My Optiplex 3050 Does Not Meet Win11 Requirements (Processor)

Thanks for the support JOcean

For info, the processor is an Intel Core i5-7500 CPU

I've done a lot of research and am aware of the option to install Win11, however, I'm exploring whether it is possible to replace just the processor, as that is my preferred option.

From the list you supplied, my preference would be Intel Core i5-7500 (QC/6MB/4T/3.4GHz/65W)

However, from my research, this is not supported for Win 11

Microsoft Docs - Windows 11 supported Intel processors 

@tomohawk_300154 , are you looking for a list of supported processors for your motherboard or you are looking for a list of supported processors for Win 11?  

Your device were built with processors made 5 years ago.  None of the 5 years old processors make into the list of Microsoft for Win 11.

You can either get a new device with support or you can support your old device.

Thanks Zinc 3

I am looking at replacing the processor (to comply with Win 11 requirements), rather than buy a new PC. I'm fairly technically literate, but this is beyond my pay grade and I need expert advice before I proceed.

I'm aware that socket type needs to be the same, but beyond that, I'm lost. For example, I've seen some statements that the replacement processor needs to be "compatible" with the motherboard (whatever that means) and also that the BIOS could also cause issues.

I'm hoping someone can give me directions with a) selecting a fully compatible Win 11 approved processor (with inbuilt graphics) and b) where to purchase (I live in Ireland, so UK/Europe)

@tomohawk_300154 , it's very good that you are technically literate.  That meant you could understand that I had given you all the information for your inquiries and provided the possible solutions to your issues. 

There is no need to look for a fully compatible Win 11 approved processor because your PC as a whole is not on Dell supported list.  Therefore, no support for Win 11 drivers from Dell. 

So the solution is:  You can either get a new device with Win 11 supported or you can support your own device.

Happy to help out but keep in mind that an 8th Gen CPU is not supported in your system as @Chino de Oro alluded to. Either stay with Windows 10, a very stable platform which will be supported up to 2025, or do an install of Windows 11 using the media creation tool which will probably run fine but with no support from Dell or MS.

@JOcean​ If I download the media creation tool like you mentioned will I get security updates since my CPU is not compatible? 

@RoadRunner1000​ This page at Zdnet may help but briefly MS has been saying for a long time now (since Windows 11 release) that unsupported hardware will not get updates and they could render an unsupported system unusable. BUT they have yet to actually carry through with their plan and general knowledge is that Windows 11 is not as widely accepted as they had hoped. So Windows 12 release later this year could make that plan a fait accompli. So even if you are running Windows 11 it may be that you will need much newer hardware to run Windows 12. Confused yet, so are a great many Windows users.