Solved Best way to test Win11?


cbiweb

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Microsoft Windows 11 Home x64, version 23H2 build 22631.3810
Hi everyone, I've decided to take the plunge and install 11 just to see if I can adjust to the changes that have stopped me from upgrading. I know I can also install Explorer Patch (I think that's what it's called), which would take away one of my biggest reasons for not upgrading.

Anyway, there's a chance I might not like 11, and will want to roll back to 10.

What's the best path to take just in case I need to roll back?
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 11 Home x64, version 23H2 build 22631.3810
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7700 AIO
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. 0VY7G1
    Memory
    16.00 GB SODIMM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    (1) Realtek Audio (2) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for USB Audio (3) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth® Audio (4) Voice Changer Virtual Audio Device (WDM)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (17.1")
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    C:/ 500 GB
    D:/ Seagate (External) 2TB
    F:/ Toshiba (External) 4TB
    Keyboard
    Dell wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech M220
    Internet Speed
    Down: 35.53Mbps; Up: 26.19 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Vivaldi
    Antivirus
    Defender
HI everyone, I've decided to take the plunge and install 11 just to see if I can adjust to the changes that have stopped me from upgrading. I know I can also install Explorer Patch (I think that's what it's called), which would take away one my biggest reasons for not upgrading.

Anyway, there's a chance I might not like 11, and will want to roll back to 10.

What's the best path to take just in case I need to roll back?
Test in a virtual machine
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    Ryzen 5 3600
    Motherboard
    ASUS Prime X570-P
    Memory
    32gb DDR4 - 3200Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 2060 Super KO 6GB PCIE 3.0
    Sound Card
    Realtek S1200A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1. LG 34UM68-P 34-Inch 21:9 UltraWide IPS 2. ONN 24-Inch LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1. 2560 x 1080 2. 1920 x 1080 (side by side 4480 x 1080)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 860 EVO 1TB SATA III SSD (OS)
    WD BLUE 2TB SATA III (DATA)
    WD BLUE 2TB SATA III (DATA)
    WD BLUE 1TB SATA III (DATA)
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower PF1 750W
    Case
    Coolermaster HAF XB EVO
    Cooling
    Corsair 240mm AIO + 4x 120mm case fans
    Keyboard
    Standard Logitech
    Mouse
    Logitech M535
    Internet Speed
    Gigabit (Cable)
    Browser
    Firefox, Chrome, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
Test in a virtual machine
I would need to install a VM client since I'm on the Home version of 10.

Is it a bad idea to simply roll back from 11 via system restore?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 11 Home x64, version 23H2 build 22631.3810
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7700 AIO
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. 0VY7G1
    Memory
    16.00 GB SODIMM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    (1) Realtek Audio (2) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for USB Audio (3) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth® Audio (4) Voice Changer Virtual Audio Device (WDM)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (17.1")
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    C:/ 500 GB
    D:/ Seagate (External) 2TB
    F:/ Toshiba (External) 4TB
    Keyboard
    Dell wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech M220
    Internet Speed
    Down: 35.53Mbps; Up: 26.19 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Vivaldi
    Antivirus
    Defender
Hi everyone, I've decided to take the plunge and install 11 just to see if I can adjust to the changes that have stopped me from upgrading. I know I can also install Explorer Patch (I think that's what it's called), which would take away one of my biggest reasons for not upgrading.

Anyway, there's a chance I might not like 11, and will want to roll back to 10.

What's the best path to take just in case I need to roll back?


Make a full OS image backup of Windows 10... THEN update or upgrade to Windows 11.


 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26100.2454 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦24H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 4702)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Internet Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 13 years?
I would need to install a VM client since I'm on the Home version of 10.

Is it a bad idea to simply roll back from 11 via system restore?
Not really, you could image your current OS and then restore from that.
@Ghot got in there before me
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro Beta, 11 Dev, W11 Canary
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Alienware M15 Ryzen Edition R6
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen™ 9 5900HX
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3070 8GB GDDR6
    Hard Drives
    1 x Samsung 980 Pro 1TB
    1 x Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1TB
If/when you do try out Windows 11, here are some (non-3rd party tool), tweaks you may find useful...

 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26100.2454 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦24H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 4702)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Internet Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 13 years?
Dual booting 10 and 11 is also a choice.

In my current (unsupported) machine, I dual boot 10 and 11.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    EndeavourOS, Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    custom PC
    CPU
    Core i5 8400
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte B360M-HD3
    Memory
    8gb DDR4-2400
    Graphics Card(s)
    iGPU
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    some generic 1080p 75hz monitor * 2
    Screen Resolution
    1080p * 2
    Hard Drives
    GIGABYTE NVMe SSD 256GB (GP-GSM2NE3256GNTD)
    Internet Speed
    200MBit/s
    Antivirus
    WD
Dual booting 10 and 11 is also a choice.

