The support for Windows 10 ends, so it is high time for an upgrade of computers on which this operating system runs. ntv.de explains how to check whether the computer is suitable for how to install Windows 11 and what alternatives there are.
Microsoft will end Windows 10 next October. This means that there is no longer free security updates for the operating system. If you do not want to continue using your computer, you have to pay either 30 euros per year for further updates, install another operating system or ideally carry out a free upgrade to Windows 11.
According to the security company ESET, this affects around 32 million computers in Germany alone; According to Statcounter, these are two out of three Windows computers. So far, Windows 11 has only one market share of 31 percent, although Microsoft published it in October 2021. The large number of outdated computers is not only due to disinterest in an upgrade, Microsoft has also set the system hurdles for Windows 11 so high that many computers fail due to the minimum requirements.
Ideally only an update
In the past, the system should have already been proposed on younger computers that meet the requirements. Then it is sufficient to go to the settings (gear symbol) in the start menu and under there Update & security The button Find for updates to select. Alternatively, you give the TASCHTORE in the search window at the bottom Update and then click on the search results Find for updates.
If the computer fulfills the requirements, you only have to Download and install Click and follow the instructions. You can optionally download and run Microsoft's installation assistants.
If you want to throw the ballast and have Windows 11 completely new, Microsoft's media creation tool is the first choice. With it you can set up a USB stick or DVD to install the operating system from there.
Provide data from the upgrade
Before that, however, you should make a backup, even if you go the easiest way over a Windows upgrade. Because data and settings are usually taken over, but something can always go wrong with a large update.
There are many solutions for a backup, including the free German open source software “Personal Backup”. If you have a Microsoft account, the simplest method with on-board agents is the Windows securitythat one in the settings under Accounts finds. There you can use sliders to select which folders and settings you want to secure.
The backup takes place in the OneDrive cloud on Windows servers, for which the free data volume of 5 gigabytes is usually not sufficient. The simplest solution for this is to copy images, videos and other files to an external data carrier and save them on the hard disk again after the upgrade. This also works without a Microsoft account, but after the upgrade you have to restore the settings ET Cetera manually.
If the hardware doesn't play along
There are various instructions on the Internet that show how to install Windows 11, even if the computer does not meet the requirements for this. For this you download the corresponding ISO file from Microsoft and open it via a double click. In the open window, right -click the mouse button on a vacancy and select the options that are then offered Open in terminal out of.
In the new window you give CMD one and press the input key. Then you tap Setup /Product Server And press the input button again, whereupon the installation assistant starts. This apparently sets up Windows 11 servers because the system requirements are not checked in this version. In fact, it is Windows 11 Home or Pro.
How long this trick still works is uncertain. Of course Microsoft knows about it and could close the loophole at any time. The company may allow users to experience users that it is not a pleasure to work with an unofficial Windows 11. So there are currently still security updates for such systems, but nothing more. If it is not a computer that absolutely has to work perfectly, you can still try it.
Alternative operating systems
If you do not necessarily have to use certain Windows programs, an alternative operating system is a good solution. Linux is particularly popular and relatively widespread here. Recommended distributions include Linux MINT or MX Linux. If you like Google and like to rely on cloud -based applications, you can also try out the very uncomplicated Chromeos Flex.
