Windows 10 is losing support in Oct. Need a new computer

[chemocean]

Just got a message from MS that Windows 10 will no longer be supported after Oct. 2025.
I have an 7-yr Dell PC that is not compatible with WIndow 11. So I will need to buy a new computer.

I have a tablet for leisure traveling that I can use for email and browsing and generally don't need a PC to do high level computing tasks.

If I buy another PC, will there be any advantages in computing capacity relative to a more compact laptop for the same price ?

[dukeblue219]

You're asking about desktop relative to laptop? No, there is no longer a noticeable performance penalty using a laptop compared to a desktop for everyday tasks.

[enad]

If it were me, I would look at Linux Mint which you can download onto a USB stick that is bootable and boot from your current computer i.e. try before you decide. If you decide you can use it you want to backup important data/files on your existing drive and then install Linux Mint on it and restore your data from the external drive. You can even install your current Windows 10 in a Oracle Virtualbox Virtual machine, get all the updates and when the time is right turn off internet access to the virtual machine. I run Office Pro on the Windows Virtual Machine with internet disabled on the virtual machine and have no complaints & have been doing this since 2018. This way you get to keep your 7 year computer and let it run Linux Mint for the next 10-15 years.

[MoneyIsTime]

I own several computers and there is really no performance difference like there used to be for desktop vs laptop type PC. A laptop could easily be a good fit depending on your usage profile. I've used Windows (10 and 11) and Linux. In my experience Linux is good, but Windows 11 is a really easy transition from Win10. To me Linux requires an investment of time, which if you have the time, works fine. But if you don't have the time (or inclination), you might be better with Win11. Anyhow, my 2 cents.

[Watty]

You can get an additional year of Windows 10 security updates for $30 so there is no urgency.

[rogue_economist]

You're asking about desktop relative to laptop? No, there is no longer a noticeable performance penalty using a laptop compared to a desktop for everyday tasks.

I'd certainly disagree with that. Performance per $ is still far higher in a desktop than a laptop. Laptop heat dissipation is poor, which affects both performance and longevity of the device.

Laptops are for when you must have portable computing. Desktops are for when you don't need portability.

[JAZZISCOOL]

You can get an additional year of Windows 10 security updates for $30 so there is no urgency.

I also heard there is something called OPatch which addresses the security issues but will last until 2030, although outside of MSFT. ~$25 per the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUO25YvIBIM

https://0patch.com/

[Second Round]

The modularity of a desktop lends itself to easier repairs, upgrades, expansion, customization, etc. Reduced risk of breakage. Mine has entered its 16th year of service*.
A laptop's advantages include portability, elegance (0-1 cables), and essentially a built-in UPS.
Horses for courses.

* Thanks to Linux Mint, to which I switched after Windows went out of support. You're at a similar crossroads. All I can tell you is, switching to LM brought me joy as a user. I was SO much happier. from stickycomics.com:

[enad]

You can get an additional year of Windows 10 security updates for $30 so there is no urgency.

I also heard there is something called OPatch which addresses the security issues but will last until 2030, although outside of MSFT. ~$25 per the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUO25YvIBIM

https://0patch.com/

I have used 0patch in the past. They are micro patches that get loaded in memory so upon a boot it will take longer and longer to load each time the machine is turned on again. It's not a bad solution. Without knowing what applications or how comfortable the OP is running on Windows 10 today, it's pure speculation. If a browser is the main use, then switching to Linux Mint is a no brainer. It they have their own version of office, running their Windows 10 in a virtual machine with office and being able to turn off access to the Internet on a Windows 10 virtual machine could work out, but if the OP runs games in their Windows 10 machine, then running them in a virtual machine may not be good, but if they run steam, then Linux Mint would be a good thing for them. Linux is easy on resources. Things that make it better is more RAM (but 6 GB to 16 GB or more is good) and a solid state drive vs. a hard drive is even better and a worthy upgrade. The 500 GB can be put into an enclosure and used for backups.

