Downgrade back to 10, remove all the automatic update features, and you'll be set. Unless you're in a corporate environment and NEED updates on a regular basis, turn them off and use a nice antivirus to keep your computer safe. I've never had ANY of my windows copies do updates and I've never had any security issues.
There have been discussions online where Microsoft removed those computer checks before you installed 11 but I guess they're back now.
[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 02-15-2025).]
I see no reason to switch from w10 to w11, tho I do have 1 new laptop with w11 on it as well as my wife's 1 yr old lap that cam with w11. My go to (this one) still does fine with w10. For that matter, her old laptop with w7 on it still does fine too.
I don't much care if I ever have to endure another win update. + to Avast and malwarebytes tho!!
I was in the same boat, my i7-7700K *just* didn't make the cut-off, despite being fast enough to do about anything with 64GB of RAM and a 3090Ti GPU.
"An Intel 7th generation CPU is not compatible with Windows 11 primarily because it lacks the necessary security features and hardware capabilities required by the new operating system, including features like TPM 2.0"
Since 13th and 14th gen Intel CPU's turned out to be ticking time bombs, I switched to AMD for the first time since ~2002. I still installed 10 on the new computer despite it being 11 compatible.
You have until October, but I suspect it will get bumped out even further.
Originally posted by IMSA GT: Downgrade back to 10, remove all the automatic update features, and you'll be set. Unless you're in a corporate environment and NEED updates on a regular basis, turn them off and use a nice antivirus to keep your computer safe. I've never had ANY of my windows copies do updates and I've never had any security issues. There have been discussions online where Microsoft removed those computer checks before you installed 11 but I guess they're back now.
I never was able to load 11, so it's still running 10. I've seen short cuts by editing the registry, I'm not doing that. It's just a home computer
Yeah, Windows 11, even on a "brand new" machine, is poop. Haven't heard any reasons to upgrade. it's just an Operating System. Be stable, and silent.
11 seems "ok" stable, but the notifications, offers, advertising, and other stuff is annoying.
MAYBE its "better" for gaming? But to run a video editing app? Audio editing? etc... I want my machines to act like an appliance. offline and no subscriptions and such. Know what I mean?
As we get closer to windows 10 end support, starting to look for a newer laptop. My needs are few, just use the computer normal uses. Not into gaming.
I guess my next question is, What is a good laptop now-a-days ?
Currently have an ACER Aspire E5-575 laptop. It's 8 years old - bios says 2017. 4 GB, I have a 1T external drive.
I see some new laptops now have 16 GB. Wow, do I need that much ?
Looking forward hearing what's out there. Price isn't an issue, just want something that is worth getting.
I hate forced obsolesensce. Have you tried Ubuntu? If you aren't gaming and are just using it for web browsing/etc, you'll find the experience is very similar to Windows. It's very easy to install and doesn't take much to get used to.
How much RAM you need depends on uses. Even on my laptop I generally have some kind of lab environment, and that can be RAM hungry; 16GB would be slim for that. For day-to-day tasks though, 8GB is probably still plenty. I've had pretty good luck with Amazon's in-house refurbished Dells. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Dell...tooth/dp/B09WXZV2T2/ is pretty reasonable and should last you at least another 6-8 years.
If you have all of the latest updates on a Win10 install you will be relatively safe for a few years until another major vulnerability is discovered. You will have to keep an eye on the news in case one does come up. You will have to exercise the usual precautions of not opening email attachments, not going to sketchy hyperlinks and avoiding hostile websites.
I would recommend using a limited account for your day-to-day activities and putting a password on your admin account. Only use the admin account when you need the elevated permissions such as when installing some software.
If/when a major vulnerability is found, then I would remove internet access for that computer. One compromised machine on your network can compromise every other computer and device on your network.
If you want to leave the Windows world entirely, there are a number of new user friendly Linux distributions. I chose Mint myself. You can test out most distributions by creating a live USB drive with the distro on it.
If you have all of the latest updates on a Win10 install you will be relatively safe for a few years until another major vulnerability is discovered. You will have to keep an eye on the news in case one does come up. You will have to exercise the usual precautions of not opening email attachments, not going to sketchy hyperlinks and avoiding hostile websites.
I would recommend using a limited account for your day-to-day activities and putting a password on your admin account. Only use the admin account when you need the elevated permissions such as when installing some software.
If/when a major vulnerability is found, then I would remove internet access for that computer. One compromised machine on your network can compromise every other computer and device on your network.
If you want to leave the Windows world entirely, there are a number of new user friendly Linux distributions. I chose Mint myself. You can test out most distributions by creating a live USB drive with the distro on it.
Originally posted by maryjane: For that matter, her old laptop with w7 on it still does fine too.
I don't much care if I ever have to endure another win update.
This.
I was on w7 for a long time. Now w10 (new computer). I hate having to re-learn my computer. Usually when I get comfortable with it they they say upgrade to w#.
I figure w7 is likely safer from hackers. They try the newer versions. I wounder if hackers even know how hack w7 today.
The same with phones. If my phone doesn't do what it did when I bought it, I will get another one. I sport an I phone 6.
Forced obsolesce is rotten, my Optiplex 7050 SFF is running like a bullet proof rocket, but only has 7th Gen CPU, but I'm going to keep using it, for now.
I built my own computer to run Linux Kubuntu with a KDE Plasma desktop, with the sole purpose of getting away from Windows. A small leaning curve with Linux, but after a couple of days, very much at home.
Sure hope someone figures out a viable 'fix' for those who still have good older computers.
FWIW, I updated my Win 10 to the latest version of 22H2 through my systems settings so it'll be eligible for Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Win 10 when Microsoft releases the ESU for purchase. I really don't want to pay Microsoft $30 for a year of security but I figure hackers are salivating for Oct 14, 2025, and it'll give me an extra year to explore my options, plenty of time to shop after the mad rush to buy a Win 11 computer subsides along with prices.
Windows 10 won't just stop working, but there is risk and eventually newer applications will not work.
If you don't have a 3rd party AV you should look into that before they stop sending defender updates.
quote
Microsoft will stop providing security updates, including those for Windows Defender, for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. This means that after this date, your Windows 10 computer will no longer receive updates to protect against new threats. While Windows 10 will still function, it will become increasingly vulnerable to security risks
I have 2 computers that do not support windows 10. Both are still kick ass machines and I will put some version of Linux on them eventually. It does suck about the laptop as its still a beast but its heavy and I don't turn it on much. Never get a laptop that you cant remove the battery I suspect I will rob the disks and reuse them in the desktop once I put Linux on it. Perhaps the parts can be used to build a nice NAS device. Just have to find the right use for it.
I suspect I will rob the disks and reuse them in the desktop once I put Linux on it. 
