[Step-by-Step Guide] How to Upgrade CPU in Windows 10/11

You might be wondering about the best way to upgrade the CPU in Windows 10/11. While the process can be somewhat complex, you can accomplish it smoothly by following this step-by-step guide.

There's no disputing that Windows 10 and 11 are excellent operating systems. They're fast, dependable, secure, packed with features, and user-friendly. Users benefit greatly from both Windows offerings. However, you might encounter challenges when upgrading. To assist you, we'll guide you through the process of upgrading the CPU in Windows 10/11.

?Related Reading: How to Upgrade Processor on Laptop

Requirements for Upgrading the CPU in Windows 10/11

Before upgrading the CPU in Windows 10/11, it is crucial to understand the system requirements. Here are all the details listed:

Your device must be running Windows 10/11.

A 64-bit processor with two or more cores running at one gigahertz (GHz) or faster is required. Alternatively, a System on a Chip (SoC) is acceptable.

The following is the translation in English: - At least 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM is recommended.

Graphics Card: A card compatible with DirectX 12 or later, equipped with a WDDM 2.0 driver.

Here's the translation in English:
• Display: A high-definition (720p) display is recommended with a diagonal measurement greater than 9 inches. In addition, 8 bits per color channel is suggested.

Internet connection: It's crucial to have an internet connection for upgrading the CPU and downloading or using certain features.

How to Determine Your Current CPU and Motherboard?

Once you're aware of the requirements, you should have an understanding of your current CPU and Motherboard. If you're unsure, don't worry – we'll guide you on how to identify your existing CPU and Motherboard. Keep reading.

For CPU:

1. To start, right-click on the Start menu icon in the bottom left corner of your screen.

Click on "System" in the menu that appears.

After that, click next to the processor. It'll list what kind of CPU you have on your computer.

For Motherboard:

Here's the translation for the given text in English:
• You need to go to the Windows search bar, type "Cmd," and press Enter.

Then, in the Command Prompt, type "wmic baseboard" to retrieve the product manufacturer.

Finally, the manufacturer of your motherboard and the name/model of the motherboard will be displayed.

Back Up Your Data Before Upgrading Your CPU

Now, it's time to back up your data before upgrading your CPU. Let's get straight into it. Translation: Now, it's time to back up your data before proceeding with the CPU upgrade. Let's get started immediately.

It's worth noting that you risk losing your data during the CPU upgrade process, so it's crucial to back up your important files beforehand.

In this regard, we've got a solution for you. The Todo Backup Home is one of the essential tools that will resolve this issue in seconds.

Whether you're technically inclined or not, you can easily create a backup using tools like Todo Backup. Yes, it's as straightforward as you'd think.

More importantly, you don't have to worry about your data, as it is a 100% secure platform that guarantees 16TB of storage for all its users.

Moreover, you'll be astonished that Todo Backup allows you to upgrade the CPU without re-installing the operating system, as it can perform a universal restore. It is a perfect and secure tool for backing up your data, as it also features an excellent cloning system. It also significantly simplifies the process of upgrading to an SSD.

You can back up your system using the following steps.

Step 1. Launch Todo Backup and choose "Create Backup" on the home page, then click "Select backup contents".

Step 2. Click "OS" among the four available categories to begin the backup.

Create System Backup Step 2

Step 3. The system partition will be selected automatically, you just need to choose the location.

Create System Backup Step3

Step 4. Local Drive, Cloud, and NAS are available for you to save the backup file. You can also connect an external hard drive to preserve the system backup files.

Create System Backup Step5

Step 5. You can customize the settings in "Options" at the bottom left. After that, click "Backup Now", and the process will begin.

Create System Backup Step 5

*Once the backup is complete, you can check the backup status, recover, open, or delete the backup by right-clicking the backup task on the left.

Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrade CPU in Windows 10/11

Finally, you're all set to upgrade the CPU in Windows 10/11. Just follow this step-by-step guide without skipping any steps.

Operation 1: Update Motherboard BIOS

Step 1: First, you need to update your motherboard's firmware to the latest BIOS software.

Step 2: You might notice the CPU software starting to upgrade through the BIOS update system.

Note: The CPU might not have any new features after a BIOS update.

Operation 2: Run Windows Update

You can also upgrade the CPU in Windows 10/11 using the Windows update system. A graphics card can also be updated in a similar manner.

Step 1: Search for "Windows Settings" in the taskbar search bar.

Click **Start** > **Settings** > **Update & Security** > **Windows Update**.

Step 2: Next, click on the first search result. This will redirect you to the Windows Update system.

Step 3: Check for Windows updates.

By updating Windows, you can easily upgrade the CPU as well.

Operation 3: Reinstall CPU Software

Step 1: Open 'This PC' and select 'Properties' by right-clicking.

Open This PC

Step 2: Select Device Manager from the left menu.

Select "Device Manager"

Step 3: Unfold the processors.

Step 4: Right-click one of the processors and select Uninstall.

Step 5: Restart your computer afterward. Windows will attempt to install the latest CPU software, including the updated CPU driver.

Task 4: Update the CPU Drivers through Device Manager

Step 1: First, go to Device Manager, then right-click on the CPU device and select "Update driver."

Step 2: Next, in the pop-up window, select Search automatically for updated driver software.

Step 3: If there is an available CPU driver, it will eventually install automatically. If not, you'll see a message saying "The best drivers for your device are already installed." It may also offer alternative methods to update your CPU drivers.

Tips & Tricks for a Smooth CPU Upgrade

< li >Always make a backup before upgrading the CPU.< /li >

Suppose you cannot upgrade the CPU by updating the motherboard BIOS. In that case, try running Windows Update, as it will promptly upgrade your CPU.

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In conclusion, we hope this guide has been helpful for you in understanding the process of upgrading the CPU in Windows 10/11. You might encounter challenges while backing up your data, but using the right tool, like Todo Backup, can make it a simple and secure process, as it offers both safety and speed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Upgrading CPU in Windows 10/11

1. Can I upgrade only my CPU?

Yes, you can easily upgrade the CPU. However, it's crucial to ensure that the CPU you intend to purchase is compatible with your existing motherboard and CPU cooler. Additionally, you might need to upgrade other components as well to ensure compatibility with the new CPU.

2. Do I need to reinstall Windows with a new CPU?

If you change your processor, you don't need to reinstall Windows. It's not specific hardware components that are licensed with Windows, but rather the motherboard. If Windows detects your motherboard, it will automatically activate itself without the need for reinstallation or reactivation.

3. How do I upgrade my CPU without reinstalling Windows 10?

Not necessarily. Most of the time, this isn't needed. If the new motherboard or CPU isn't compatible with the existing drivers, Windows might boot into Safe Mode. In that scenario, you would need to install the appropriate drivers for the new components. Once that's done, everything should return to normal.

Windows might need to be reactivated. A computer's activation code is linked to its hardware components. It's typical for an activation code to expire when the motherboard is replaced.

Activation should be as simple as clicking a button. Windows allows one or two of these activations per year. If you do this too often, you may need to contact Microsoft to reactivate your account.