[tibbitts]

You're asking about desktop relative to laptop? No, there is no longer a noticeable performance penalty using a laptop compared to a desktop for everyday tasks.

I'd certainly disagree with that. Performance per $ is still far higher in a desktop than a laptop. Laptop heat dissipation is poor, which affects both performance and longevity of the device.

Laptops are for when you must have portable computing. Desktops are for when you don't need portability.

I haven't experienced any heat issues with laptops and have owned many from many brands. There is no difference in performance for a typical user. I've used older laptops - once they'd already been used for years as laptops - as servers for up to 5 additional years of continuous 24/7 operation with no durability issues (with only replacing the hard drives with SSDs.) I've owned many desktops too and there's nothing wrong with them - and you might save money if you already have a monitor. They just take up a lot of extra space.

[bendix]

For quite a while you could upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free. Have you tried this and use the installation assistant:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/softwar ... /windows11

[FrugalProfessor]

I'd recommend a ~$500 Mac mini M4 desktop. I converted to Mac recently after 30 years of Windows usage. I cannot recommend the computer/OS highly enough.

You should be able to reuse existing peripherals (monitor, mouse, speakers, keyboard).

[tibbitts]

For quite a while you could upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free. Have you tried this and use the installation assistant:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/softwar ... /windows11

The OP's issue is apparently that Windows 11 does not support the model of computer - it's too old and doesn't have specific required features. I have a similar computer that's only slightly older - the Windows utility provided correctly identifies the computer as not compatible.

[typical.investor]

* Thanks to Linux Mint, to which I switched after Windows went out of support. You're at a similar crossroads. All I can tell you is, switching to LM brought me joy as a user. I was SO much happier. from stickycomics.com:

Apple hasn’t charged for their OS in well over 10 years.

Anyway, my wife HATED Linus but was OK on a Mac - especially printing and integration with her iPhone. That decided it for me because I don’t want to maintain two systems.

[mhalley]

They have now started allowing previously ineligible computers to be upgraded to win 11.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source= ... DDUPv2IRzu

[rogue_economist]

I'd certainly disagree with that. Performance per $ is still far higher in a desktop than a laptop. Laptop heat dissipation is poor, which affects both performance and longevity of the device.

Laptops are for when you must have portable computing. Desktops are for when you don't need portability.

I haven't experienced any heat issues with laptops and have owned many from many brands. There is no difference in performance for a typical user. I've used older laptops - once they'd already been used for years as laptops - as servers for up to 5 additional years of continuous 24/7 operation with no durability issues (with only replacing the hard drives with SSDs.) I've owned many desktops too and there's nothing wrong with them - and you might save money if you already have a monitor. They just take up a lot of extra space.

You don't experience heat issues because it throttles your performance to avoid them. The performance then ends up considerably worse than a comparable desktop. There is a considerable difference. You may have gotten lucky with a few of them, but with one exception I have never seen a laptop go 5 years. I have by contrast a pile of desktops from 15 years ago where the hardware became obsolete before it failed.
For a given price, the laptop will have significantly lower performance and a shorter expected lifespan. A laptop is simply a grossly inferior machine on every dimension except portability. It will have inferior ergonomics and user interface, along with practically no ability to upgrade or service it.

[Second Round]

Anyway, my wife HATED Linus but was OK on a Mac - especially printing and integration with her iPhone. That decided it for me because I don’t want to maintain two systems.

That's fair; your system requirements for domestic harmony seems to rule it out.

Not saying that one can't solve those issues, but doing so probably requires the kind of tinkering that some Linux users actually enjoy as a challenge / learning opportunity.

Assuming you meant to say that she hated Linux, not Linus (insert joke here), which Linux distro did she hate? Some of them look a lot more like a Mac than Windows. Linux Mint takes more desktop design cues from Windows than from Mac. I've read that for a more of a Mac look, you would probably like Ubuntu or Pop!_OS better than LM.

