End of Windows 10

[Lord Tyrion]

Following on from the slow PC thread I thought I may as well start this one now.

We have two desktops and a laptop at work. All have had SSD installed, thanks to advice on here, and work well. Unfortunately, all are also getting the Windows 10 is ending comment. None can get the Windows 11 upgrade, they don't meet the requirement.

What are the options for this? Is it really going to be Armageddon for mountains of computers or is there an alternative? Bear in mind, I'm not going to build a new pc, I'm not that technical.

 

[Backache]

Linux?

 

[GreiginFife]

Following on from the slow PC thread I thought I may as well start this one now.

We have two desktops and a laptop at work. All have had SSD installed, thanks to advice on here, and work well. Unfortunately, all are also getting the Windows 10 is ending comment. None can get the Windows 11 upgrade, they don't meet the requirement.

What are the options for this? Is it really going to be Armageddon for mountains of computers or is there an alternative? Bear in mind, I'm not going to build a new pc, I'm not that technical.

It's not really going to be armageddon as it's mainly old kit that's affected.

In most cases it's TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 that's the issue. Basically it's a boot verification tool.

In the case of laptops it must mean your machine is pre 2015 (ish) and there isn't much you can do. In desktops that are older than 2016 and do not have TPM 2.0 in the motherboard BIOS, you can buy TPM plug in modules that create TPM 2.0 compliance. They aren't expensive but you need to fit them.

Alternative is to either risk running the systems on unsupported W10 (remember, end of support doesn't mean W10 stop working, it just doesn't get security patches that it does now, which can create vulnerabilities) or you can update the motherboards to newer TPM 2.0 compliant ones. But bear in mind that this can often mean upgrading the CPU as well. Lastly, replace the machines with modern systems, cost to the business as an essential IT upgrade.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

@GreiginFife I can't work out how old the two desktops are but I would not be surprised if it was over 10yrs. Putting in the SSD has transformed them and improved their lifespan massively. I might need to take them into a computer shop and see if they can fit a TPM thingy, whether that is all that they need. I'd rather not have to buy two new computers when they actually work really well as they are. However, we can not run with vulnerabilities so worse case........if we have to.

Thanks for the above

 

[GreiginFife]

@GreiginFife I can't work out how old the two desktops are but I would not be surprised if it was over 10yrs. Putting in the SSD has transformed them and improved their lifespan massively. I might need to take them into a computer shop and see if they can fit a TPM thingy, whether that is all that they need. I'd rather not have to buy two new computers when they actually work really well as they are. However, we can not run with vulnerabilities so worse case........if we have to.

Thanks for the above

It's more than likely that it's the TPM issue that's stopping them upgrading. You can run the W11 compatibility check and it will tell you exactly.

What make and model of PCs are they and I can check with my old supplier if TPM modules are available (as they are motherboard specific but some proprietary manufacturer boards don't offer them openly for sale).

 

[Bunkermagnet]

@GreiginFife I can't work out how old the two desktops are but I would not be surprised if it was over 10yrs. Putting in the SSD has transformed them and improved their lifespan massively. I might need to take them into a computer shop and see if they can fit a TPM thingy, whether that is all that they need. I'd rather not have to buy two new computers when they actually work really well as they are. However, we can not run with vulnerabilities so worse case........if we have to.

Thanks for the above

My desktop PC (an Apple Mac) runs Windows 10. It's used for persona l and business use (emails, accounts etc). It won't be replaced just because MS have decided to stop supporting W10. I have a firewall, quality A/V and a few other little items keeping me and it safe.
Many large businesses and Governments still use the previous windows versions, so I wouldn't panic in any way.

 

[GreiginFife]

Suppose it all depends on your individual approach and appetite for risk. I haven't worked with any "large" clients over the last 10 years that haven't either migrated to W11 or haven't been in the process of doing so.

Sadly, I can't say the same for public sector clients that seem to be stuck in the "nah, it'll be fine" space. Either too difficult or too costly.

Personally, having spent a number of years working in Cybersecurity with two banks, I err on the side of caution for what little cost or effort is involved in upgrading. But I appreciate that I say that from a position of having up to date hardware that just works.

 

[Bunkermagnet]

Suppose it all depends on your individual approach and appetite for risk. I haven't worked with any "large" clients over the last 10 years that haven't either migrated to W11 or haven't been in the process of doing so.

Sadly, I can't say the same for public sector clients that seem to be stuck in the "nah, it'll be fine" space. Either too difficult or too costly.

Personally, having spent a number of years working in Cybersecurity with two banks, I err on the side of caution for what little cost or effort is involved in upgrading. But I appreciate that I say that from a position of having up to date hardware that just works.

