There is no CPU you can install in this model system that will support Windows 11. If you want to run that operating system with official support, you need a new notebook computer.
You CAN bypass the CPU requirements at least for now (Microsoft has publicly stated it may release future updates to Windows 11 that enforce the CPU support requirements, so be prepared if they do; at that point, you'll lose all updates for Windows 11).
If the operating system was installed in legacy mode (load legacy option ROMs on), the boot drive is partitioned in MBR -- which is incompatible with secure boot/UEFI boot.
While there are ways to convert a drive to GPT mode, DO NOT use them unless you have a complete, tested and verified backup. The other option is a ground-up reinstall with the system set for UEFI and secure boot ON before you begin.
There are a number of tools you can use to convert an MBR disc to GPT -- here's Microsoft's.
NTFS is the filesystem -- it has nothing to do with GPT or MBR (the latter is the disc layout).
If the OS was installed with legacy option mode (CSM) ON, the disc is laid out in MBR mode, which is incompatible with secure boot.
The drive needs to be converted from MBR to GPT or wiped clean and windows must be reinstalled in GPT mode.
The risk of losing data in converting the layout is not insignificant -- which is why, if you choose to convert rather than clean install, a tested, verified backup is essential.
"I checked Dell computers tested for upgrade to Windows 11 and the M17 R4 is listed." Incorrect. That Dell article was referring to the 2021 m17 R4, not the 2012 M17x R4.
Hello, I see you are looking for technical assistance. If you need our help, you can start a private message with us and we will be happy to assist you.
In order to upgrade my M17x R4 to Windows 11, the PC Health Check said the CPU is incompatible. In doing research, I see multiple posts on upgrading the CPU to 3920XM or 3940XM but these are not on the Microsoft Compatible Intel CPU's, list link below. Does anyone know of a compatible CPU I can upgrade so I can install Windows 11?
Microsoft are to blame for this one as they are insisting on a TPM 2.0 module (or built in to the CPU) for windows 11. Win 10 is supported until 2025 so the M17X R4 is fine until then and after that I'd recommend Linux Mint as the latop will run the many flavours of Linux for a long time to come.
ejn63
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30.7K Posts
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April 10th, 2022 10:00
There is no CPU you can install in this model system that will support Windows 11. If you want to run that operating system with official support, you need a new notebook computer.
You CAN bypass the CPU requirements at least for now (Microsoft has publicly stated it may release future updates to Windows 11 that enforce the CPU support requirements, so be prepared if they do; at that point, you'll lose all updates for Windows 11).
ejn63
10 Elder
•
30.7K Posts
0
February 24th, 2022 10:00
If the operating system was installed in legacy mode (load legacy option ROMs on), the boot drive is partitioned in MBR -- which is incompatible with secure boot/UEFI boot.
While there are ways to convert a drive to GPT mode, DO NOT use them unless you have a complete, tested and verified backup. The other option is a ground-up reinstall with the system set for UEFI and secure boot ON before you begin.
There are a number of tools you can use to convert an MBR disc to GPT -- here's Microsoft's.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/mbr-to-gpt
LukeDouglas
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February 24th, 2022 11:00
With the exception of the (Disk 0 partition 1), all other drives use the NTFS format. Could the Disk 0, partition 1 be the issue?
ejn63
10 Elder
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30.7K Posts
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February 24th, 2022 11:00
NTFS is the filesystem -- it has nothing to do with GPT or MBR (the latter is the disc layout).
If the OS was installed with legacy option mode (CSM) ON, the disc is laid out in MBR mode, which is incompatible with secure boot.
The drive needs to be converted from MBR to GPT or wiped clean and windows must be reinstalled in GPT mode.
The risk of losing data in converting the layout is not insignificant -- which is why, if you choose to convert rather than clean install, a tested, verified backup is essential.
crimsom
7 Technologist
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6.1K Posts
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February 24th, 2022 14:00
Hi @LukeDouglas please consider using Macrium Reflect Free to create clone (copy) with GPT partition format, whilst retaining your original drive with MBR partition format. This process does not delete your information. More information is provided in Solved: Area-51m R2, Samsung EVO 970 1TB SSD upgrade - Dell Community
DELL-Chris M
Community Manager
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56.9K Posts
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February 25th, 2022 09:00
"I checked Dell computers tested for upgrade to Windows 11 and the M17 R4 is listed."
Incorrect. That Dell article was referring to the 2021 m17 R4, not the 2012 M17x R4.
Alienware Laptops naming confusion
DELL-Cares
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April 9th, 2022 19:00
Hello, I see you are looking for technical assistance. If you need our help, you can start a private message with us and we will be happy to assist you.
LukeDouglas
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27 Posts
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April 9th, 2022 19:00
In order to upgrade my M17x R4 to Windows 11, the PC Health Check said the CPU is incompatible. In doing research, I see multiple posts on upgrading the CPU to 3920XM or 3940XM but these are not on the Microsoft Compatible Intel CPU's, list link below. Does anyone know of a compatible CPU I can upgrade so I can install Windows 11?
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/minimum/supported/windows-11-supported-intel-processors
LukeDouglas
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April 10th, 2022 09:00
The Unit is out of warranty so no Dell support is available.
LukeDouglas
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April 10th, 2022 21:00
That's disappointing to hear. I guess built-in obsolescence is the new rule for Alienware.
Fadingfool
31 Posts
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May 31st, 2023 10:00
Microsoft are to blame for this one as they are insisting on a TPM 2.0 module (or built in to the CPU) for windows 11. Win 10 is supported until 2025 so the M17X R4 is fine until then and after that I'd recommend Linux Mint as the latop will run the many flavours of Linux for a long time to come.
filbert
4 Operator
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1.8K Posts
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May 31st, 2023 11:00
Are you kidding? That is an 11-year-old laptop. You can hardly expect that in 2012 Dell should have foreseen Windows 11 and built in support for it.
And, as @Fadingfool noted, this is a Microsoft decision, not a Dell decision.