It's interesting you should mention printing from a phone. For a long while that was troublesome even within Windows or Mac. But maybe now it is a solved problem. Integration - well, those who want an integrated ecosystem have really already answered the question for themselves and made a choice. To feel otherwise is akin to wondering why an engine air filter picked at random off the shelf at a Ford dealership service department doesn't fit in your Lexus RX.

[nedsaid]

You can get an additional year of Windows 10 security updates for $30 so there is no urgency.

Good news. Do you have a source? I would like to read this for myself. I might just pay the $30.

[TdF fan]

You can get an additional year of Windows 10 security updates for $30 so there is no urgency.

Good news. Do you have a source? I would like to read this for myself. I might just pay the $30.

There have been several places on Microsoft's website (and other websites too) describing the program, but here is one that mentions the $30 price: https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperi ... dofsupport

Information on the purchase of Extended Security Updates (ESU) for organizations of all sizes as previously announced in April of this year and, for the first time, an ESU option for consumers, available for a one-year option for $30.

[bobn60014]

Just got a message from MS that Windows 10 will no longer be supported after Oct. 2025.
I have an 7-yr Dell PC that is not compatible with WIndow 11. So I will need to buy a new computer.

I have a tablet for leisure traveling that I can use for email and browsing and generally don't need a PC to do high level computing tasks.

If I buy another PC, will there be any advantages in computing capacity relative to a more compact laptop for the same price ?

Are you doing anything on a desktop that you can't do on the tablet? Nowadays, I do 95 percent on a tablet and using a laptop for the rest. If I really wanted, I could be 100 percent on the tablet.

[lthenderson]

Just got a message from MS that Windows 10 will no longer be supported after Oct. 2025.
I have an 7-yr Dell PC that is not compatible with WIndow 11. So I will need to buy a new computer.

I have a tablet for leisure traveling that I can use for email and browsing and generally don't need a PC to do high level computing tasks.

I don't worry about using my unsupported OS until such time I need to use a program that won't run on anything but a version with a newer OS. I don't do anything particularly "sensitive" like use it for work and I maintain robust usernames and passwords using a password manager. I think such warnings are mostly scare tactics to drum up business for those of us who mainly use our computers for internet surfing, emails and storing pictures.

Now someone using a computer for their job at the CIA is a different matter.

[ByThePond]

I had the same issue just recently with a 15 year old Dell desktop.
After considering all the issues mentioned above, I bought a Dell Vostro PC.
It's true that my laptop gets the brunt of my use, but I have a few dedicated uses for a desktop, and a lot of associated files.

[Watty]

Just got a message from MS that Windows 10 will no longer be supported after Oct. 2025.
I have an 7-yr Dell PC that is not compatible with WIndow 11. So I will need to buy a new computer.

I have a tablet for leisure traveling that I can use for email and browsing and generally don't need a PC to do high level computing tasks.

I don't worry about using my unsupported OS until such time I need to use a program that won't run on anything but a version with a newer OS. I don't do anything particularly "sensitive" like use it for work and I maintain robust usernames and passwords using a password manager. I think such warnings are mostly scare tactics to drum up business for those of us who mainly use our computers for internet surfing, emails and storing pictures.

Now someone using a computer for their job at the CIA is a different matter.

The terms of service for your financial instructions likely require that you used updated computer systems. If you account is compromised that could be a reason to not cover a loss.

[chemocean]

OP here. Thanks for all the comments.
I tried Linux on an old laptop and gave up. I know that I could install it successfully if I wanted to devote the time. But, I rather spend my time building my own modeling spreadsheet that addresses all my financial and estate planning planning questions. The need for complex spreadsheets answers the question why I could not use a table. Plus, I hate using touch screen key boards. Even with a laptop, I attach a keyboard and mouse.

