W11 starts rolling out today to compatible PC's.
I'm sure everyone makes backups on a regular basis, but ensure you make one before upgrading.

"upgrading"

Please elaborate.

'Upgrading' once meant getting something better.

Not PCs or laptops can get Windows 11.

Here's what I have for my HP 15 laptop:


I know why my laptop isn't compatible and that's because my processor is not compatible.

My Processor:


The minimum requirements are here:


So far, I have no plans to upgrade. PCS that are not compatible with Windows 11, can still run Windows 10. Windows 10 will be supported until October 14, 2025.

I have been running W11 previews, and I do consider it an upgrade.

My guess is that you use Linux as your primary OS.

Haven't tried yet, but nearly bricked my PC with the BIOS updated. For the curious, I posted my rant at link below. lol

https://www.askwoody.com/forums/topic/d ... os-on-pcs/

At least my new PC didn't brick (and typing this now using it). Just have to add, that thank God I still have my old PC plugged in for such emergencies. lol

yeah and our marriage didn't break up over dubious friendships

The main purpose of the Win11 upgrade is TPM support. TPM is about the integrity of the platform. It is meant to insure the platform as a whole hasn't been altered. So it protects you against someone changing your boot process and software (which is OK for a corporate or government PC, but as an individual the risk is fairly low and the consequences aren't life-threatening), but it also allows software publishers to make sure you are not running an altered version of their software (and so are running properly licensed versions) which is why MS is pushing the update down everybody's throat. This is one more step towards the full control of your PC from Redmond.

I agree, ofnuts; that's why I'm not going to upgrade any time soon, but, like Apple products, you live with the risks of having the company that you buy your products from screw you ('scuse my French). Was really thinking about going Linux since I'm interested in running everything as virtual machines and that platform's more friendlier for that concept, but I'll have to now wait since I just spent a hair under $1K for my new Minisforum X400 a few months ago.

Their trying to get every body to buy microsoft 365. Just had a look and they are some of the must have apps.
Heck I don't even have Microsoft office!

Like I said in my initial post, I know why I can't upgrade. I have no plans to get a new laptop anytime soon. Thanks for the explanation.

I can't see the relation between waiting to install Linux and the fact you bought a new computer?
Why not download a Linux distro now and install it ASAP on that new computer?
Do you need recommendation for beginner?

I've been running Ubuntu as a VM for over 14 years, Patrice. It's improved a lot since then, but Windows still my crutch I suppose.

Me, within minutes of receiving my shiny new Lenovo machine:

- rips out the installed SSD (smallest orderable) with Windows on it
- installs a much roomier SSD
- installs Ubuntu

So in 30 minutes I have a good machine running Linux, and if I ever need it to run Windows again (for instance, giving it to someone else) I just swap in the original disk.

Pretty much what I do with every new pc/laptop I buy. I just format over Windows and run Linux Mint instead.

I have a 9 years old Lenovo laptop where I do must of my work and I have a Lenovo Flex 3 laptop. I want to install Linux but I don't have any experience installing it. I seen so many tutorials in YouTube but must all of them have a different ways to do it and I have trouble choosing which is more efficient to follow. Would any of the Linux experience users here give me some advise or guide me to any tutorial of the installation for beginners. Thank you in advance!

You don't need any experience on it. the installation is guided and easy. If you don't have DVD drive use USB stick:
1. Download the .iso image. I recommend easy popular distro to begin with, Ubuntu, Mint etc. https://distrowatch.com/
2. Create bootable USB stick. I've used Unetbootin, but there are lot of choices.
3. Stick it in the USB slot, make sure to boot from USB.
4. Follow the installation guide.

That's it. You'll be asked if you want to use whole disk for your Linux installation, or install it on a separate partition side-by-side with Windows. Up to you if you want to use both. I don't like to make out with Windows on same disk, and use whole disk.

Which may or not may erase the hidden Windows restore partition. Not sure because I always wipe and partition my drives beforehand with GParted Live. https://gparted.org/livecd.php

If you're on wireless make sure to connect upon installation to install updates same time.

Note Gimp & python2 problem. Ubuntu 20.xx does not come with python2, only python3.
That's why I use MX Linux 19.4.

Main point.
Installing popular Linux distro is easier and faster than installing Windows.
No need to spend next 3 days and nights upgrading service packs and updates one after another.

Interesting how my initial post about W11/backups morphs into a Linux tutorial.