Upgrading Your Laptop CPU for Windows 11: A Guide

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If you’re looking to install Windows 11 on your PC but find it doesn’t meet the hardware requirements, don’t worry! There’s a way to successfully achieve this with a simple workaround. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

First things first, remember that your processor is a crucial part of your motherboard and cannot be upgraded. HP’s service manual states that none of their motherboards in certain models support Intel’s 8th generation core processors. So what can you do?

Accepted Solution

The only way to get Windows 11 installed on your PC is to bypass its strict hardware checks. Here’s how to do that:

Prepare Your Tools: Start by downloading the Windows 11 ISO file. You can find it on Microsoft’s official website here.
Get 7-Zip: Next, ensure you have a file utility to help you extract the ISO files. Download the free version of 7-Zip from this link (make sure to choose the 64-bit option if that matches your system).
Watch the Helpful Video: If you’re unsure about the process, I recommend checking out this quick and easy guide on how to install Windows 11 on unsupported PCs. It’s user-friendly and has made the process much simpler for many users:
How to Install Windows 11 on Unsupported PC in 2025.
Installation: Follow the instructions in the video to perform an in-place upgrade to Windows 11.
Monitor for Updates: After you successfully install Windows 11, you’ll need to remember that every October, when Microsoft rolls out new builds, you’ll have to repeat this installation process. Your PC won’t automatically get these updates since it doesn’t meet the minimum hardware requirements. The good news is that you’ll still receive monthly updates.
Backup Plan: If you experience any issues with Windows 11, you have a 10-day window to revert back to Windows 10—just make sure you don’t delete the upgrade files or the Windows.old folder. If you need help with this, refer to this video for details:
How to Go Back to Windows 10 from Windows 11.

While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, it allows you to continue receiving operating system support beyond October 2025. Enjoy your new operating system, and happy computing!