Mastodawn

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

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bpollen Oct 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

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Alex Oct 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?

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bpollen Oct 15

@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

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Alex Oct 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?

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WesDym

@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.