Computer operating systems

[GiveMeABreak]

MS have taken the previously unprecedented step in agreeing to release W10 updates to non-business users after it becomes de-supported, but at a charge of course. To date these updates have been available on a chargeable basis to businesses, that require more time to transition their systems over to a later OS. So it will mean that W10 users can pay £24 for one more year of critical updates, which is half the price business and educational users pay. But as it stands it will only cover 1 year (as they don't want business users taking advantage).

[xantia_v6]

If thinking of upgrading an old PC, download, install and run a program called CPU-Z which will read and decode the specification of your CPU. If the CPU does not support instruction sets SSE4.2 (Intel) or SSE4A (AMD), then it is a non-starter for long term use of Windows 11.

My old PC from 2013 does support SSE4.2 so should be OK for a test.

[GiveMeABreak]

Yes, that's correct, my old 2013 Alienware Aurora I7 supports all the chip requirements - so as long as it meets the above, you can dispense with the secure boot and TPM requirements.

[myglaren]

Delighted that I have no need of nor use for anything to do with Microsoft/Windows.
Nor any Apple stuff either.

[GiveMeABreak]

I don't particularly like MS (especially these days with their offerings now that Bill Gates has left to buy up all the agricultural land on the planet for some spooky God knows what experiments), but I certainly couldn't do without the staple productivity apps and compatibility that it provides with other applications software that I just can't rely on with Linux or any of their variants. I just need to be able to install and go - and know that it will just work for the best part.

It's also why although I'm in the Apple Eco-bubble, I couldn't use their Macs and the like as they just don't offer the same compatibility. I only use their phones and iPads, Home Pods and compatible Homekit devices. I've never been into Android gear and can't abide Alexa or Cortana. I can just about cope with Siri, but don't get me started on that - I've an ongoing Apple case regarding the latest IOS 18.2 update that has just broken scheduling in Homekit so I can't use timers at present - they've taken down my life history and will be getting back in 2 weeks! Seems I've found another bug that they can't provide an answer for....

Life was in some cases easier over the last 2 weeks back in the Dark Ages without power - back to foraging!

[MattBLancs]

Thanks for the tip on using "cpu-z" unfortunately, based on the screenshot Marc kindly provided, I see it the sort of program I could download and then have an output as per above = I get the bit about "Cores = 4" but everything else detailed there? It's all greek to me!

[myglaren]

The only thing I might have use for Windows is for a Lexia.
But no longer have that requirement anyway.

Updates are always easy and never break anything.
Biannual updates, not necessary but usually accept them, fairly quick and easy, only a few bits to reinstall (Firefox synch, Brave and Chromium, Bleachbit, Clam TK, K3B, Ublock Origin, Adblock plus and Video Downloader).
All quick and easy and don't need all doing at once.
Update can often be done while online and using the computer, a quick reboot and all is well.

[Hell Razor5543]

Thanks for the tip on using "cpu-z" unfortunately, based on the screenshot Marc kindly provided, I see it the sort of program I could download and then have an output as per above = I get the bit about "Cores = 4" but everything else detailed there? It's all greek to me!

Just look in the section marked "Instructions". I believe this is short for Instruction Set, which are the commands used by the CPU.

[CitroJim]

I don't particularly like MS... ...but I certainly couldn't do without the staple productivity apps and compatibility that it provides with other applications software that I just can't rely on with Linux or any of their variants.

Ditto. Linux is an excellent server platform in my experience.

I've never had any experience of Apple, except the edible variety, except for an iPod years ago and have absolutely no intention of venturing down that particular avenue any time now or in the future...

For my phone, I'm Android all the way and also use a Chromebook (Android OS on a baby laptop) when travelling. When I've had to use one, I've found iPhones totally impenetrable and non-intuitive...

And another thanks for cpu-z from me too

[moizeau]

Blimey my old beasty from 2009 seems to be OK
As you can see from the version number bottom left, I've had CPU-Z for quite a while.

[MattBLancs]

Just look in the section marked "Instructions". I believe this is short for Instruction Set, which are the commands used by the CPU.

Thank you for the advice, I'll get it downloaded later. The machine I have in mind is fairly recent, I was surprised when it started giving "Not Windows 11 ready" messages.

I'm sure Microsoft isn't the best, I have very limited experience with Apple (nowt beyond trying to troubleshoot my Auntie's apple tablet!) and never touched Linux...

...but the sticking point for me is work = it'll be Microsoft forever there, so the benefits of having something else at home is diminished by then needing to know my way round two systems!

[GiveMeABreak]

Matt, Your processor needs to support the 'SSE 4.2' instruction set for Windows 11, see where this is shown on the first page of the app below:

If you don't have this specific instruction set, then you can't install Windows 11 - this is an essential prerequisite. You may still have other issues bypassing the other requirements even if your CPU supports this instruction set, especially if Windows is saying your PC is not Windows 11 ready.

[MattBLancs]

Spot on, thanks Marc

[CitroJim]

My old as the hills Tosh laptop is happy according to cpu-z. It runs Windows 10 brilliantly despite its advanced age...

[CitroJim]

The SSD arrived today and now my HP laptop is very happily running Windows 11 despite being 'unsupported'

I used the semi-official Microsoft method of editing the registry to bypass all pre-install checks.

All configured and fully updated... It is running quite beautifully... My old Windows 10 SSD is safely archived for now, just in case...