My tower is not eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11 and I don't want to deal with the work around suggested in an earlier post.
Below is the link (that was embedded in a link above) about the one-year only subscription($30) for security patches for personal use customers. The details will be announced by MS nearer the date of the discontinuation of the free upgrades.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/cant-quit ... -how-much/

I think I will pay the $30 and extend the life of my tower one more year and buy a Windows Dell or HP tower during that year.

Is there optimal time of year to get deals on computers that are less expensive than buying from the manufacturer when considering shipping? Are new models of computers released at a particular time, and you can get late models on discount at Best Buy (like releases of cars).

[realclemsongrad]

Just got a message from MS that Windows 10 will no longer be supported after Oct. 2025.
I have an 7-yr Dell PC that is not compatible with WIndow 11. So I will need to buy a new computer.

I have a tablet for leisure traveling that I can use for email and browsing and generally don't need a PC to do high level computing tasks.

If I buy another PC, will there be any advantages in computing capacity relative to a more compact laptop for the same price ?

Laptop should be more than adequate and i do not see a reason to have a desktop. Depending on your needs you might want to look at Chromebook very inexpensive and less security issues.

[Nekrotok]

New mini pc for ~$250: https://a.co/d/9f1nKnu

[FatefulTanker]

OP here. Thanks for all the comments.
I tried Linux on an old laptop and gave up. I know that I could install it successfully if I wanted to devote the time. But, I rather spend my time building my own modeling spreadsheet that addresses all my financial and estate planning planning questions. The need for complex spreadsheets answers the question why I could not use a table. Plus, I hate using touch screen key boards. Even with a laptop, I attach a keyboard and mouse.

My tower is not eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11 and I don't want to deal with the work around suggested in an earlier post.
Below is the link (that was embedded in a link above) about the one-year only subscription($30) for security patches for personal use customers. The details will be announced by MS nearer the date of the discontinuation of the free upgrades.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/cant-quit ... -how-much/

I think I will pay the $30 and extend the life of my tower one more year and buy a Windows Dell or HP tower during that year.

Is there optimal time of year to get deals on computers that are less expensive than buying from the manufacturer when considering shipping? Are new models of computers released at a particular time, and you can get late models on discount at Best Buy (like releases of cars).

Have you ruled out a Mac? I prefer macOS now more than ever after dealing with Win11 upgrading some relatives to new laptops.

I think that Win11 is a mess out of the box. I spent a lot of time getting my Win11 laptop configured to remove all of the crapware, ads, suggestions, automatically installed apps, trial virus scanners, etc. Once configured cleanly, I'm OK with Win11. I've stopped fighting it about the default browser and just use Edge. I have a Microsoft account and a Windows 365 family subscription which I think is worth it, especially shared between 6 people.

The M4 Mac mini is inexpensive for a Mac, and you can buy Microsoft Office and Excel the same way as on a PC if you don't want to convert spreadsheets or use the Mac versions, and you already have a keyboard, mouse, and monitor that you like.

[like2read]

f I buy another PC, will there be any advantages in computing capacity relative to a more compact laptop for the same price ?

I guess the answer depends on how you define computing capacity.

Mobility? Win goes to a laptop

Processing power or speed? Tie

Lifespan? desktop (About to replace a 10 year old Dell refurb desktop. A laptop lasted only 3 years. Have already had to replace a battery on the replacement after 2 years).

[enad]

You can get an additional year of Windows 10 security updates for $30 so there is no urgency.

Good news. Do you have a source? I would like to read this for myself. I might just pay the $30.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windo ... ty-updates

[enad]

OP here. Thanks for all the comments.
I tried Linux on an old laptop and gave up. I know that I could install it successfully if I wanted to devote the time. But, I rather spend my time building my own modeling spreadsheet that addresses all my financial and estate planning planning questions.

