Thank you. I appreciate your help.

@JOcean​   Is there an aftermarket mobo cpu combo that will work with existing ram and gpu.  I already installed an SSD so it works great.  just want it to keep working with windows11. 

@jayelabow​ If you mean one that will fit into another case, there are many and they will accept your current CPU, GPU combo depending on which CPU and GPU you have as you did not mention which Dell model you have.

@JOcean​ 1st off, thanks for a quick reply!   I have an Inspiron 3668.  Current motherboard is 7KY25.  Chipset is Intel H110.   Apparently only the I7-7700 @3.6gh cpu is not compatible with windows 11?

would love to be able to just swap the CPU but guessing I need a motherboard as well.    have the Radeoon RX550 GPU I would like to keep given the current prices. 

@jayelabow​ You are correct about the 7th Gen CPU not being Windows 11 compatible. BUT the YouTube is full of videos on how to install Windows 11 on non-compatible CPUs. One way is to install Windows 11 LTSC. But there is a huge volume of work arounds on YT. I have a desktop with an i5 6500 and it runs Windows 11 smoothly. 

@JOcean​ Oh, great.  I heard about them but wasn't sure so will give it a go.  thanks again for all your help. 

@jayelabow​ Happy to help out!