So Windows Dies Next Month...

Summary

Windows 10 is reaching its end of life next month, forcing users to transition to Windows 11 or consider alternatives. Many older systems face compatibility issues due to stricter hardware requirements, but solutions exist: users can bypass restrictions using tools like Rufus or switch to Linux distributions such as Mint or Cachio OS. While unsupported installations may work for everyday tasks and casual gaming, certain updates and games might fail. The video emphasizes downloading software from official sources, assessing user needs, and choosing the best OS path to maintain security, performance, and longevity without unnecessary hardware upgrades.

Takeaways

• 😀 Windows 10 support is ending next month; Windows 11 will be the only supported version moving forward.
• 😀 Many users struggle to upgrade to Windows 11 because their older hardware does not meet the system requirements.
• 😀 If your system doesn't support Windows 11, you can try using workarounds like modifying the installation with tools like Rufus.
• 😀 Older Intel processors (KBL Lake, from 2016) and equivalent AMD processors are incompatible with Windows 11.
• 😀 You don't necessarily have to throw away unsupported hardware; you can try Linux as an alternative operating system.
• 😀 Rufus is a tool that allows you to bypass Windows 11’s hardware checks and install it on unsupported systems.
• 😀 When bypassing Windows 11’s requirements, remember to download the OS only from official sources like Microsoft’s website to avoid malware risks.
• 😀 For gamers and power users, Linux Mint is a good, easy-to-use alternative to Windows, but Cache OS (Arch-based) offers the fastest updates and performance for those wanting more speed.
• 😀 If you're running unsupported Windows 11 on older hardware, you may experience issues with certain games or apps that require TPM or secure boot.
• 😀 35% of Steam users are still on Windows 10, meaning many gamers will face this transition in the coming months, whether upgrading to Windows 11 or switching to Linux.

Q & A

When is Windows 10 officially ending support?

Windows 10 support is ending next month, meaning users will no longer receive standard updates and will need to consider upgrading or switching operating systems.

Why can't some computers upgrade to Windows 11?

Some computers can't upgrade due to hardware requirements such as TPM 2.0, secure boot, minimum 4GB RAM, and supported CPUs. Older processors, like Intel KBL Lake from 2016, are not supported.

What are the options for users with unsupported hardware who want Windows 11?

Users can either upgrade their hardware, bypass Windows 11 restrictions using tools like Rufus to install it on unsupported systems, or switch to a Linux distribution.

What is Rufus and how is it used in this context?

Rufus is a free tool used to create bootable USB drives. It can modify the Windows 11 installation media to bypass hardware restrictions like TPM, secure boot, and RAM requirements.

Why is it recommended to download Windows 11 directly from Microsoft?

Downloading from Microsoft ensures the software is legitimate and secure, avoiding the risks associated with unofficial or modified versions that could contain malware or unwanted modifications.

What are the risks of running Windows 11 on unsupported hardware?

Running Windows 11 on unsupported hardware may lead to compatibility issues with updates or software, certain games may not function correctly, and Microsoft may not provide support for problems that arise.

What Linux distributions does the video suggest as alternatives?

The video suggests Linux Mint for beginner-friendly stability and Cachio OS for gamers seeking up-to-date patches, speed, and performance similar to Windows.

Can older 32-bit systems run Windows 11?

No, Windows 11 is only available in 64-bit versions. Users with 32-bit systems would need to upgrade their hardware to run Windows 11.

What precautions should users take when creating a bootable USB for Windows 11?

Users should verify the ISO checksum, use an official ISO from Microsoft, select the correct partition scheme (GPT/UEFI), and ensure that all data on the USB drive is backed up since it will be erased during the process.

What should gamers consider when running unsupported Windows 11?

Gamers should be aware that certain games requiring technologies like secure boot may not run properly on unsupported systems, and they might encounter limitations or crashes with updates.

How can users reduce privacy and telemetry concerns when installing Windows 11?

Using Rufus, users can disable automatic device encryption, telemetry, and Microsoft account requirements, and can set up a local account to minimize data collection.

Why might switching to Linux be a viable long-term option for old PCs?

Linux can breathe new life into older hardware, providing security updates, stability, and compatibility with modern software without requiring hardware upgrades. It's particularly useful when Windows 11 is not supported.