For anyone interested in trying (later installing if you choose to), here are the instructions to create a bootable USB stick that you can try with or without updates Linux Mint 22. In order to try it you'll have to go into your BIOS and change the boot order so the USB stick that is plugged is first on the list.

https://linuxmint-installation-guide.re ... en/latest/

I would choose the Cinnamon version as that is the closest one to Windows. I have a 2013 & a 2023 era Dell Laptop and both run Linux Mint 22.0 without any issues. In fact, the 2013 Dell laptop also uses Oracle's Virtual Box software (easy install) to run Microsoft Windows 7 Professional in a Virtual Machine and within that Machine its running Microsoft Office 2003 Professional.

There is a menu pick to disable internet access to the virtual machine which I did. This lets me run my financial spreadsheets which like the OP also handle estate planning as well as other interests. I don't keep any personal data in the Windows Virtual Machines, rather I create a /shared folder in root and then mount a USB stick as /shared. In the VirtualBox software there is a menu pick to create a shared folder which I do with a mount point of E: and this is the same on all computers in the house, so I can easily move a USB stick to any Linux computer (even an old stand-alone Windows 7 PC that has no access to the Internet.

The reason I use E: (Windows Virtual machine) which is /shared in Linux to keep all Windows data on is that it can be backed up using timeshift which is a backup application that is pre-installed as part of Linux Mint 22.0 installation.

Linux or Linux Mint isn't for everyone, especially anyone who is uncomfortable creating a bootable USB drive or doing any kind of configuration. If that person knows someone who can do the installation for them, once up and running it may turn out to be a more pleasant experience.

Hope this helps others out.

[Earthless]

For quite a while you could upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free. Have you tried this and use the installation assistant:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/softwar ... /windows11

The OP's issue is apparently that Windows 11 does not support the model of computer - it's too old and doesn't have specific required features. I have a similar computer that's only slightly older - the Windows utility provided correctly identifies the computer as not compatible.

Not necessarily true. I manually installed win 11 on a 2015 intel NUC5 last week using the MS link posted above without issue.

[tibbitts]

The OP's issue is apparently that Windows 11 does not support the model of computer - it's too old and doesn't have specific required features. I have a similar computer that's only slightly older - the Windows utility provided correctly identifies the computer as not compatible.

Not necessarily true. I manually installed win 11 on a 2015 intel NUC5 last week using the MS link posted above without issue.

Maybe I lost track but I didn't see any MS link that provided a workaround if a PC was still unsupported by MS's update procedure. There were other non-MS links regarding bypassing hardware requirements.

[gavinsiu]

Just got a message from MS that Windows 10 will no longer be supported after Oct. 2025.
I have an 7-yr Dell PC that is not compatible with WIndow 11. So I will need to buy a new computer.

I have a tablet for leisure traveling that I can use for email and browsing and generally don't need a PC to do high level computing tasks.

If I buy another PC, will there be any advantages in computing capacity relative to a more compact laptop for the same price ?

What are your use case? While many love their tablet, I find them somewhat annoying to use for email and anything that involves typing. I generally find tablet/keyboard combination like Surface or ipad with keyboard to be too unstable to use on my lap and prefer stiffer laptops.

If you have not purchased a machine in the last 7 years, any machine will seem considerably faster. My wife's i7 was top of the line may be 7 years ago, but is more like a i3 these days. I would just buy another Dell PC. You don't even need to buy one that's the top of the line. Even if you have the top of the line PC 7 years ago, it's considered entry level now in performance.

As others have mentioned, you may also consider other OS. windows 11 is similar enough to Windows 10, but some of the subtle changes are annoying.

• There seems to be more weird issues such as an update that causes bitlocker to require you to enter the recovery key.
• Some of the UI design are a bit weird. For example, when I right-click, I need to show more option to get to the options I commonly used. On Windows 10, you could get to that option on a single click.
• Microsoft is forcing everyone to have a Microsoft Account. My Windows admin account for example typically is not network. I feel that admin accounts need to be local.
• There are more Ads.

