For sure, Windows 11's CPU requirement has effectively ensure that CPUs going forward have some Specture/Meltdown mitigation in hardware. However, I would argue

For sure, Windows 11's CPU requirement has effectively ensure that CPUs going forward have some Specture/Meltdown mitigation in hardware. However, I would argue that the line wasn't drawn purely on technical reasons, but with non-technical considerations as well. Initially, Windows 11 requires an Intel 8th gen or above CPU, but they went back to add the Core i7-7820HQ CPUs to ensure that the Surface Studio 2 currently in-market could receive the upgrade. Or consider that some 7th gen and 8th gen CPUs are based on Kaby Lake, but only 8th gen CPUs are supported. The OEMs are also quite excited about getting people to replace their computers[1]. I am sure that's part of the consideration. [1]: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/05/microsofts-panos-panay-explains-balancing-surface-keeping-oems-happy.html https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/05/microsofts-panos-panay-expla...