Upgrade CPU

[Kacc1123]

Is there any CPU that I can upgrade to?  Was looking at the 7th gen i7 7700 since the motherboard can handle the 7th gen processor. Information is so vague I cannot find any true answers. Already upgraded to a SSD, and to 16g of dd4. Just wanting to upgrade CPU to get windows 11 so the kids can use for schoolwork and very minor gaming. Thanks in advance. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Your PC only supports the Intel 'T' low wattage processors such as the i7-7700T (if you know the motherboard supports 7th gen core processors), and I can't find any motherboard specs for your PC.

The parts list indicates your PC comes with an i3-6100T processor.

HP PartSurfer

If you want to install a better processor, I would play it safe and install the i7-6700T.

However, if your goal is to run W11 on the PC, you need an Intel 8th generation core processor at a minimum, and your PC will definitely not support one of those.

If you are happy with your PC, and if you are interested in doing an in-place upgrade from W10 > W11 24H2 on your PC as is, watch this video, which is the easiest way to do it in my opinion, and I have tried many 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 each October when Microsoft rolls out the new builds because a PC that does not meet Microsoft's minimum W11 hardware requirements will never automatically get the update to the next build.

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 the PC does not work as well on W11 as it did on W10, you have 10 days to easily go back to W10 as long as you don't delete the W11 upgrade files or the Windows.old folder.

See option 1 at the link below for how to go back to W10:

How to Downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10