iFixitOct 14

Microsoft wants 2025 to be the "year of the Windows 11 PC refresh." They want up to 400 million perfectly good computers running Windows 10 to become e-waste. Why? So Microsoft can have their cake ($140-$200 for a Windows 11 license) and eat it (your data) too

It's time to switch sides, and break away from this cycle of endless upgrades. Our new guide walks you through installing a Linux-based operating system—keeping your computer secure long after Microsoft walks away

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Install+Linux+on+a+Windows+PC/196722

Show threadbpollenOct 15

@iFixit You can get Win11 at: https://store.entrepreneur.com/sales/microsoft-windows-11-pro-7?utm_term=customdeal1&utm_source=StackSocial%20Deals%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20251014_Tech_Sale_1pmPT_327609_MicrosoftWindows11Pro15_3Products_FullCreative_a0xRn000004l5Jh&cmp=15244652&tmpl=19846784

$14.97. Not a plug, just where I got a license for a new computer on the cheap

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro | Entrepreneur

<p>Microsoft-Verified Partner! Upgrade Your Windows OS and Enjoy Enhanced UI, Better Multitasking, and Improved Security</p>

Entrepreneur
Show threadAlexOct 15
@bpollen @iFixit So what do I do with that license if Microsoft denies setup on a system that's perfectly capable of running Win 11?
Show threadbpollen
@a_lex_ander @iFixit I don't have the same issue, but this is "A" suggestion on how to bypass that restriction: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/discussions/windows11/how-to-fix-or-bypass-this-pc-cant-run-windows-11-from-bootable-usb-disk/4041827
How to fix or bypass "This PC Can't run Windows 11" from bootable USB disk | Microsoft Community Hub

Hi community folks, I am new to Windows and want to test out Windows 11 on my spare PC before making a real switch to it.   I made a Windows 11...

TECHCOMMUNITY.MICROSOFT.COM
Oct 15 at 4:03amWeb
Show threadAlexOct 15

@bpollen @iFixit Which basically boils down to: use an undocumented method to install an operating system on hardware the manufacturer explicitly excludes.

Why would one do that?

Show threadbpollenOct 15
@a_lex_ander @iFixit Fairly obviously it would be so you can use Win11. If you want to wait for Microsoft to decide your hardware is compatible, feel free to wait. I just provided a workaround. That's what I thought your were asking for. Feel free to do without, or wait on the largesse of MS.
Show threadFynnNDOct 15
@bpollen @a_lex_ander @iFixit but then you only have security updates till the end of 2026, as support for 24h2 will end by then and you won't receive the update option to 25h2 or any future update
Show threadbpollenOct 15
@FynnND @a_lex_ander @iFixit 25h2 is supposed to be a free upgrade. You can download the OEM version of 25h2 now.
Show threadFynnNDOct 15
@bpollen @a_lex_ander @iFixit the problem is when you just bypass minimum requirements that 25h2 won't show up in the update center and you will be stuck on the Windows version you use at the moment. Maybe there are some workarounds so you don't need to do a fresh install, but at that point you do stuff way more complex than you should
Show threadWesDymOct 15

@a_lex_ander Manufacturers -- the folks who make the physical computer -- don't 'explicitly exclude' ANY OS; literally any OS that will run on the hardware is acceptable. That's like saying a road-maker might exclude certain brands of cars; they don't.

Mfrs commonly work with MS, to optimize configuration, but they don't work FOR MS, and MS does not own or control the hardware. As the hardware owner, you're free to run any OS you want on it.

Show threadAlexOct 15

@wesdym @wesdym I don't think you understood my reply referring to Microsoft not supporting hardware without TPM2 capabilities, which is in line with the original toot about Microsoft making millions of good devices obsolete.

But thank you for explaining operating systems to a software developer who's been using Linux for two decades now to earn a living.

Show threadWesDymOct 16
@a_lex_ander Get over yourself.
Show threadWesDymOct 15

@a_lex_ander In the past, MS provided hardware advice, but didn't enforce it. You bought the software and hoped for the best, and they made no apologies if you didn't follow their advice. That's reasonable.

Stricter enforcement of hardware minima (denying upgrade on their terms only) seems to be a way to ensure that no one will be frustrated by poorly-running Win11 for deficient hardware. But I also suspect it's because of the higher demands of AI, which I believe is how they plan to profit.