I am not looking forward to moving my wife to Windows 11 this year. I am pretty sure she will complain since she doesn't even have a MS acount.

There are other platform you can try.

• Macs have a really good performance to battery advantage which makes them good machines to use if you want power while running on batteries. Mac UI in my opinion are more difficult than Chrome OS and Linux Gnome interface to transition to if you have been train on Windows. My wife gave up and refused to use one despite being an Apple everything else. I think I have gotten used to it.
• I have transition my mom to ChromeOS and my wife uses it when she needs to use it to access her work portal. The device is great for web centric updates and is close enough to Windows GUI to use. They are not great for local workflows.
• I use Linux desktop as my daily driver, but don't really recommend them unless you are willing to tinker a bit. Hardware compatibility can be a hit or miss. Typically 95% of the stuff will work but that 5% will drive you nuts when you try to fix it.

There are also ways to get Windows 11 install on unsupported hardware, but I don't recomend doing this since it's risky. It may suddenly fail one day when MS decides to do a takeback on something.

[LotsaGray]

For quite a while you could upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free. Have you tried this and use the installation assistant:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/softwar ... /windows11

OP stated that the HW is not compatible with Win11. I have no clue if that is true since did not give the details needed to research but assuming OP was correct, the link to the upgrade won't help. In fact potentially could brick the computer. (Should not happen but it can.)

[cupcakeswsprinkles]

There are also ways to get Windows 11 install on unsupported hardware, but I don't recomend doing this since it's risky. It may suddenly fail one day when MS decides to do a takeback on something.

It will definitely fail. MS wants to use newer x86 instructions and TPM to lock down the system. Your only real option is Linux for unsupported machines.

[enad]

There were articles about Microsoft loosening up requirements so older Win 10 PC's could upgrade to Win 11, followed by articles stating that Microsoft backtracked the option to upgrade stating that if upgraded it will fail after the next round of updates. Adoption of Win 11 is at 30% so it looks like MS loosened the requirements again, but the question one should ask is for how long? What happens 6 months after Windows 10 reaches end of life. Now your only choice is a new computer that supports Windows 11 and then what are your options? Bleeping Computer has many articles on the loosening of Windows 11 requirements. The good thing of all this is Linux will continue to grow in popularity as people see the light. Some may go to Mac but that has it's own set of issues. With each successive release of Linux Mint it becomes easier to get old hardware to run a modern OS with full support for up to 5 years, and that says something

[michaelingp]

I am not looking forward to moving my wife to Windows 11 this year. I am pretty sure she will complain since she doesn't even have a MS acount.

My feeling on moving my wife to Windows 11 is closer to dread. She still uses Office 2013 and Paintshop Pro and is perfectly happy with what she has. I am not being paternalistic here, she is amazingly productive on her desktop, I'm just the IT Helpdesk with the bad news for her. I am toast if any of her favorite apps won't run under Windows 11!

[techbud]

I am not looking forward to moving my wife to Windows 11 this year. I am pretty sure she will complain since she doesn't even have a MS acount.

My feeling on moving my wife to Windows 11 is closer to dread. She still uses Office 2013 and Paintshop Pro and is perfectly happy with what she has. I am not being paternalistic here, she is amazingly productive on her desktop, I'm just the IT Helpdesk with the bad news for her. I am toast if any of her favorite apps won't run under Windows 11!

As you are the IT Helpdesk, I hope you are aware that Office 2013 went end-of-life in April 2023, which means you are now close to two years without ANY security updates for that software. That's not a risk that I personally would take; I would upgrade if it was my or my spouse's device.

As for apps running on Windows 11, pretty much if it runs on Windows 10, it will run on Windows 11. I haven't heard of any software that will run on 10 but not 11. But of course, YMMV.

