Processor not compatible with Windows 11

[TormodNor]

I want to upgrade to Windows 11, but I am told that this is not possible with my current processor.

I currently have an AMD Ryzen 7 1700 processor. 3 GHz, 8 cores and AM4 socket.

I see that another user has asked a similar question here earlier and received feedback that it is the motherboard that does not support the requirements.

HP Omen PC 880-p0xx processor not compatible with Windows 11

Is it the socket type in this post that was the problem?

Based on the list of approved processors at Microsoft, for example, the Ryzen 7 5700G, 5700X or 5800X can be used. Windows 11 version 24H2 supported AMD processors

All of these processors have AM4 socket. Will buying one of these solve the requirement specifications for upgrading to Windows 11? Or am I missing something?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Below is the link to the product specs for your PC.

OMEN by HP 880-076no Desktop PC Product Specifications | HP® Support

The best processor you can install in your PC's motherboard would be the AMD Ryzen7-1800X, which does not meet Microsoft's minimum W11 processor requirements.

Other than the processor fitting in the socket, that is the least important aspect for upgrading a processor.

The chipset has to support the processor as well as the BIOS, which only supports the processors listed in the specs.

Even the Ryzen 5 2600 processor, which is the lowest processor that meets Microsoft's minimum hardware requirements wouldn't work in your PC.

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

[TormodNor]

Thanks for the answer!

Is there a way to avoid using the backdoor for unsupported PCs? Will changing both the motherboard and the processor solve the problem? Do you have a motherboard to recommend?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

There aren't any motherboards that I know of that support W11 that would work in your PC.

Case designs change, and things like that.

You're probably better off buying a new PC or a refurbished one that fully supports W11, or use the workaround I posted.

It's free, it works great. 

I have 8 different unsupported PCs running just fine on W11 and they all get all the updates my fully supported W11 PC gets.

They just won't get the next build of W11 that comes out and I will just have to run that workaround on the next update of W11's ISO file.

[TormodNor]

Thanks again!

Buying a new PC sounds like a very bad option based on this feedback. No upgrade options.

This leans more towards buying a cabinet, new motherboard and transferring everything else that can be used. It may sound very unnecessary just for upgrading to W11, but I don't feel the options are good enough.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime. 

Glad to have been of assistance.