As reported by ZDNet, some owners of Windows laptop / tablet devices - also known as 2-in-1s - are seeing a confusing error message. This can appear when Windows 10 attempts to install the Creators Update, the most recent major upgrade to the operating system.
Although Windows will download the installation files for the update, it will refuse to install it and display a message saying:
Windows 10 is no longer supported on this PC. Uninstall this app now because it isn't compatible with Windows 10.
That's both worrying and confusing. Windows 10 was offered as a free upgrade for a lot of 2-in-1s which originally came with Windows 8 around 2012-2014. And since the nagging to upgrade was incessant, plenty of people upgraded.
Which processors are affected?
A post on Microsoft's answers site back in April shows a warned that devices with Clover Trail processors weren't compatible with the Creators Update and that, "Due to driver issues, icons and text may not appear at all, or may appear as solid color blocks on devices containing these processors."
Clover Trail is the codename for certain Intel Atom processors. Specifically, the Z2760, Z2520, Z2560 and Z2580 are (currently) unsupported.
These are low-power chips that were also used for Android phones and tablets, such as the Asus ZenFone 4.
At the time, Microsoft was said to be working with Acer, HP and other manufacturers to release compatible drivers.
We've asked Microsoft to clarify the situation, but until we receive a response, here's what you need to know.
How can I install the Creators Update then?
First, you can't. And if you're merely worried, then know that you don't need to do anything right now. Your current version of Windows 10 will continue to receive security updates until at least early 2018, so you should be protected from malware that exploits security holes in previous versions of Windows.
However, do make sure you're also running one of the best antivirus packages as well.
Second, there is no 'app' to uninstall. This part of the error message appears to refer to the Creators Update itself, which hasn't been installed. It's especially confusing because, logically, Windows 10 cannot be incompatible with itself.
The big question is whether drivers - or some other fix - will be forthcoming for these Atom processors. If not, you'll be able to continue to use your device after the patches stop but it's not a good idea from a security point of view.
On Microsoft's website, there are no official 'end of support' dates for any version of Windows 10 apart from the original (version 1507).
Support ended on 9 May 2017 for that, but since Windows 10 has received two major updates since that - and is set to install them automatically - very few people will be running that version.
Again, when Microsoft responds to our request for comment, we'll update this article.