[techbud]

I don't worry about using my unsupported OS until such time I need to use a program that won't run on anything but a version with a newer OS. I don't do anything particularly "sensitive" like use it for work and I maintain robust usernames and passwords using a password manager. I think such warnings are mostly scare tactics to drum up business for those of us who mainly use our computers for internet surfing, emails and storing pictures.

Now someone using a computer for their job at the CIA is a different matter.

It's not about "Sensitive" information nor is it scare tactics. Older unsupported operating systems can and will have unpatched security issues that are vectors for attacks. You might be using strong passwords but what if a remote exploit allowed for a key logger to be installed which then stole your passwords? Or it installed ransomware that threatened to delete all your files? This is not fear mongering; these are actual exploits that happen every day.

[Earthless]

Not necessarily true. I manually installed win 11 on a 2015 intel NUC5 last week using the MS link posted above without issue.

Maybe I lost track but I didn't see any MS link that provided a workaround if a PC was still unsupported by MS's update procedure. There were other non-MS links regarding bypassing hardware requirements.

I followed these instructions to do a clean install. Be advised this will wipe out all data on the drive. There is a path to upgrade but I haven’t tried it.

https://pureinfotech.com/install-window ... -hardware/

I did this on my old NUC5 when win11 first came out because it was not supported. I had to do it again last week to get to win 11 v24 since the auto update wouldn’t work.

I haven’t seen any issues. Everything seems to work perfectly.

[gavinsiu]

As for apps running on Windows 11, pretty much if it runs on Windows 10, it will run on Windows 11. I haven't heard of any software that will run on 10 but not 11. But of course, YMMV.

I did have a few drivers prevent Windows Security features from activating.

As for software, the only issue I found was an old version of Dell PC Assistant. I removed it since I really never used it.

[gavinsiu]

I can go with some of the security features like TPM and better memory security. Windows has over the years that envolved from the OS that is a sieve for malware to a really secure OS.

The problem I have is usually feature that are design to montized things for MS, but actually detracts from its usage.

[MarkVH0518]

As for apps running on Windows 11, pretty much if it runs on Windows 10, it will run on Windows 11. I haven't heard of any software that will run on 10 but not 11. But of course, YMMV.

Assuming a new Windows 11 computer, what does this statement really mean?
How do you get the software over to a new Win 11 computer? Is there a 3rd party package to migrate? Microsoft doesn't support such.
Are you expecting new installs to work? My primary concern is Quicken 2017 - the last non-subscription version.
There are real issues with installing Q2017 on a new PC.

I really want to know.
Mark

[enad]

Older unsupported operating systems can and will have unpatched security issues that are vectors for attacks. You might be using strong passwords but what if a remote exploit allowed for a key logger to be installed which then stole your passwords? Or it installed ransomware that threatened to delete all your files? This is not fear mongering; these are actual exploits that happen every day.

A way to mitigate this would be to unplug said computer from the internet and run the computer stand-alone. One can always use a flash drive to transfer data to/from a computer that is attached to the Internet.

I have a stand-alone Windows XP computer as well as a stand-alone Windows 7 compute that run applications with hardware that are no longer supported or updated but work perfectly fine stand-alone and isolated from the Internet.

[tibbitts]

Older unsupported operating systems can and will have unpatched security issues that are vectors for attacks. You might be using strong passwords but what if a remote exploit allowed for a key logger to be installed which then stole your passwords? Or it installed ransomware that threatened to delete all your files? This is not fear mongering; these are actual exploits that happen every day.

A way to mitigate this would be to unplug said computer from the internet and run the computer stand-alone. One can always use a flash drive to transfer data to/from a computer that is attached to the Internet.

I have a stand-alone Windows XP computer as well as a stand-alone Windows 7 compute that run applications with hardware that are no longer supported or updated but work perfectly fine stand-alone and isolated from the Internet.

I agree and do that as well, but it's a pretty specialized situation and not applicable to the vast majority of computer users.

