4 Posts
1
15023
17 R3, can't run Windows 11?
My Alienware 17 R3 reports it can't run Windows 11. I have TPM 2.0 up and configured properly, UEFI enabled in the Bios, DirectX 12 installed, 32G of ram and running an 8G Nvidia 1080 Ti in the graphics amplifier, 3 TB of onboard HDD/SSD storage.
I'm puzzled. Windows tool doesn't report what it is specifically objecting to. Anyone else getting this?
ejn63
10 Elder
10 Elder
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24.8K Posts
2
June 25th, 2021 07:00
No -- the CPU cannot be upgraded/replaced; it's soldered in.
ejn63
10 Elder
10 Elder
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24.8K Posts
1
June 25th, 2021 07:00
If it's a 2020 m17 R3, it should pass the test for 11.
If it's a 2015 17 R3 (sixth generation CPU), it will fail the test because the CPU is pre-8th gen (these had 6th gen Skylake CPUs).
It's not yet totally clear how rigid MS will be with the CPU requirements, but the diagnostic test will fail with anything older than 8th gen CPUs.
BinaryRhyme
4 Posts
0
June 25th, 2021 07:00
Yeah, I figured the first step was to see if there was some kind of detailed troubleshooting info/tools available. I've been googling about and not really finding what I needed - but I'll keep at it. Thanks for the reply.
Mary G
4 Operator
4 Operator
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20.1K Posts
1
June 25th, 2021 07:00
Secure boot? You might just need an adjustment of settings. Lots of info and complaints about this online.
See all the requirements and other info. Windows 11 Specifications - Microsoft
BinaryRhyme
4 Posts
0
June 25th, 2021 07:00
Ahh, ok, I'll check that out, see if that's the issue. Wonder if the CPU can just be replaced, if need be? Nice to have a lead though. Thanks.
Edit: Yeah, I'm running the i7-6820HK, 6th gen Skylake. That was the issue. Thanks.
crimsom
7 Technologist
7 Technologist
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6.1K Posts
1
June 25th, 2021 16:00
Hi @BinaryRhyme have you checked PC compatibility? The Windows PC Health Check Setup Application will check if your current PC meets the requirements to run Windows 11. If so, you can get a free upgrade.
BinaryRhyme
4 Posts
0
June 25th, 2021 16:00
Yes, that app is what caused my initial concern. The issue has been identified; 17 R3 runs a Skylake CPU.
DELL-Chris M
Community Manager
Community Manager
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54.9K Posts
0
June 28th, 2021 07:00
Dell computers tested for upgrade to Windows 11
crimsom
7 Technologist
7 Technologist
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6.1K Posts
0
June 28th, 2021 08:00
The Windows PC Health Check Setup Application currently says Alienware 17 R5 laptop meets the requirements to run Windows 11. But Windows Pro 10 x64 version 21H1 requires reinstall with different settings to be compliant with the current Windows 11 requirements for free upgrade. More information is emerging of additional 'hidden' requirements. Not going to upgrade to Windows 11 any time soon.
Blasitmoto
2 Posts
1
July 15th, 2021 17:00
I have WIN11 running on mine.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Alienware/comments/ol5uko/win11_on_aw17r3/
Blasitmoto
2 Posts
0
July 15th, 2021 17:00
i had to make a bootable usb with rufus in GPT and UEFI mode. In bios, secure boot OFF, UEFI mode, with TPM enabled. Have to add the usb to boot list and set target. Took me some effort to figure out the bios config but it worked. I have an Alienware 17 R3 (2015).
nandrews
2 Posts
0
October 5th, 2021 13:00
My Dell Alienware 15 R3 fails the Health Check on the processor, being a Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-7700HQ CPU @ 2.80GHz 2.80 GHz.
I don't get, that the list of compatible processors goes back to i3 and Atom! So how come my i7, OK it's a few years old but younger than an i3, fails?
Nigel
crimsom
7 Technologist
7 Technologist
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6.1K Posts
0
October 5th, 2021 16:00
Hi @nandrews thank you for sharing your Dell Alienware 15 R3 information. I ran the Windows 11 PC Health Check on my ASUS laptop to see what it says. Evidently it just fails on Processor not suitable for Win11. More information is emerging of additional 'hidden' requirements.
Microsoft is trying to encourage purchase of new laptops, but my Windows 10 Pro version 21H1 with the excellent Windows 7 user interface (from Classic Shell) is my current option.
The Windows 11 kernel version is currently identical to the Windows 10 kernel version, so the only difference is the Windows 11 user interface. Not going to upgrade my Alienware 17 R5 laptop to Windows 11 any time soon.
nandrews
2 Posts
0
October 6th, 2021 10:00
Have you looked at the list of compatible processors? Do you find it strange, like me, that i3 and Atom are compatible when later processors aren't?
Nigel
Alienware Area-51 ALX 2006
5 Practitioner
5 Practitioner
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3.1K Posts
0
October 6th, 2021 10:00
Great news for everyone!
Microsoft is allowing an upgrade to Windows 11 right now!
But only a Upgrade as they say you cant any security updates or anything else if you choose to upgrade a non 8th gen Intel machine from windows 10 to 11.
I believe it doesen't really matter as most of us have anti virus already on our machines and also driver updates are usually from the manufacterer so we don't have to get them from microsoft themselves.
But its your choice to upgrade or you could stay on a very patched windows 10 instead?