Windows 11 Release Date: October 5, 2021
- Thread starter Corrine
- Start date
Strange how this very day, Dell is advertising business computers with Windows 10 Pro on the radio. Could it be that these brand new units are not equipped to handle Windows 11?
I suppose it could, but most likely they will support W11 too. It sure would be a question I'd asked before buying.
My worries are the global chip shortage that some say will last will last into 2023.
From today's ZD Net: "Windows Insiders who've been testing Windows 11 on hardware deemed ineligible by Microsoft are being moved back to Windows 10".
Mine neither gives an option to install and it is compatible, my new laptop that is. Only one pc of mine is compatible to install Windows 11, the rest is 5+ years old. I might go with a Linux distro for my older laptop and I am thinking of upgrading my desktop by the time Windows 10 reaches EOL so it can go to Windows 11, which would mean a new motherboard and CPU though.
I am sure it will take months for the rollout to complete. This ensures servers and networks are not log-jammed - especially since so many are manually upgrading. It also allows for unforeseen bugs and problems to be weeded out early, before there are 1 billion+ W11 users out there.
I generally do not like, or recommend, upgrading operating systems on older hardware designed for older operating systems. There so often are way too many problems. And generally, I blame the hardware makers for failing to ensure compatible drivers for the new OS. There is $0.00 returns on investment developing drivers for legacy hardware. They would much rather consumers buy all new where there is lots of profit. I hate that, but I understand it.
I built this computer in Feb 2016 with W10. This was 7 months after the official W10 release date - which I figure is plenty of time to clear any major bugs in the OS, as well as new hardware (and their drivers) made for it.
February is my birthday month so I am planning to build a new W11 system for me this coming February. That will, however, depend on the computer chip shortage - which I hope, by then will be resolved.
My notebook is less than 1 year old and [supposedly] is fully W11 compatible. So I too am waiting to be notified the update is available.
This is SOP for me. I typically build a totally new computer for me when a new OS comes out. I did it with XP, W7 and again with W10. That way, I have new hardware designed for the new OS - and a "fresh" install of the new OS.
I generally do not like, or recommend, upgrading operating systems on older hardware designed for older operating systems. There so often are way too many problems. And generally, I blame the hardware makers for failing to ensure compatible drivers for the new OS. There is $0.00 returns on investment developing drivers for legacy hardware. They would much rather consumers buy all new where there is lots of profit. I hate that, but I understand it.
I built this computer in Feb 2016 with W10. This was 7 months after the official W10 release date - which I figure is plenty of time to clear any major bugs in the OS, as well as new hardware (and their drivers) made for it.
February is my birthday month so I am planning to build a new W11 system for me this coming February. That will, however, depend on the computer chip shortage - which I hope, by then will be resolved.
My notebook is less than 1 year old and [supposedly] is fully W11 compatible. So I too am waiting to be notified the update is available.
Unless DDR5 will be the primary RAM and at least somewhat affordable by the time Windows 10 is EOL, the only components I currently consider looking into for replacement/a new computer are the motherboard and CPU. While not accurate, I would consider it for myself a new computer since I expect to not need any other components by the time of EOL. I know that there's chance some components will become defect, like the GPU or PSU, within that timeframe and/or other issues may arise meanwhile, but currently it is really just a thought I have.
Having said that, considering what I have seen others do, basically the same as I have in mind, who experienced massive BSOD problems as a result of component upgrades, I agree with you Digerati that a completely new built computer is a better option. But I personally am not fond of hardware collecting dust and I have no place to store spare components should I build a new computer in the near future, hence it's still a thought that will be planned out in the coming years.
Having said that, considering what I have seen others do, basically the same as I have in mind, who experienced massive BSOD problems as a result of component upgrades, I agree with you Digerati that a completely new built computer is a better option. But I personally am not fond of hardware collecting dust and I have no place to store spare components should I build a new computer in the near future, hence it's still a thought that will be planned out in the coming years.
It is more much accurate than you may think. In terms of software licensing, in particular, operating system licensing, whenever you get a new computer, you need a new OS license - at least to be 100% legal. And you can replace any component in your computer, over and over again, including the case, and NOT be considered to have a new computer - EXCEPT the motherboard.
But a new motherboard is considered a new computer. And IMO, that makes sense. This is because it is the motherboard that determines which processors you can install to ensure compatibility. And it is the motherboard that determine which RAM (and how much) you can install for compatibility. Other compatibility features, while less strict or significant, are determined by the mother board. Even as seen here with W11, the OS.
OEM> New Mobo = New Computer, Need a new License. Retail Copy of Windows, New MOBO = Current License Transferable.
Oops! I should have been more clear. Yes, a "retail" license of Windows can be transferred to a new computer (new motherboard) over and over again AS LONG AS any previous installations have been uninstalled/deleted.
It should be noted however, that in nearly 100% of the cases, factory built computers come with OEM/System Builder's licenses and therefore, cannot legally be transferred. Many custom and home built computer also come with OEM/SB licenses too.
It should be noted however, that in nearly 100% of the cases, factory built computers come with OEM/System Builder's licenses and therefore, cannot legally be transferred. Many custom and home built computer also come with OEM/SB licenses too.
I remember when I bought a new Windows 8 license from Microsoft back when it was something like £20, and then upgraded my OEM version of Windows.
I wonder if the key still works - it's not installed on any PC, and in theory should be upgradable to Windows 11 on the same key. I guess I technically have a "spare" copy of Windows around?
Umm, not sure with W8 because only W8.1 was included in the free upgrade path to W10.
8.1 was a service pack though right? So, shouldn't be too hard to go through the upgrade process to W10 and then W11.
I believe the Win 7 upgrade path still works as well to get to W10. I think what would be interesting to know is whether or not W11 would directly accept my old license key.
No - not really.
I suspect the upgrade process will allow you to upgrade since MS is pretty lenient in that regard. What I am unsure of is if you will technically be considered legal or not.
britechguy
Well-known member
I can state with certainty that this is correct. I've never tried to upgrade a Windows 8 machine to Windows 10, as they had all already updated themselves to Windows 8.1 by the time I ever touched them. I'd imagine that if you have install media for Windows 8, the resulting instance would end up bumping itself up to Windows 8.1, and then away you go (as I'm also certain that Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 upgrade still works, too).
The upgrade path "technically" works. I am just saying that is not, technically, an authorized path. Microsoft just is not pursuing individual offenders - it is not worth the risk of bad PR.
I don't see how it's not a an authorised path? 8.1 is a free upgrade for Windows 8 users, and the overall upgrade from W7/W8.1 is still via the Windows Update system.
britechguy
Well-known member
We'll just have to agree to disagree here. Microsoft is the gatekeeper. If the gatekeeper keeps the gate open, in practice, then it is an authorized path.
What Microsoft says it allows and what it has actually allowed have been at variance before, and almost certainly will be again. Until and unless they actually block any update/upgrade path that they themselves have created and supplied from working in the field, it's authorized. If they "shut off the spigot," then it's not.
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