Basic Upgrade

Rocketrob5 · 16 Feb 2026 at 11:42

Need to upgrade a PC to run Windows 11. Currently a Gen 6 intel i5, and mobo supports up to gen 6, so not W11 compatible.
I was assuming Intel CPU and mobo, and keep current Windows install then upgrade to W11 - trying to avoid having to do a fresh install. Intel options are considerably more expensive then AMD though, and apparently less reliable.

Question is, can I swap to AMD and expect current Windows install to be ok? What would be the most cost-effective option? Currently has on-board graphics and used for home office, web browsing etc.

Thanks

Armageus · 16 Feb 2026 at 11:49

Rocketrob5 said:
I was assuming Intel CPU and mobo, and keep current Windows install then upgrade to W11 - trying to avoid having to do a fresh install.

In 99% of cases you will be able to move an existing install from Intel > AMD or vice versa without issues. My current Work Windows 10 Install has moved between 3 different lots of hardware Intel>AMD>Intel with no issues

Fluffybob · 16 Feb 2026 at 11:57

I put Win11 on an Gen 6 i5 using a Rufus made win11 USB, worked fine with the requirements removed in the checklist before creating the image.

Rocketrob5 · 16 Feb 2026 at 14:04

Armageus said:
In 99% of cases you will be able to move an existing install from Intel > AMD or vice versa without issues. My current Work Windows 10 Install has moved between 3 different lots of hardware Intel>AMD>Intel with no issues

Thanks, that's a relief as there seem to be some mixed opinions

Rocketrob5 · 16 Feb 2026 at 14:04

Fluffybob said:
I put Win11 on an Gen 6 i5 using a Rufus made win11 USB, worked fine with the requirements removed in the checklist before creating the image.

Thanks, I'll look into that.

Fluffybob · 16 Feb 2026 at 14:33

Rocketrob5 said:
Thanks, I'll look into that.

Instruction video here