I'm primarily a gamer, and with Windows 10 reaching the end of its life, I'm considering my options for upgrading to Windows 11. My current setup includes an Intel i7 7700k CPU and an MSI motherboard that only supports 7th generation Intel chips, which I just learned won't run Windows 11. I'm not sure if I should go ahead and upgrade my motherboard and CPU or look for a workaround. Any advice?
4 Answers
It turns out that Intel's 7th gen processors really can be a roadblock for Windows 11, which is a bummer. If you're considering an upgrade, going for an AM5 board might be worth it in the future. But if your CPU is still doing fine for gaming, you might just want to install Windows 11 through a workaround like Rufus, though I'd only recommend that if your current setup feels sufficient to you.
If your only reason for upgrading is to get Windows 11, there are ways to bypass the restrictions. Lots of guides out there can help you install it anyway. It won't cost you anything, so you might want to look into that since you mainly use your PC for gaming.
Honestly, you should think about swapping out that 7th gen CPU for something more modern. If you're not ready to spend the money right now and are happy with your current gaming performance, try looking into using Rufus or stick with Windows 10 for now. But long-term, a basic AM5 build could be a smart move.
Upgrading really depends on how much you value getting to Windows 11! If you're okay running Windows 10 for now without official support, then there's no rush. But don’t forget, you can always just keep using your current setup until you feel the need for a change.
That's actually my main reason! But am I putting myself at risk by not upgrading? At this point, I mostly just game on it.