[tibbitts]

As for apps running on Windows 11, pretty much if it runs on Windows 10, it will run on Windows 11. I haven't heard of any software that will run on 10 but not 11. But of course, YMMV.

Assuming a new Windows 11 computer, what does this statement really mean?
How do you get the software over to a new Win 11 computer? Is there a 3rd party package to migrate? Microsoft doesn't support such.
Are you expecting new installs to work? My primary concern is Quicken 2017 - the last non-subscription version.
There are real issues with installing Q2017 on a new PC.

I really want to know.
Mark

I'm not aware of a way to migrate applications to a new install vs. having them usually "just working" with upgrades. I've always done fresh application installs when, for example, moving to a new computer. But of course with unsupported software combinations that won't - or might not at least - work, at some point you just have to accept that continuing to use old software versions is simply not an option.

[OrangeKiwi]

The modularity of a desktop lends itself to easier repairs, upgrades, expansion, customization, etc. Reduced risk of breakage. Mine has entered its 16th year of service*.
A laptop's advantages include portability, elegance (0-1 cables), and essentially a built-in UPS.
Horses for courses.

* Thanks to Linux Mint, to which I switched after Windows went out of support. You're at a similar crossroads. All I can tell you is, switching to LM brought me joy as a user. I was SO much happier. from stickycomics.com:

I’ve been using macOS and iOS for 10 years and don’t recall ever paying for an update.

[tibbitts]

Maybe I lost track but I didn't see any MS link that provided a workaround if a PC was still unsupported by MS's update procedure. There were other non-MS links regarding bypassing hardware requirements.

I followed these instructions to do a clean install. Be advised this will wipe out all data on the drive. There is a path to upgrade but I haven’t tried it.

https://pureinfotech.com/install-window ... -hardware/

I did this on my old NUC5 when win11 first came out because it was not supported. I had to do it again last week to get to win 11 v24 since the auto update wouldn’t work.

I haven’t seen any issues. Everything seems to work perfectly.

It's good that you posted this and reported your positive experience, but I think we have to recognize that this is more of a hobby/enthusiast activity than something that's practical for the typical user to do for the long term. It's difficult enough to get most computer users to just click on an update, even when everything is likely to work without any multi-step instructions.

[techbud]

As for apps running on Windows 11, pretty much if it runs on Windows 10, it will run on Windows 11. I haven't heard of any software that will run on 10 but not 11. But of course, YMMV.

Assuming a new Windows 11 computer, what does this statement really mean?
How do you get the software over to a new Win 11 computer? Is there a 3rd party package to migrate? Microsoft doesn't support such.
Are you expecting new installs to work? My primary concern is Quicken 2017 - the last non-subscription version.
There are real issues with installing Q2017 on a new PC.

I really want to know.
Mark

I can't tell from your post if you are simply asking for help & tech advice ("I really want to know"), or if this is a sarcastic "Ok tell me, mr know-it-all, I really want to know".

Regardless, I would answer your question of "How do you get the software over to a new Win 11 computer?" with another question, Do you not have the original install software? So why can't you simply reinstall it on the new computer?

As for the question about Quicken 2017, I am not a Quicken user, so I am not personally familiar with the issues, but an internet search indicates that Q2017 was end-of-life'd in April 2020. So just like any other software, you're playing with fire trying to keep it running past the expiration date. Another search seems to indicate that you can get it working by copying over the quicken.ini from the old computer to the new one.

[techbud]

I have a stand-alone Windows XP computer as well as a stand-alone Windows 7 compute that run applications with hardware that are no longer supported or updated but work perfectly fine stand-alone and isolated from the Internet.

You said you are keeping old, unsupported hardware around running old, unsupported operating systems, running old applications that require this outdated config. Presumably you are doing this because the applications are "mission-critical" to your personal and/or professional life.
I have to ask: if these applications are so "mission critical" and important, why not simply upgrade them to something that runs on newer supported hardware & operating systems? What would you do if some of this hardware failed?