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How to Run Windows 11 on an Old PC With Windows To Go and Rufus
www.makeuseof.com ^ | JUN 19, 2023 | Arjun Vishnu

Posted on 07/30/2023 8:30:11 AM PDT by fireman15

Here's how to use Windows To Go and Rufus to set up Windows 11 on a PC that doesn't meet its requirements.

Windows 11 system requirements specify that it needs UEFI, Secure Boot and TPM. Many old computers are powerful enough to run Windows 11. Yet, they cannot install the OS because of these requirements. Windows 11 refuses to install and displays the message "this PC can't run Windows 11".

There is a way to bypass these requirements and install Windows 11 on any powerful computer, even if it is old. The process is quite simple as well.

Unlike earlier versions, Windows 11 is rigid with its minimum system requirements. It not only asks for a fast processor but also insists on the processor being a certain generation or higher. The supported processors include newer models from AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm.

You can check if your PC meets these requirements using the PC Health Check app. But, if any of the requirements are not fulfilled, Windows will say that the system does not meet the requirements.

Windows 11 compatibility check is not only a warning, but will also result in refusal to install the OS. Windows 10 will retire on October 14, 2025, after which it will not get any updates. As such, your PC won't get any new features or security fixes unless you install Windows 11 on it.

However, you can give your computer a new lease of life by creating a Windows To Go bootable disk. With that, you can bypass all these requirements:

A compatible processor, A UEFI BIOS, Secure Boot compatibility, TPM (Trusted Platform Module), and a Microsoft account for the initial device setup.

(Excerpt) Read more at makeuseof.com ...


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Computers/Internet; Hobbies
KEYWORDS: install; linux; microsoft; oldpc; windows; windows11
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To: Openurmind

Why do Linux dudes always try to hijack Windows threads?


21 posted on 07/30/2023 10:16:59 AM PDT by TexasGator
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To: TexasGator

Here is an honest review from an expert. But you know more than he does I’m sure so you won’t watch it. Maybe someone with a more open mind might:

https://youtu.be/TuPO-eAMy4I


22 posted on 07/30/2023 10:26:30 AM PDT by Openurmind (The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world it leaves to its children. ~ D. Bonhoeffer)
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To: TexasGator

Because we care about others and are compassionate enough to try and save others “needless hardships” caused by the sadistic greed of Microsoft.


23 posted on 07/30/2023 10:29:55 AM PDT by Openurmind (The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world it leaves to its children. ~ D. Bonhoeffer)
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To: fireman15

useful


24 posted on 07/30/2023 10:35:35 AM PDT by dennisw (Never attribute to incompetence-stupidity, that which is adequately explained by malice)
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To: TexasGator

Why do Linux dudes always try to hijack Windows threads?

*************************************************

I look at these windows threads because wife has a windows machine and I might learn something useful.

Me? One Linux box, four FreeBSD boxes.


25 posted on 07/30/2023 10:47:51 AM PDT by dagunk
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To: TexasGator
"Why do Linux dudes always try to hijack Windows threads?"

For the same reason you might want to help the deceived and deluded people on DU.

26 posted on 07/30/2023 10:48:59 AM PDT by mikey_hates_everything
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To: fireman15

“My primary laptop uses a Ryzen 5 2500u processor”

Same here. Mine is a Dell Inspiron 15.6” that came with Windows 10. It clean installed Windows 11 in one gulp. From a USB stick.


27 posted on 07/30/2023 10:49:22 AM PDT by dennisw (Never attribute to incompetence-stupidity, that which is adequately explained by malice)
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To: fireman15; dayglored

Thanks for posting this article.

I’ve been using Windows To Go to make bootable installation disks for a couple of years. I liked how Rufus made it possible to boot from a USB instead of CD’s or DVD’s and migrated to using that.

Recently someone suggested trying Ventoy (https://www.ventoy.net/en/index.html). It works differently than the Rufus/Windows To Go solution in that you can mount multiple ISO’s on a single boot drive. A simple menu allows you to select the installation (or utility) you wish to install and also keep tools, drivers, and post image applications on the same drive. If you are imaging machines in a non-SCCM or FOG network environment it makes things a bit more efficient.

Adding an additional image is a simple drag and drop to the library - the menu automatically shows it on next boot. It works with all flavors of OS’s - Windows, Linux/Unix, VMWare, etc.

You might find it useful.


28 posted on 07/30/2023 10:49:47 AM PDT by rockrr ( Everything is different now... )
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To: vikingd00d
Or, you could just install Linux. Problems solved.

YUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUP!

Kicked Microsoft out of my house more than 5 years ago now. It's been so long I'm not really sure how long it's been anymore.

No more viruses/malware/trojans, better security, runs awesome on my 12+ year old FX8350 and on my newest AMD & Intel machines here @ home.

I have one Windows10 VM for work/amateur radio related stuff. Beyond that, Ubuntu Linux all the way.

29 posted on 07/30/2023 10:52:54 AM PDT by usconservative (When The Ballot Box No Longer Counts, The Ammunition Box Does. (What's In Your Ammo Box?))
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To: TexasGator
Why do Linux dudes always try to hijack Windows threads?

Easy pickin's.

Seriously, I'm at the point "friends don't let friends run Windows." We're trying to save you from that evil BigTech. Seriously.

30 posted on 07/30/2023 10:54:27 AM PDT by usconservative (When The Ballot Box No Longer Counts, The Ammunition Box Does. (What's In Your Ammo Box?))
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To: mikey_hates_everything

Oh man... That is rough...


