Microsoft has strict hardware requirements for running Windows 11, and one of the most critical components is the CPU. Only certain processor models are officially supported to ensure system compatibility, security, and performance.

Can I Upgrade My CPU to Make My PC or Laptop Compatible with Windows 11 Pro?

Answer: No. CPU compatibility with Windows 11 is tied to the chipset generation. The shift from Intel’s 7th to 8th generation involved a fundamental change in chipset architecture. You cannot upgrade a 7th Gen system by simply installing an 8th Gen processor—it won’t work due to motherboard incompatibility.

Intel Core Series CPUs: 8th Gen and Newer Required

Windows 11 requires, at minimum, Intel 8th Gen (Coffee Lake) processors or newer. Supported generations include:

• i3-8th Gen, i5-8th Gen, i7-8th Gen
• i3-9th Gen, i5-9th Gen, i7-9th Gen, i9-9th Gen
• i3-10th Gen, i5-10th Gen, i7-10th Gen, i9-10th Gen
• i3-11th Gen,i5-11th Gen,i7-11th Gen
• 12th Gen (12000 series)
• 13th Gen (13000 series)
• 14th Gen (14000 series)
• Intel® Core™ Ultra Series (newest on the market)

Why Security Matters: TPM 2.0 Requirement

A key reason behind the generation cutoff is security. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module), a chip built into the motherboard that enables features like:

• Secure Boot
• BitLocker Encryption
• Hardware-level malware protection

Although Windows 11 can be manually installed on unsupported systems, some apps and features may not function correctly without TPM 2.0.

At Windows 11 Upgrade

We stock mainly business-grade, refurbished Intel Core i-series laptops and PCs, fully compatible with Windows 11 Pro. We also carry some AMD and Xeon systems, but our main focus is on:

• Intel® Core™ i3, i5, i7, i9 – 8th Gen and newer

Check Compatibility by Generation:

• Intel Core i3-8th Gen, Intel Core i5-8th Gen,  Intel Core i7-8th Gen
• Intel Core 9th Gen – View Full List
• Intel Core 10th Gen – View Full List
• Intel Core 11th Gen – View Full List
• Intel Core 12th Gen – View Full List
• Intel Core 13th Gen – View Full List

How Can You Tell if Your PC is Incompatible?

If your computer has a 7th Gen or older Intel processor, it's not officially supported for Windows 11.

1. Press Windows + R, type dxdiag, and hit Enter
2. Find the Processor listed in the window
3. If the number after “i3,” “i5,” “i7,” or “i9” starts with a 7 (e.g., i5-7500), it’s a 7th Gen – not supported

Still not sure? Contact us and we’ll help you confirm your system’s compatibility with Windows 11 Pro.