Let's install Windows 11 on incompatible hardware

I prefer to use Microsoft Security Essentials on my Win7 PCs. It uses the same scan engine and definitions as Win10/11's Defender. Still available to download from Microsoft, and supported with engine and security definition updates until 2023.

dont worry about processors of course it will work on any without tpm secure boot ....

The point is I would rather give a medium performance computer with Windows than give a "fast" computer with Linux. I prefer huge compatibility and ease of use over speed and limitation on the range of apps and games available. You cannot even buy any cheap device without worrying about having Linux drivers. All devices are guaranteed to work on some version of Windows. You cannot give the same guarantee for Linux. Besides, this is a Windows forum. Mentioning Linux here is sacrilege...

These little netbooks are no good for major games anyway - just age 3 to 7 type little games. With W10 there were plenty in the Microsoft store - apps etc. Linux has a few educational type games.

People who buy 7” netbooks are either netbook enthusiasts (like me lol) or wanting a cheap first computer for a child. So I set them up with parental controls etc and a standard account for a child if it’s windows. The 7” ones will only run Linux - and it’s really fast on them. So no other option really - 7 would not be useable for anything other than web browsing. The 10” one I’ll dual boot with Windows and Linux. Most people just want something than runs - they only go for about £40! I like the idea that people who can’t afford a computer or tablet for a child can get them something to play on and get used to computers. I put a typing tutor on it as well.

And no I wouldn’t sell something with unsupported os like 7 on - I wouldn’t even rely on antivirus for an os that is no longer supported. W11 is another matter as antivirus would be up to date for that os. I’d have to say - if Windows stops supporting with updates it may need Windows 10 installing. Probably best just to leave the 10” one on 10 and dual boot with Linux.

spapakons said:

If you leave Windows 7 without antivirus, yes, it is risky. Why not install a free antivirus such as Avira? It won't be that slow. You can even disable unneeded shields.

Click to expand...

That's not enough and you should know that. MS is not updating 7 with the much needed security patches and that leaves any PC running it vulnerable to attack. The thing is if the copy of 7 is legitimate it's not hard to install a copy of 10 on it and make it both safe and run it with a current OS.

spapakons said:

The point is I would rather give a medium performance computer with Windows than give a "fast" computer with Linux. I prefer huge compatibility and ease of use over speed and limitation on the range of apps and games available. You cannot even buy any cheap device without worrying about having Linux drivers. All devices are guaranteed to work on some version of Windows. You cannot give the same guarantee for Linux. Besides, this is a Windows forum. Mentioning Linux here is sacrilege...

Click to expand...

For the last time it's not about performance it's about security. Windows 7 isn't getting the needed security patches anymore.

BunnyJ said:

Then just install Windows 10.. is it that hard?

Click to expand...

Lol. This all started because I installed W11 on a 10” netbook and was wondering whether to sell it with 11 on . And it’s very slow (and was very slow with W10 too). Decided to put Linux on it instead but now decided to dual boot 10 and Linux . Just discussion really.

Hazel123 said:

Lol. This all started because I installed W11 on a 10” netbook and was wondering whether to sell it with 11 on :). And it’s very slow (and was very slow with W10 too). Decided to put Linux on it instead but now decided to dual boot 10 and Linux :). Just discussion really.

Click to expand...

Oh.,. Just use 10 then and define slow.

BunnyJ said:

Oh.,. Just use 10 then and define slow.

Click to expand...

Hanging - takes minutes to open anything. It was fine until 20H2 (which was a clean install). It is the same processor and graphics as my other 10” netbook which runs W11 really well so suspect it may be the old ssd in it. Or some other hardware differences.

The delay is due to the lack of WDDM driver for the graphics card. So you are left with Microsoft Basic Display Adapter without any hardware acceleration. That's why I insist on Windows 7. A good antivirus that is regularly updated is supposed to cover any security holes. Is not as bad as you think. Running Windows 7 doesn't mean you will get a virus any time soon. Just keep antivirus updated and do not click yes to any pop-up window you see. Common sense.

Thanks. Thing is I have W11 on two netbooks with the same processor and graphics. And the 64 bit vista graphics driver (yes the basic display adapter left them virtually unusable). One is great - faster than on Windows 10. The other is not great - but I think it must be some other hardware difference as it was not great on W10 either (although it used to be).

I loved Windows 7 but wouldn’t want to go back to it now.

What about disabling unneeded services and startup applications to save resources? I would also disable transparency and other fancy visual effects. This would force the graphics card to use less shared memory.

Thank you. Yes I disabled transparency, uninstalled One Drive, turned off hints and tips etc. Usually do this on older hardware. I remember those tips from ten forums .

If you go to System, advanced, performance (I don't remember exactly), you can see a list with check boxes. If you clear all but the last four you disable most useless effects and you boost performance. Try this and let us know.

Yep done that thanks . I’ve set up a few old laptops before on windows 10 and always do these things for maximum performance on old hardware. Thanks to tips over the years. It’s only an atom processor so can’t expect much and as you say the incorrect graphics driver doesn’t help! It is no good on W11 unfortunately. I still suspect the ssd though which is very old. I might swap it and see if that makes a difference.

updates still works KB5006746 and 5006363 optional :)

KB5006746 showing me 94% installation then showing something goes wrong rolling back changes

dany00711 said:

KB5006746 showing me 94% installation then showing something goes wrong rolling back changes

Click to expand...

KB5006746 installed on my non-compliant ASUS smoothly with nary a glitch.

Occasionally an SSD can go bad and have low performance. If you can replace it, clone it on the new so you won't have to install Windows from scratch. Thankfully my Acer Aspire One used standard SATA disk and it is replaceable with SSD. Unfortunately my hybrid tablet/laptop Fujitsu Stylistic has non-removable storage and I am stuck with 64GB. Yes, I also have a 256GB SD card, but it's not the same.

dont know whats wrong other updates was ok also WU works ok

i try now second time and still same