31 posted on 07/30/2023 11:02:42 AM PDT by Openurmind (The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world it leaves to its children. ~ D. Bonhoeffer)
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To: usconservative

“friends don’t let friends run Windows.”

That is a very honest statement too... It is painful to watch it happen over and over knowing there really is a way out from the abuse MS inflicts on their customers.


32 posted on 07/30/2023 11:06:17 AM PDT by Openurmind (The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world it leaves to its children. ~ D. Bonhoeffer)
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To: fireman15

Windows is regressing. 7 is better than 10, and 10 is better than 11. I run 10 on about 5 different systems, so they still get security patches. That won’t change until they are retired, which will happen when Microsoft no longer releases security patches for them, but at that point many will be 10-15 years old. I also have two new Windows 11 laptops, which are OK, but are honestly harder to use than Windows 7 was.

I also have Macs. The number is dwindling though, due to Apple blocking them from getting the latest security patches after about 6-8 years, which is not enough to have recouped my investment in them, in my opinion. Sure I could try to hack something on them, but my systems contain important data, and the point is to try to stop them from being hacked, not promote it.

But if Windows continues to regress, I may be forced to buy more Macs again and just accept they become obsolete a lot faster.


33 posted on 07/30/2023 11:08:19 AM PDT by Golden Eagle (Ultra Conservative)
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To: Openurmind
This boot chart usually solves the problem: https://techofide.com/blogs/boot-menu-option-keys-for-all-computers-and-laptops-updated-list-2021-techofide/#Boot%20Option%20Keys%20For%20All%20Computers%20And%20Laptops Oh, and never ever mention words like CMOS.. My choice of LINUX: https://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=306
34 posted on 07/30/2023 11:17:31 AM PDT by R1b
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To: rockrr
Recently someone suggested trying Ventoy (https://www.ventoy.net/en/index.html). It works differently than the Rufus/Windows To Go solution in that you can mount multiple ISO's on a single boot drive.

Thanks for the positive feedback. Yes, Ventoy is an extremely helpful tool. It can also be used with tools like various versions of Hiren's BootCD which is actually how I first found it. It is on later versions of Hiren's BootCD. In addition to being able to boot multiple operating systems from various ISOs, it often helps get into systems which have their BIOS and/or UEFI locked down by the manufacturer to keep one from installing a non-windows operating system on the device.

I have an old Windows 8/10 tablet/convertible computer and it is difficult to get it to boot from any USB device. It came with a 32GB SSD which was OK when it was new, but Windows 10 kept growing and eventually it would no longer take any updates... I eventually had to “wipe” the drive which is soldered onto the motherboard. I wanted to put Ubuntu Studio onto it, but I never could get it to work quite right.

For reasons I do not completely understand Ventoy turned out to be very helpful while farting around with this device. Eventually I got a bare bones Windows 10 install on it and also installed compression using the command line with administrator privileges, “Compact.exe /CompactOS:always”. After that I used only portable versions of software on a fast 64GB microSD card that installs in the back of the device.

There are quite a few other options to Rufus and Ventoy when creating bootable USB drives. Some are free and some are paid. Some of the paid versions do some pretty neat tricks that can save a lot of time.

35 posted on 07/30/2023 11:20:44 AM PDT by fireman15 (Irritating people are the grit from which we fashion our pearl. I provide the grit. You're Welcome.)
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To: R1b

Thank you for sharing that.


36 posted on 07/30/2023 11:27:49 AM PDT by Openurmind (The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world it leaves to its children. ~ D. Bonhoeffer)
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To: McGruff
I considered upgrading but then I read that it actually slows done your PC installing Windows 11.

I assumed the same thing. I just ran PCMark 10 on the same laptop, one with Windows 10 on the internal SSD and one with Windows 11 on the external $18.95 SSD in my $9.95 USB3 enclosure. The scores were almost identical. I am sure that your mileage will vary depending on your hardware and software setup. For about $30 you can find out how it would compare on your computer.

I am still not planning on switching from Windows 10 to 11 anytime soon, but I certainly will when Microsoft finally does stop supporting 10.

37 posted on 07/30/2023 11:30:47 AM PDT by fireman15 (Irritating people are the grit from which we fashion our pearl. I provide the grit. You're Welcome.)
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To: fireman15

Once installed try “ThisisWindows11” by Github. I’m presently using it to cull out all of the crappola auto installed by Win11. It drastically reduces the size and speeds things up significantly. IT also dumps the spyware.


38 posted on 07/30/2023 11:45:28 AM PDT by bobbo666 (Baizuo)
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To: fireman15

Thank you for the info, which I’m sure many understand, but I’m not one. I wish I was but that boat sailed while I was raising a family and they were all learning computer engineering! Is this a simple question, is it possible to not download the updates? It always just tells me, Don’t touch that til I’m done. I’m a very obedient septuagenarian who has little to no computing skills. I use my laptop for my sewing/quilting pdfs and my iPad for everything else.

Thanks.


39 posted on 07/30/2023 11:53:20 AM PDT by grame (May you know more of the love of God Almighty this day!)
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To: fireman15
Ugh, why would someone do this? Windows 7 was the last Windows OS designed around the principle of helping users be productive and to serve them.

Newer Windows versions are designed around the principle that the OS is built to force-feed crap down users throats and minds, to sell them stuff and propagandize them.

40 posted on 07/30/2023 11:54:18 AM PDT by EnderWiggin1970
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