Microsoft’s Windows 11 operating system is now rolling out. To be eligible for Windows 11, you’ll need a 64-bit processor (selected), 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, UEFI secure boot, and TPM 2.0. Many users were upset about the system requirements for the new operating system. With a restricted list of compatible CPUs, many users found that their devices with Intel 7th generation are not compatible with Windows 11.
Is the Intel Core i7-7700K CPU compatible with Windows 11?
- No, Intel Core i7-7700k is not compatible with Windows 11 as it is not listed in the supported processor’s list.
Microsoft announced they had included 10 Intel 7th generation processors in their list of compatible 64-bit processors. Now Intel Core i7-7820HQ, i5-7640X, i7-7740X, i7-7800X, i7-7820X, i7-7900X, i7-7920X, i9-7940X, i9-7960X, and i9-7980XE (if it supports Microsoft’s DHC design principles) will be eligible for Windows 11 upgrade. Select devices (including the Surface Studio 2) with the Intel Core 7820HQ can be upgraded to Windows 11. Sadly, no other Intel 7th generation CPUs are compatible with Windows 11.
Some frustrated users said that it is a bad movement from Microsoft. If the processor meets the requirements, it should work. We could understand for 6th Generation or below CPUs, but not supporting an i7-7700k CPU is ridiculous. Three years ago, the i7-7700k was very popular among enthusiasts.
How to Install Windows 11 on Intel Core i7-7700K powered PC?
Windows 11 can be installed on eligible PC using (1) Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO), (2) Installation Media, and (3) Installation Assistant. As Intel Core i7-7700k is not supported by Windows 11, you can’t install it using the Windows Update method. Don’t worry; you may still be able to upgrade to Windows 11 using a bootable USB flash drive or ISO file to perform a clean install.
For unsupported hardware, Microsoft has shared a registry hack. So if you see “This PC doesn’t currently meet Windows 11 system requirements” or “The processor isn’t currently supported for Windows 11”, using Microsoft’s approved registry hack, you can install Windows 11.
To install Windows 11 on i7-7700K, follow the below steps:
Step 1: Download the latest Windows 11 ISO and create a bootable USB drive.
Step 2: Press the Win+R key and type regedit to open the Registry Editor.
Step 3: Head over to the path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > Setup > MoSetup
Step 4: Left-click on the MoSetup entry and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) value. Name the value
AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU
Step 5: Double-click on the newly created entity and enter 1 in the Value Data field> hit OK. Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.
Step 6: Your Intel Core i7-7700k PC is now ready to install Windows 11 from a USB Drive.
Alternatively, check out this easy “Force Windows 11 Upgrade” trick.
Warning: Installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC is not recommended. If you install, you should be comfortable assuming the risk of running into compatibility issues. Your PC will no longer be supported and won’t be entitled to receive updates. Minimum requirements help ensure a more reliable and higher quality experience.
