Processor compatibility for Windows Upgrade

[SkySentinel]

HP Notebook - 17t-x100 CTO Model #: W0Z44AV

Processor: Intel Core i7-7500U CPU @ 2.70GHz, 2904 Mhz, 2 Core(s), 4 Logical Processor(s)

Hello all. I just learned that the processor in my HP laptop (5 years old) is not listed among the acceptable processors by Microsoft, for upgrade to Windows 11. From everything I've read on the Microsoft site, my processor meets all requirements. I think this may have been an oversight on Microsoft's part. Any suggestions as to what I should do, besides buying a new laptop? Any help would be appreciated

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Your notebook's processor does not meet the W11 hardware requirements.  It needs to be an Intel 8th gen or newer core processor.

The processor is an integral part of the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.

If you want to upgrade to W11, you will have to use one of the several W11 hardware check bypass methods to upgrade to W11.

I found this method to be the easiest way to do that.

https://dongknows.com/steps-for-windows-11-upgrade-on-unsupported-hardware/ 

Before upgrading to W11, I recommend that you make a system image of your current W10 installation prior to updating to W11, so you can easily reinstall W10 in the future.  I used the free Macrium Reflect software to do that, under the Backup at Home section. 

Along with the system image, make sure you create the bootable DVD or USB rescue drive you boot from to access the system image stored on your portable hard drive.

Macrium Software | Reflect Free Edition

[SkySentinel]

Thank you for your quick reply.

I wonder how MS updates of Windows 11 would be affected, using this method? I ask because they caution that updates would not be available for systems installed on non-specified PCs (processors).

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Currently, your PC will get all of the cumulative and security updates for Windows 11, and maybe even some driver updates.

I know this because I have upgraded 11 HP and Dell notebook and desktop PCs that did not meet the W11 hardware requirements to W11.

A couple don't even have a UEFI BIOS.

I compare the updates I get on my non-W11 supported PC's with one that is fully supported for W11.  They have all gotten the same cumulative and security updates.

What none of us know is what will happen when Microsoft releases the first major update to W11 in October.

Some folks are speculating that if W11 is installed, you will get the update.

I do not share that opinion.

My opinion is that PC's that don't meet the hardware requirements will not get the update, and hopefully, we can download the ISO file and use that guy's file to bypass the hardware checks again to upgrade to the new release of W11, just like we did going from W10 to W11.  I can't think of any reason why that would not work.

I'm not overly concerned because someone will figure a way to do it regardless, and the internet will be buzzing with solutions.

[NJS-1]

Am I correct it is the CPU that is not to spec for Win11?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

That is correct.

Here is the complete list of AMD processors supported for W11:

Windows processor requirements Windows 11 supported AMD processors | Microsoft Docs

[NJS-1]

Thank u.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.