Precision 7520 and Windows 11

Question

OK, I've mentioned this in other posts, but thought it worth providing a bit of context. I was looking for a new laptop. I am a keen amateur photographer and use a lot of image processing software. I checked out what laptops are Win11 compliant and was surprised to see at least two sites that indicated that those with an i7-7820HQ processor were OK. One even specified that the Precision 7520 with said processor had been tested by Dell as being OK. So I bought a refurbished model. I now find that according to Microsoft, that only two laptops are deemed compliant, the Microsoft Surface Pro 2 and the Dell Precision 5520. Now, when Microsoft extended approval for the i7-7820HQ processor, it was only for "select devices that shipped with modern drivers based on Declarative, Componentized, Hardware Support Apps (DCH) design principles".

Now, Joe Public wouldn't have a clue whether the drivers on the PC they were about to purchase conformed to this and manufacturers are a bit coy on being upfront on their design standards. So as a statement of principle it is meaningless. But hang on, we know of two bits of kit that are at least compliant - the Surface Pro2 and the Precision 5520. Now, one assumes that Microsoft's Win11 PC health check code has a specific line in it that checks on the processor and PC model number. If the latter is a Surface Pro2 or a Precision 5520 then green, otherwise red. But that would be far too simplistic and ignore the second bit about devices being shipped with modern drivers based on DCH principles. Clearly, that has to be taken into consideration ? Is driver production the responsibility of the producer of the OS or the hardware manufacturer ? Microsoft imply that the design is down to the component producer- all they require is that it conform to specific architecture standards in order to be able to communicate with MS's operating system architecture - i.e. MS provide a square shaped socket as the entry point, so software that is built with triangular or round plugs won't work with it.

Here's the interesting bit. If the Precision 5520 has drivers for the i7-7820HQ that meet these standards, why can't they be ported for the other Dell laptops using this processor ? In fact, why would you build different sets of drivers for the same processor ? From a software maintenance perspective. that is madness. At the very least you would want to have convergence so that you only had one piece of code to modify. So my question is simple. Microsoft have stated that the i7-7820HQ processor is Win11 compliant provided that the PCs concerned have been shipped with drivers that are built to DCH principles. What is preventing Dell from ensuring that all their drivers for i7-7820HQ based kit met this requirement, particularly as they already have done so for one model ?

Weevil · Answer

I too am flabergasted that my Dell Precision, but with a slightly more recent CPU (eg. i7-7920HQ) is deemed not compatible with Windows 11.

Just curious if you have more information about that ince the time you have posted this question ?

Chino de Oro · Answer

Windows 11 would installed and run fine on your 7520.  Just install away and enjoy the machine for several more years.

DELL-Jesse L · Answer

Posting to remind users that even though Windows 11 may install on the 7520 system. Dell has no Windows 11 drivers available for download.

rpatituc · Answer

Install Debian Linux or Ubuntu Linux on Precision 7520 mobile workstation

CAD user · Answer

Interestingly these expensive workstation are not supported. I'm not sure how Dell figures it is ok to rip off people? The technology doesn't advance as fast in CAD and other graphics world as the gaming industry and one would expect about 7 years out of a workstation laptop. Also, the other pain in the butt is to get RAMs for Precision. I'm not sure what logic they followed to "lock" the machine to use only certain kind of RAM??? I had Lenovo workstation before which still kicking alive and on those Intel stopped with the updates on the processors graphics and it was not possible to use the Quadro only. Even the BIOS would reset after reboot. I hate so much these companies for their nefarious ways of making workstations.

(edited)

CAD user · Answer

@DELL-Jesse L​ And why would Dell exercise such a bad business practice?? You guys are just pissing people off.

pro226pc · Answer

ET le 7920HQ avez vous trouvé une solution pour cela @DELL-Jesse

joecognoid · Answer

I have installed Windows 11 on many Precision 7510 and Precision 7520 models.

I do NOT recommend the 7510, because Dell hasn't updated BIOS in years. The 7520 received a BIOS update in December 2024.

Here is my Windows 11 procedure, as of Jan 15, 2025:

Use Microsoft's MediaCreationTool for Windows 11 24H2 to make a bootable USB
On that USB, add a copy of (all available from Dell's website):
1. Dell Command Update 5.4.1
2. Dell Power Manager 3.17.0
3. 7x20 Bios 1.39.0
Flash the BIOS to latest
1. Set BIOS to factory defaults
2. Modify BIOS to your preferences
Install Windows (I delete all partitions on my internal drive and then install)
Login
Windows Updates multiple times until it decides there aren't any more
Run Dell Command Update
1. Run once so it's been run, close
2. Modify the registry to allow Advanced Driver Restore (google for instructions)
3. Run again, choose Advanced Driver Restore
4. Once that is done, do a regular driver update from Dell Command Update
Install Dell Power Manager (do NOT install Dell Optimizer instead)
Run Windows Update one last time

Belgarion2 · Answer

So much for Michael Dell's 'environmental policy', ay? Perfectly servicable and powerful devices thrown on the scrap heap becuase Dell won't stand behind their products while Microsoft uses 'obsolescence' to justify further environmental destruction.

Greenwashing. Pure and simple.

But hey - we gotta feed the billionaires like Dell & Gates, right?

Precision Mobile Workstations

Precision 7520 and Windows 11

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