In my current (unsupported) machine, I dual boot 10 and 11.
Hadn't thought of that. Last time I dual booted for testing was 98se and XP. My HD is only 512GB on this computer, is that enough??
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 11 Home x64, version 23H2 build 22631.3810
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7700 AIO
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. 0VY7G1
    Memory
    16.00 GB SODIMM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    (1) Realtek Audio (2) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for USB Audio (3) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth® Audio (4) Voice Changer Virtual Audio Device (WDM)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (17.1")
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    C:/ 500 GB
    D:/ Seagate (External) 2TB
    F:/ Toshiba (External) 4TB
    Keyboard
    Dell wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech M220
    Internet Speed
    Down: 35.53Mbps; Up: 26.19 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Vivaldi
    Antivirus
    Defender
Hadn't thought of that. Last time I dual booted for testing was 98se and XP. My HD is only 512GB on this computer, is that enough??
My drive is 250GB and I dual boot 10 and 11, and my data is also stored in it.

1648044376098.png
Also, I use VMs for legacy OSes (like Win95 or Win7)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    EndeavourOS, Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    custom PC
    CPU
    Core i5 8400
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte B360M-HD3
    Memory
    8gb DDR4-2400
    Graphics Card(s)
    iGPU
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    some generic 1080p 75hz monitor * 2
    Screen Resolution
    1080p * 2
    Hard Drives
    GIGABYTE NVMe SSD 256GB (GP-GSM2NE3256GNTD)
    Internet Speed
    200MBit/s
    Antivirus
    WD
Is it a bad idea to simply roll back from 11 via system restore?
You would not be able to use system restore in this case. Instead there is a system rollback feature to return to Windows 10. It is 10 days, but the time can be extended up to 60 days if the user desires. https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-extend-rollback-period/

In my opinion, before upgrading a system, it is still prudent to make a full system backup as an insurance policy.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.2314
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme+256gb SKHynix m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+1tb Kingston m2.nvme+ 4gb Solidigm nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC671
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1
Thanks for all your feedback and suggestions. I'm going to go the system image route, and then install 11 right over my current 10.

Next question: I told Windows not to update to 11 back when it first came out. I see nothing in Windows Update to turn the offer back on. Is there a way to unhide the option, or do I need to go to the Microsoft website?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 11 Home x64, version 23H2 build 22631.3810
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7700 AIO
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. 0VY7G1
    Memory
    16.00 GB SODIMM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    (1) Realtek Audio (2) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for USB Audio (3) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth® Audio (4) Voice Changer Virtual Audio Device (WDM)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (17.1")
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    C:/ 500 GB
    D:/ Seagate (External) 2TB
    F:/ Toshiba (External) 4TB
    Keyboard
    Dell wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech M220
    Internet Speed
    Down: 35.53Mbps; Up: 26.19 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Vivaldi
    Antivirus
    Defender
Thanks for all your feedback and suggestions. I'm going to go the system image route, and then install 11 right over my current 10.

Next question: I told Windows not to update to 11 back when it first came out. I see nothing in Windows Update to turn the offer back on. Is there a way to unhide the option, or do I need to go to the Microsoft website?

I don't know.

There's no need to use Windows update. My preferred installation method would be to create an installation medium. (USB flash drive.) You can use it run a clean install (by booting from the flash drive) or an upgrade (from your current Win10 OS).

Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Installation Media Tutorial
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 26100.2161
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    homebuilt
    CPU
    Amd Threadripper 7970X
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte TRX50 Aero D
    Memory
    128GB (4 X 32) G.Skill DDR5 6400 (RDIMM)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte RTX 4090 OC
    Sound Card
    none (USB to speakers), Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Philips 27E1N8900 OLED
    Screen Resolution
    3840 X 2160 @ 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    Crucial T700 2TB M.2 NVME SSD
    WD 4TB Blue SATA SSD
    Seagate 18TB IronWolf Pro
    PSU
    BeQuiet! Straight Power 12 1500W
    Case
    Lian Li 011 Dynamic Evo XL
    Cooling
    Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 360, with 3 Phanteks T30 fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech K120 (wired)
    Mouse
    Logitech M500s (wired)
    Internet Speed
    2000/300 Mbps (down/up)
  • Operating System
    windows 11 26100.2161
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    homebuilt
    CPU
    Intel I9-13900K
    Motherboard
    Asus RoG Strix Z690-E
    Memory
    64GB G.Skill DDR5-6000
    Graphics card(s)
    Gigabyte RTX 3090 ti
    Sound Card
    built in Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus PA329C
    Screen Resolution
    3840 X 2160 @60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WDC SN850 1TB
    8TB Seagate Ironwolf
    4TB Seagate Ironwolf
    PSU
    eVGA SuperNOVA 1300 GT
    Case
    Lian Li 011 Dynamic Evo
    Cooling
    Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX Liquid CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech M500s (wired)
    Keyboard
    Logitech K120 (wired)
I don't know.

