Want to upgrade CPU to allow virtualization and upgrade to Windows 11

[saut74]

Hello,

This might be redundant, but I would like to upgrade my CPU to allow virtualization and upgrade to Windows 11.  I don't believe I can update the BIOS anymore and if somebody could suggest a CPU that is compatible, that would be great!  Details about my system are below.  If more details are needed, please let me know.  

Thank you for the support.  

System Model:  HP Z400 Workstation

BIOS Version/Date:  Hewlett-Packard 786G3 v03.61, 3/5/2019

SMBIOS Version:  2.6

System Type:  x64-based PC

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

There aren't any processors that would work in your PC that meet Microsoft's minimum W11 hardware requirements to run W11.   Your PC probably falls short of meeting other W11 hardware requirements such as a UEFI BIOS, Secure Boot support and it only would have a TPM 1.2 security device and W11 requires a TPM 2.0 security chip.

The intel processor specs for the least powerful processor offered in the model series indicates it support virtualization.

Specs HP Intel Xeon W3503 processor 2.4 GHz 4 MB L3 (538618-001)

You can still upgrade to W11 without a supported processor or a TPM 2.0 security device, but you have to use a workaround to do so that bypasses the W11 hardware checks.

If you are interested in installing W11 24H2 via an in-place upgrade 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 or a similar 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 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)

[saut74]

Thank you for the response.  It seems like a new computer might be the best option.  I can't really get virtual machines to run on the current computer and I am not really sure how Windows 11 will turn out.  

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.