Why Can’t I Update Windows 11? — Even Though It’s Already Installed

Last month, I saw a strange message on my Windows 11 Pro system:

“Your version of Windows has reached end of service.”

Wait, what!? I’m running Windows 11 Pro — and it’s fully updated!

Some users see messages like:

• “Your version of Windows has reached end of service.”
• “This PC doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements to install this version of Windows 11.”

What’s Going On? Why Can’t I Update Windows 11?

It turns out that more and more users are facing this issue: Windows 11 is installed, but the system won’t update to the latest version.

And in my case, the root cause was something unexpected: the CPU compatibility.

This article explains what caused the issue, how to check your system, and how to fix it — including the latest tips as of June 2025.

My Symptoms

• Windows Update says: “This device doesn’t meet the current system requirements.”
• Update attempts fail midway or don’t start at all.
• According to Microsoft: “Even supported devices may experience this under certain conditions.”

Fix 1: Run System File Repairs

If your Windows system files are corrupted, updates may fail.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Run these commands one by one:
   sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

In my case, this did not help.

Fix 2: Clear Windows Update Cache

Sometimes, cached update files cause failures.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R → type services.msc
2. Right-click Windows Update → Stop
3. Go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete all contents
4. Restart the Windows Update service

Still didn’t solve the issue for me.

Fix 3: Try Manual Upgrade

When automatic updates fail, you can manually apply the latest version.

1. Visit Microsoft’s Windows 11 page
2. Download “Installation Assistant”
3. Follow the on-screen steps to update

But again… it failed.

So What Was the Real Cause?

Even though I’m using a Core i-series CPU, Microsoft has gradually increased hardware requirements — especially for new updates like 24H2.

• Older CPUs may no longer support new instruction sets
• Firmware or BIOS versions can also cause update blocks

This was the main reason in my case. So frustrating!

How to Check CPU Compatibility

1. Press Windows + R, type msinfo32
2. Check the “Processor” field
3. Compare your CPU with the Microsoft CPU Compatibility List

Tools like WhyNotWin11 can also help check compatibility in one click.

Solutions (If It’s Really a CPU Compatibility Issue)

1. Update BIOS/UEFI
   Check your device manufacturer’s site for BIOS updates and apply them carefully.
2. Replace the CPU
   If unsupported, you may need to upgrade the processor — but consult a professional.
3. Clean Install
   Creating a bootable USB and reinstalling Windows 11 fresh sometimes solves deep compatibility issues.

⚠️ Backup your data before trying any major changes.

Unsupported CPUs (Not Recommended for 24H2)

• Intel: 7th Gen (e.g. Core i7-7700K)
• AMD: Ryzen 1000 series (e.g. Ryzen 5 1600)

Supported CPUs

• Intel: 8th Gen and newer (e.g. Core i5-8600K)
• AMD: Ryzen 2000 series and newer (e.g. Ryzen 7 2700X)

June 2025 Update: New Issues You Should Know

• KB5058405 / KB5062170 cause boot failures (ACPI.sys error 0xc0000098) especially on virtual machines
• Citrix users see rollback errors unless updated to version 2503+
• Recovery → “Uninstall updates” or manually applying KB5062170 from Update Catalog may fix the issue

Latest Troubleshooting Tips (June 2025)

• Check TPM 2.0 is enabled via tpm.msc. BIOS setting may need to be adjusted.
• Ensure Secure Boot is enabled and system is using GPT format
• Update all device drivers before retrying updates
• Try “in-place upgrade” using Installation Assistant (user files retained)

▶︎In-place upgrade means reinstalling Windows over the current system while keeping apps and files. It often helps when updates fail due to unknown corruption or misconfigurations.

• Make sure your battery is full and plugged in before BIOS update (for laptops)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Why does Windows 11 say “end of service” even though I have the latest version?
  A: It may be caused by hardware compatibility changes (CPU, TPM, BIOS) introduced in version 24H2.
• Q: Can I still install updates on an unsupported CPU?
  A: Technically yes, using unofficial tools like Rufus, but it’s not recommended for most users and may void support.

Useful Links

Summary

If your PC can’t update to the latest Windows 11, check your CPU first — it might no longer be supported.

Use the steps above to diagnose the issue, and follow recommended actions carefully.

And remember: Always back up your data before trying advanced fixes!

✔️You might also find these helpful:

▶︎Windows 11 Upgrade Without Microsoft Account

▶︎How to Upgrade an Unsupported PC to Windows 11 24H2

タグ: Windows 11, TPM, Secure Boot, update error, Windows troubleshooting, 24H2 update, BIOS update, Unsupported CPU, manual upgrade