There's no need to use Windows update. My preferred installation method would be to create an installation medium. (USB flash drive.) You can use it run a clean install (by booting from the flash drive) or an upgrade (from your current Win10 OS).

Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Installation Media Tutorial
Will a MicroSD card work just as well? I have a 64GB card so there's more than enough space.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 11 Home x64, version 23H2 build 22631.3810
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7700 AIO
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. 0VY7G1
    Memory
    16.00 GB SODIMM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    (1) Realtek Audio (2) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for USB Audio (3) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth® Audio (4) Voice Changer Virtual Audio Device (WDM)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (17.1")
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    C:/ 500 GB
    D:/ Seagate (External) 2TB
    F:/ Toshiba (External) 4TB
    Keyboard
    Dell wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech M220
    Internet Speed
    Down: 35.53Mbps; Up: 26.19 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Vivaldi
    Antivirus
    Defender
then install 11 right over my current 10.
That is not an install, but an upgrade which is done either through WIndows update or running the setup.exe from within an iso. With a clean install, you boot from the iso, remove all partitions, and windows is installed in unallocated disk space.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.2314
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme+256gb SKHynix m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+1tb Kingston m2.nvme+ 4gb Solidigm nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
That is not an install, but an upgrade which is done either through WIndows update or running the setup.exe from within an iso. With a clean install, you boot from the iso, remove all partitions, and windows is installed in unallocated disk space.
Whenever something that's not on my computer gets put on my computer, I say it's being installed. Even if it's an upgrade, it's still being installed. I am upgrading to 11 by installing its files.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 11 Home x64, version 23H2 build 22631.3810
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7700 AIO
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. 0VY7G1
    Memory
    16.00 GB SODIMM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    (1) Realtek Audio (2) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for USB Audio (3) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth® Audio (4) Voice Changer Virtual Audio Device (WDM)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (17.1")
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    C:/ 500 GB
    D:/ Seagate (External) 2TB
    F:/ Toshiba (External) 4TB
    Keyboard
    Dell wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech M220
    Internet Speed
    Down: 35.53Mbps; Up: 26.19 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Vivaldi
    Antivirus
    Defender
Will a MicroSD card work just as well? I have a 64GB card so there's more than enough space.

It would work for an upgrade. Actually, you wouldn't need any separate media to do an upgrade. You could just download a Windows 11 .iso to an internal drive, mount it as a virtual DVD, and run the upgrade from that. (That capability is built in to File Explorer in Windows 10.)

Sa for doing a clean install, that would require you to be able to boot form the SD card. I've never done that. My PCs all lack built-in SD card readers. I wouldn't be surprised if it was possible to boot from a USB external reader, but I have never tried that.

I think of 8GB or larger USB flash drives as jelly beans: negligible cost, wide availability. That's in the USA. Things may be different elsewhere.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 26100.2161
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    homebuilt
    CPU
    Amd Threadripper 7970X
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte TRX50 Aero D
    Memory
    128GB (4 X 32) G.Skill DDR5 6400 (RDIMM)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte RTX 4090 OC
    Sound Card
    none (USB to speakers), Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Philips 27E1N8900 OLED
    Screen Resolution
    3840 X 2160 @ 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    Crucial T700 2TB M.2 NVME SSD
    WD 4TB Blue SATA SSD
    Seagate 18TB IronWolf Pro
    PSU
    BeQuiet! Straight Power 12 1500W
    Case
    Lian Li 011 Dynamic Evo XL
    Cooling
    Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 360, with 3 Phanteks T30 fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech K120 (wired)
    Mouse
    Logitech M500s (wired)
    Internet Speed
    2000/300 Mbps (down/up)
  • Operating System
    windows 11 26100.2161
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    homebuilt
    CPU
    Intel I9-13900K
    Motherboard
    Asus RoG Strix Z690-E
    Memory
    64GB G.Skill DDR5-6000
    Graphics card(s)
    Gigabyte RTX 3090 ti
    Sound Card
    built in Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus PA329C
    Screen Resolution
    3840 X 2160 @60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WDC SN850 1TB
    8TB Seagate Ironwolf
    4TB Seagate Ironwolf
    PSU
    eVGA SuperNOVA 1300 GT
    Case
    Lian Li 011 Dynamic Evo
    Cooling
    Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX Liquid CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech M500s (wired)
    Keyboard
    Logitech K120 (wired)
It would work for an upgrade. Actually, you wouldn't need any separate media to do an upgrade. You could just download a Windows 11 .iso to an internal drive, mount it as a virtual DVD, and run the upgrade from that. (That capability is built in to File Explorer in Windows 10.)

