Trying to Update to Windows 11

[TimKC]

I'm attempting to update my computer so that it will run Windows 11. My computer model# is HP Pavilion 690-0067c. The only upgrades I've done so far was upgrade the Memory to 32 GB. I have the following:

1. HP Sunflower Motherboard (17516-1 Rev. A 348.0AA02.011)  94023-601 W10

2. AMD Ryzen 7 1700 CPU

3. Current BIOS: 8433 v. F.59

From what I understand I need to update the CPU and possibly the BIOS. I've performed some initial research and it appears there are only two CPUs that are compatible with the motherboard (#1 above) that are supported by Windows 11, which are:

A. AMD Ryzen 7 2700

B. AMD Ryzen 5 2600

I need advice on which would be the best  CPU to purchase (A. or B.) that are supportable by the BIOS already on my system (#3) , or one that I can install that is compatible with my motherboard (#1). Also, is there anything else that I may need to update? 

Note: I have a spare AMD Ryzen 5 5600x CPU, but I don't believe that's compatible with my motherboard, even though it is compatible with the CPU socket.

Thanks for any advice you can give me...as a DIYer.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Your PC should work fine with either processor.

If you want to upgrade the processor to install W11 (you can run W11 on your PC as is by using an easy workaround to bypass the W11 hardware check), you may as well max it out to the AMD Ryzen 7 2700.

Regarding updating the BIOS:

It is generally recommended to update the BIOS when installing a different processor.

I checked the release notes for all of the previous BIOS updates and there is no information provided.

This is the latest BIOS update HP released for the Sunflower motherboard:

HP Desktop PCs - motherboard specifications, Sunflower | HP® Support

If you click on the revision history section, you can see the release notes section is empty.

There is a way to access the release notes but it will be somewhat tedious due to the number of BIOS updates that were released.

You can copy and paste the download link and in the web address window and change the .exe to .html and you will get the release notes for that update.

For example, I changed the exe link to an html link for the latest BIOS update and got the release notes page:

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp149001-149500/sp149071.html

If you are interested in installing W11 on your PC as is, watch this video:

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

[TimKC]

Hi Paul I think I'd prefer to Max it out, to have that extra burst of speed as well. I think I'm running the most current BIOS version, but am I correct that I need to validate that the version I have can run that processor OR if the CPU is an acceptable by the motherboard do you think I can safely assume that the most current version of the BIOS could run a better processor like the 2700, since it's not a new processor. I'm happy to spend the time going through the notes if you think it's necessary just to ensure. I'm trying to gage the risk here.

Also, one additional question. For grins, I went on HP's website and had it check my PC for drivers, just to ensure I'm up to date...even though I use the windows update often. It returned a huge list of drivers available for my PC. However, what I'm confused about is whether that means all my existing drivers are outdated for all those OR if it's simply listing all the ones available, in which case some I don't need. I'm not familiar with HPs tool, but it seems like it was the population and you should select only the things that apply to you. As an example, it gave me a Nvidia driver, but I only have the standard graphics card that came with the PC, which is the AMD RX 550. 

Thanks again!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

The Ryzen 7 2700 will work fine with the latest BIOS update your PC has installed so there is no need to waste your time reading the release notes.

The driver page lists every driver combination available for the entire model series.

It is highly unlikely you need to update any drivers except for perhaps the Wi-Fi adapter.

Below is the link to the latest driver HP currently has for the Realtek RTL8821CE Wi-Fi adapter the parts list for your PC indicates that it comes with:

Version 2024.10.230.600

sp160300.exe

Bluetooth:

1.10.1072.3000

sp157128.exe