I fully understand and get that. The biggest issue I always find when a major OS is upgraded is software compatability that invariably crop up despite the many statements of being "compatible".
I think being sensible in what you do and open with your PC makes the biggest affect on it.

 

[GreiginFife]

I fully understand and get that. The biggest issue I always find when a major OS is upgraded is software compatability that invariably crop up despite the many statements of being "compatible".
I think being sensible in what you do and open with your PC makes the biggest affect on it.

Unfortunately, a lot like driving, it's often not what you do that create problems.

W11 has been the "current" OS for about 5 years so any software that hasn't undergone compatibility upgrades by now would be a red flag for me.

But as I say, it's personal risk appetite that determines what you do.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

It's more than likely that it's the TPM issue that's stopping them upgrading. You can run the W11 compatibility check and it will tell you exactly.

What make and model of PCs are they and I can check with my old supplier if TPM modules are available (as they are motherboard specific but some proprietary manufacturer boards don't offer them openly for sale).

One is a DELL Vostro desktop, 2013 , Intel Core i5 processor

The other is a HP. I can't find the original receipt but on the details bit of the computer is says HP 63TD3JL, Intel i3 processor. It will be a similar age I suspect.

I didn't realise they were both quite so old.

 

[GreiginFife]

One is a DELL Vostro desktop, 2013 , Intel Core i5 processor

The other is a HP. I can't find the original receipt but on the details bit of the computer is says HP 63TD3JL, Intel i3 processor. It will be a similar age I suspect.

I didn't realise they were both quite so old.

The Vostro might actually be fixable through BIOS. Not a guarantee but you could try;

Reboot the machine
When the Dell logo appears, press F2 - this will open the BIOS
Look for SECURITY and select it
Select TPM 2.0 SECURITY and change it to ON
Select APPLY and then EXIT

That would enable TPM 2.0 and allow you to upgrade.

The HP, if it's a Elite 6300 which I suspect it may be, it's doesn't have an upgrade path I'm afraid. Largely due to HP Compaq proprietary motherboards.

 

[rulie]

Dell Optiplex 7020 SFF suggestions?

 

[GreiginFife]

Dell Optiplex 7020 SFF suggestions?

If it's the old version of the 7020 (the seem to have released that model as of 2024) then I'm afraid that it is not a TPM 2.0 enabled mobo.

My old supplier sent me a list of Dell, HP and Lenovo machines that could be BIOS upgraded and that isn't on it. Nor does there appear to be a physical module available for install.

 

[rulie]

If it's the old version of the 7020 (the seem to have released that model as of 2024) then I'm afraid that it is not a TPM 2.0 enabled mobo.

My old supplier sent me a list of Dell, HP and Lenovo machines that could be BIOS upgraded and that isn't on it. Nor does there appear to be a physical module available for install.

Thanks. That was my conclusion as well.

 

[PhilTheFragger]

My desktop PC (an Apple Mac) runs Windows 10. It's used for persona l and business use (emails, accounts etc). It won't be replaced just because MS have decided to stop supporting W10. I have a firewall, quality A/V and a few other little items keeping me and it safe.
Many large businesses and Governments still use the previous windows versions, so I wouldn't panic in any way.

Are you running windows on a virtual machine environment? Coz if you aren’t then you ain’t

 

[Bunkermagnet]

Are you running windows on a virtual machine environment? Coz if you aren’t then you ain’t

Eh?

 

[jim8flog]

Are you running windows on a virtual machine environment? Coz if you aren’t then you ain’t

It is a Chinese rebadge

 

[GreiginFife]

Are you running windows on a virtual machine environment? Coz if you aren’t then you ain’t

Not sure I understand this one either. As long as the mac is Intel based then no virtual environment is needed. Boot Camp will install and support dual OS from a physical location.

 

[jim8flog]

I am in the 'when I need to camp', however I am a home user and not a business user. I remember running Win XP for years after they ended support. (still got my XP comp as some of my external hardware does not run on newer OSs).

 

[rulefan]

Following on from the slow PC thread I thought I may as well start this one now.

We have two desktops and a laptop at work. All have had SSD installed, thanks to advice on here, and work well. Unfortunately, all are also getting the Windows 10 is ending comment. None can get the Windows 11 upgrade, they don't meet the requirement.

What are the options for this? Is it really going to be Armageddon for mountains of computers or is there an alternative? Bear in mind, I'm not going to build a new pc, I'm not that technical.

Why do anything? As I understand it, Windows 10 will still continue to run on the old machine. It just that you won't get updates.
But I'm still running all the Lotus software from eons ago and even Quicken98 on W10
The only issue I see is if you get some new software package, it may not be compatible.