Sa for doing a clean install, that would require you to be able to boot form the SD card. I've never done that. My PCs all lack built-in SD card readers. I wouldn't be surprised if it was possible to boot from a USB external reader, but I have never tried that.

I think of 8GB or larger USB flash drives as jelly beans: negligible cost, wide availability. That's in the USA. Things may be different elsewhere.
Most pcs will not boot from an SD card. However, you CAN normally boot from a cheap usb SD card reader but these tend to be slow. USB drivers are dirt cheap in US, EU, OZ etc. Certainly Canada (unless you buy the special one designed to work at -40 LOL)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS Zenbook 14
    CPU
    I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ
    Motherboard
    Yep, Laptop has one.
    Memory
    16 GB soldered
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Iris XE
    Sound Card
    Realtek built in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop OLED screen
    Screen Resolution
    2880x1800 touchscreen
    Hard Drives
    1 TB NVME SSD (only weakness is only one slot)
    PSU
    Internal + 65W thunderbolt USB4 charger
    Case
    Yep, got one
    Cooling
    Stella Artois (UK pint cans - 568 ml) - extra cost.
    Keyboard
    Built in UK keybd
    Mouse
    Bluetooth , wireless dongled, wired
    Internet Speed
    900 mbs (ethernet), wifi 6 typical 350-450 mb/s both up and down
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    TPM 2.0, 2xUSB4 thunderbolt, 1xUsb3 (usb a), 1xUsb-c, hdmi out, 3.5 mm audio out/in combo, ASUS backlit trackpad (inc. switchable number pad)

    Macrium Reflect Home V8
    Office 365 Family (6 users each 1TB onedrive space)
    Hyper-V (a vm runs almost as fast as my older laptop)
...Certainly Canada (unless you buy the special one designed to work at -40 LOL)
hahaha! Fortunately I'm not that far North. lol
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 11 Home x64, version 23H2 build 22631.3810
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7700 AIO
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. 0VY7G1
    Memory
    16.00 GB SODIMM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    (1) Realtek Audio (2) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for USB Audio (3) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth® Audio (4) Voice Changer Virtual Audio Device (WDM)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (17.1")
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    C:/ 500 GB
    D:/ Seagate (External) 2TB
    F:/ Toshiba (External) 4TB
    Keyboard
    Dell wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech M220
    Internet Speed
    Down: 35.53Mbps; Up: 26.19 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Vivaldi
    Antivirus
    Defender

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Skylake Special X299
    CPU
    Intel Core i9 9900X
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Strix X299-E Gaming II
    Memory
    GSkill Trident Z RGB 32GB 3600 16-16-16-36 (F4-3600C16Q-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 3080 12GB FTW3 Ultra Gaming (12G-P5-4877-KL)
    Sound Card
    Supreme FX
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus PG279Q
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440 165Hz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 980 Pro 500GB x2, Seagate Barracuda 4TB x2, Western Digital Black 4TB x1
    PSU
    EVGA 1200 P2, EVGA Black Custom Braided Cables
    Case
    Thermaltake View 31 Tempered Glass Limited Edition
    Cooling
    Corsair H115i, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
    Keyboard
    Logitech G910 Orion Spark
    Mouse
    Logitech G700s, Asus ROG GX860 Buzzard
    Internet Speed
    Verizon Fios Quantum Gateway 75/75
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, Malwarebytes 4.5.2
    Other Info
    Thermaltake Riing Duo 14 x3, Thermaltake Riing Plus 14 x2, Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless Headset
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Skylake Special Z170
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    Asus Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1
    Memory
    GSkill Trident Z RGB 16GB 3600 16-16-16-36 (F4-3600C16D-16GTZR)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA GTX 980 Ti SC x2, EVGA Pro SLI Bridge
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC G2460PG
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 144Hz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 870 Evo 500GB, Seagate Barracuda 4TB x2
    PSU
    EVGA 1000 P2, EVGA White Custom Braided Cables
    Case
    Corsair Vengeance C70 Gunmetal Black
    Cooling
    Corsair H100i v2, Corsair ML120 x2, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
    Mouse
    Logitech G500s
    Keyboard
    Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum
    Internet Speed
    Verizon Fios Quantum Gateway 75/75
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, Malwarebytes 4.5.2
    Other Info
    Corsair SP120 x4, LG Blu-ray Drive, Durabrand HT-395 100 Watt Dolby Digital Amp

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