Upgrading windows VM from version 10 to 11 fails with error "compatibility blocking "Hard""

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

• Per VM EVC is enabled with older CPU series on the windows VM 
• EVC is enabled on the cluster with older CPU model (Intel64 Family 6 model 15 Stepping 1 ) Intel "Merom" Generation 

Environment

vSphere ESXI 7.x

vSphere ESXI 8.x

Cause

• Older CPU model are not supported for windows 11 upgrade 
• Microsoft officially supports intel CPUs from the Starting with Model 158 

Resolution

• Change the EVC on the cluster to a supported (Higher) CPU series
• Refer: VMware EVC and CPU Compatibility FAQ
• Power off and power on the VM 
• Attempt to upgrade windows VM from 10 to11