Upgrade CPU so as to be compatible with Windows 11

[Sow666]

My CPU apparently does not meet Windows 11 minimum requirements.  I am considering upgrading the CPU.  Intel Core i7 7700 @ 3.60GHz is the CPU.  Socket is LGA 1151   System board:  83C1 1.01     {HP 83C1 (U3E1)}        Bios  F.15     RAM 16

What CPU is compatible with my motherboard and would exceed Win11 requirements?

I suspect I should upgrade my power source, etc...  Maybe throw in a new fan while I am there.  Computer is 7+ yrs old. 

Or is my desktop built so that the CPU is not upgradable easily?

Any help appreciated.  Could always just buy a new desktop...but seems like a waste of a machine.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Your PC's motherboard does not support an Intel 8th gen core processor which would be the minimum W11 Intel processor requirement.

If you are happy with your PC, and if you are interested in doing an in-place upgrade from W10 to W11 24H2 on your PC as is, 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 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)

[Sow666]

Paul

I really appreciated your response

I suspect I will just keep the PC and continue with Windows 10. I suppose I could replace the motherboard and The CPU at the same time. But at that point I would be essentially rebuilding the computer as I suspect I would get a superior power source, fans, etc.

Unless I am mistaken. Easiest thing to do is to keep the PC as it’s running fine; Or just purchasing a new PC as a second cost-effective approach

Thank you again

Mark

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Mark.

I have used the guidance I posted for you to upgrade all of my HP and Dell desktop and notebook PC's to W11 because they all run fine and I still wanted to get OS support beyond October of 2025.

I'm glad I did, because it took all of 15 - 20 minutes and I was on W11.

That video made it super easy.

But you can continue to use W10 as long as you want. 

Your PC just won't get the monthly cumulative and security updates beyond October.

I agree with you...replacing the motherboard (if you could find one that fits your PC's case), buying a processor, etc., it would probably make more sense to just buy a new PC that fully supports W11.

Cheers,

Paul