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1 Rookie
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6 Posts
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7
September 16th, 2025 22:17
Can I change an Inspiron 3668 desktop PC processor from an i5 to an i7 or higher?
I certainly don't want to buy a new PC so I am looking to upgrade the i5-7400 processor in my Inspiron 3668 to something that can upgrade to Windows 11. The MS Health program indicates that that is the only issue with it. The question is CAN I DO IT without any fancy tools or a new motherboard. That would be getting out of my comfort zone. Can I just pop it out and go? Would I have to do something to the BIOS setup?
Or should I just take it to Best Buy or somewhere?
Thanks!
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ejn63
10 Elder
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29.2K Posts
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September 16th, 2025 22:54
Can you install Windows 11? Yes, in unsupported mode.
Can you upgrade the system to a CPU that fully supports Windows 11? No.
bobcmil
1 Rookie
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September 16th, 2025 23:06
@ejn63 Well, that's the opposite of what Dell Support suggested, which doesn't surprise me. Would you recommend installing Win11 in unsupported (?) mode as I have seen on many websites? I have made so many upgrades to this PC over the years (like adding 2 extra hard drives and replacing the C drive with an SSD) that I hate to replace it.
Thank you.
redxps630
9 Legend
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14.6K Posts
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September 16th, 2025 23:50
upgrade cpu is easy low level difficulty. but i5-7400 to i7-7700 benefit is marginal. you can run Win 11 np with i5 or i7 7th gen.
ejn63
10 Elder
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29.2K Posts
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September 17th, 2025 00:27
@bobcmil
For now, you can run in unsupported mode -- for how long that remains an option, that's unknown.
Eventually Microsoft will enforce the CPU floor - at that point it'll be necessary to decide whether a new system is in order, or a non-Microsoft OS option is the path forward.