, extended battery life, and advanced on-device AI capabilities previously unavailable. This combination underscores the importance of modernizing one’s technology.

The Distinctive Role of Copilot+ PCs

Q: Microsoft is touting Copilot+ PCs as the ideal upgrade. From AMD’s perspective, what differentiates a Copilot+ PC from traditional Windows 11 PCs, particularly regarding the role of the Neural Processing Unit (NPU)?

Jason Banta: Copilot+ PCs are engineered for on-device AI functionality, with the NPU being central to this design. It runs AI workloads locally, enabling features like “Click-to-Do” and “Recall.” This approach ensures swift responses, enhanced data protection, and optimized power consumption. Our introduction of the first NPU in x86 PCs in 2023, along with the Ryzen AI 300 Series boasting up to 50 TOPS performance, showcases our commitment to these capabilities.

While traditional Windows 11 PCs are still valuable, Copilot+ systems provide experiences that evolve over time based on user interaction, further enhancing responsiveness and personalization as more apps leverage local acceleration technologies.

AMD’s Strategic Roadmap for AI Workloads

Q: How has AMD optimized its hardware roadmap, including Ryzen AI, for AI workloads compared to earlier generations? How do AMD Copilot+ PCs stack up against Intel’s offerings in AI performance, efficiency, and pricing?

Jason Banta: Ryzen AI was purpose-built for AI applications on PCs. Following the launch of the first x86 NPU in 2023, we have continually refined our architecture to enhance efficiency and synergy among the CPU, GPU, and NPU. Our current Ryzen AI MAX processors offer up to 16 Zen 5 CPU cores, an XDNA 2 NPU with 50 TOPS capability, and up to 40 RDNA compute units for impressive graphics performance. This balanced framework directs workloads to the most suitable engine, which positively impacts battery life and overall responsiveness in Copilot+ tasks.

Our key advantage lies in our extensive product range and scalability. We provide AI-capable PCs across diverse segments—consumers, commercial markets, and creators—ensuring that our partners can deliver consistent designs that meet various performance and budgetary needs. This well-rounded portfolio enhances AMD’s position in an increasingly AI-integrated market.

Addressing Concerns in Enterprise and Consumer Markets

Q: How do you anticipate the refresh cycle will differ between enterprise and consumer markets, especially considering enterprises’ cautious approach to AI adoption? What is AMD’s strategy in conjunction with Microsoft to position Copilot+ PCs as vital for productivity and security?

Jason Banta: In enterprise settings, the discussions typically center around security, compliance, and manageability. Windows 11 introduces a more robust foundation with features such as TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot as standards. With our AMD PRO technologies available on Ryzen PRO and Ryzen AI PRO commercial WeUs, we offer hardware-based protections and remote management tools that work seamlessly with Microsoft’s ecosystem.

Moreover, many organizations view this transition as an opportunity to boost productivity. AMD’s Zen 5 cores are designed for rapid and efficient task execution. On-device AI features like Copilot can significantly streamline workflows and enhance decision-making processes.

On the consumer front, the incentives to upgrade are compelling: improved performance, extended battery life, heightened security, and innovative tools like Image Creator from Copilot+.We’re collaborating closely with OEMs to make these advancements accessible across a spectrum of price points, from entry-level to premium Ryzen AI systems.

A Vision for Future-Proof AI PCs

Q: Looking toward the future, how does AMD forecast the evolution of the AI PC segment? What steps is AMD taking to prepare for potential next-gen operating systems such as Windows 12 and ensure that today’s Copilot+ PCs remain capable in the long run?

Jason Banta: Every AMD design is aimed at ensuring longevity. Our high-performance cores, GPUs, and NPUs are crafted to tackle even the most demanding applications. The socket architecture we employ for desktops is designed with future upgrades in mind, and our software solutions adapt alongside shifts within the PC landscape.

The advent of AI PCs marks the beginning of a new chapter in personal computing. We are actively collaborating with Microsoft and the broader ecosystem to align our standards with frameworks like Windows ML, ONNX, and Model Context Protocol. This collaboration ensures that AMD hardware, drivers, and software will be prepared for future advancements. Our ultimate goal is to guarantee that a Ryzen AI system purchased today is not only compatible with forthcoming Windows features but is also optimized for them.

In summary, AMD appears optimistic about the opportunities arising from the end of Windows 10 support, while also emphasizing the importance of compatibility with potential upcoming systems. While many Windows 10 PCs may no longer meet the eligibility requirements for Windows 11, AMD suggests that Copilot+ PCs will be primed for whatever comes next in the Windows ecosystem.

We extend our sincere gratitude to AMD and Jason Banta for their insights and willingness to engage with us on these critical topics.

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