Windows 11 upgrade - processor not compatible

[Ejansen5]

Per PC Health, my processor Intel Core i7-7700T CPU @ 2.9GHz is not compatible with Windows 11 - can this processor be switched out, to which recommended new one, or is there any other options to upgrade to Windows 11 before Oct 2025?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Your PC's motherboard only supports up to the Intel 7th gen core processors.

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)