My current HP desktop that won't support Windows 11 can I use it as a monitor with another Desktop?

[JRH-GCT]

My HP All-in-One desktop doesn't have enough RAM to run Windows 11.  I assume it can't be opened up to upgrade the RAM.  I really like the 27" screen on this existing Desktop.  I can buy a new HP desktop tower only from Costco (which I assume comes with Windows 11, but I haven't yet checked).   

I would like to use my existing All-in-One screen as a monitor for the new tower.  Will this work?  Or will I have to turn on the old All-in-One to even get the screen to come on; in which case I assume it will only be linked to the existing CPU and operating system.  Ideas?    

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Below is the link to the product specs for your PC:

HP Pavilion All-in-One 27-a127c

The HDMI port is output only which means that you cannot use your PC's display for another device.

The specs indicate your PC has 16 GB or memory which far exceeds W11's minimum 4 GB memory requirement.

What doesn't meet the hardware specs is the i7-6700T processor.

Microsoft has set the minimum Intel processor requirements at the Intel 8th gen core processors or newer and your PC's motherboard already has the best processor that can be installed.

The only way you can install W11 on your PC would be to use a workaround to do an in-place upgrade that bypasses the W11 hardware checks.

If you are interested in doing that, let me know and I will give you the procedure that I use which is very easy to do.

[JRH-GCT]

Thanks Paul,

Your response was clear and very helpful.  Yes, I would like to know the workaround, please.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Watch this video, which is the easiest way to do it in my opinion, and I have used several different ways to do this during the last 3 years.

How to Install Windows 11 on Unsupported PC in 2025 (New Easiest Method, No CMD)

Download the W24H2 ISO file and use that (3rd option).

Download Windows 11

You can download the free 7-Zip file utility from the link below. The top line is for 64 bit.

7-Zip

You'll have to repeat this or a similar procedure if and when Microsoft rolls out the new W11 builds because a PC that does not meet Microsoft's minimum W11 hardware requirements will never automatically get the update to the next build.

They have been releasing new W11 builds each October so far.

Other than that, your PC will continue to get the monthly cumulative and other updates.

That's only a minor inconvenience to have continued OS support beyond October of 2025.

If things don't work right on W11, you have 10 days to easily go back to W10 as long as you don't delete the W1 upgrade files or the Windows.old folder.

How to Go Back to Windows 10 from Windows 11 (Tutorial)

I upgraded a HP desktop PC with an Intel i5-6500T processor a couple of years ago to W11 and it has been working perfectly ever since.