Seniors and Windows11

eore · Sep 16, 2021

I would like to ask a question.I read about all the advantages and disadvantages of using 11.I realize that there are a lot of folks that use computers for work.Techs. and such and also the younger generation,for fun,pleasure or whatever.Has MS ever thought about seniors.I am 74 and finally got comfortable with 10.Took awhile because I don't think we use it for anything but fun or pleasure.I dualboot 10 and 11 to try it out.I have spent a lot of time trying to figure it out.Everything I want to do I have to google to find out where everything is.At my age it's just another friggin' learning curve which I don't care to do.I don't know about other seniors but I just don't care to do this anymore.My only fear is they will trick people into changing to 11.Usually MS says one thing and does another.Thanks for listening,Tony.

BunnyJ · Sep 16, 2021

eore said:
I would like to ask a question.I read about all the advantages and disadvantages of using 11.I realize that there are a lot of folks that use computers for work.Techs. and such and also the younger generation,for fun,pleasure or whatever.Has MS ever thought about seniors.I am 74 and finally got comfortable with 10.Took awhile because I don't think we use it for anything but fun or pleasure.I dualboot 10 and 11 to try it out.I have spent a lot of time trying to figure it out.Everything I want to do I have to google to find out where everything is.At my age it's just another friggin' learning curve which I don't care to do.I don't know about other seniors but I just don't care to do this anymore.My only fear is they will trick people into changing to 11.Usually MS says one thing and does another.Thanks for listening,Tony.

Hi Tony and welcome to the forum

Bottom line.. no, there's no reason for anyone, including seniors, to upgrade to 11 from 10. 10 will be around for at least 4 more years and if that's what you're used to using keep it and continue to use it.

I fully understand and appreciate the predicament you face with the learning curve and there's no need to go through it again.
HTH and have a nice day.
Jeff

strollin · Sep 16, 2021

I believe at age 68, I qualify as a senior, a few years younger than the OP but a senior nonetheless.

I fully agree that no one needs or should be forced to upgrade from 10 to 11.

Personally, I relish learning new things as it keeps my mind active and hopefully helps to stave off things like dementia or Alzheimer's.

BunnyJ · Sep 16, 2021

strollin said:
I believe at age 68, I qualify as a senior, a few years younger than the OP but a senior nonetheless.

I fully agree that no one needs or should be forced to upgrade from 10 to 11.

Personally, I relish learning new things as it keeps my mind active and hopefully helps to stave off things like dementia or Alzheimer's.

I totally agree.. an active mind is a healthy mind and I do lots of things to keep mine healthy. Bottom line is 10 is still a great OS and there's no need/reason to change to 11 other than because someone feels like it, like me.

TheOldMarine · Sep 16, 2021

My 2 cents: I have been using Windows since version 3.1. I have used every version since then, having to have all the latest OS. I even liked the hated ME, go figure. At work I had to use UNIX, then Solaris when my agency switched to Sun Micro systems. I actually go back prior to Windows when my reports were done on DOS. I rather like the challenge on trying a new OS, and enjoy the features of Windows 11. I find after Windows 95 all windows were more less the same. I will stay on windows 11, keeping one Windows 10 boot just in case. As for my age, I was born 1 year and 1 week before Pearl harbor was attacked.

Cheers

Raye- The Old (retired) Marine!

Bree · Sep 16, 2021

strollin said:
I believe at age 68, I qualify as a senior, a few years younger than the OP but a senior nonetheless....

Personally, I relish learning new things as it keeps my mind active and hopefully helps to stave off things like dementia or Alzheimer's.

Couldn't agree more. I'm older than you but younger than the OP. Felt like I was getting into a bit of a rut until W10 came along and gave me a new challenge. Now I'm enjoying exploring W11.

fireberd · Sep 16, 2021

I'm 83 and a Florida retiree. As my career was in electronics and computers, keeping up to date and doing support on a couple computer forums (including Dell) keeps my brain going. I'll upgrade my desktop to 11, my laptop has an i5 7th gen and doesn't meet current MS specs so it will stay on 10. I do some local support to other retirees, some will upgrade others ?? so I need 11 for when the "help desk" gets a call for support.

jimbo45 · Sep 16, 2021

Hi folks
If you like computers -- OK there's no reason to switch from W10 -- but it's a great challenge to get things working even if the hardware isn't actually specifically designed to do it.

Keeps the mind busy -- in some places especially as the nights draw in where I live one can't alway be outside gardening, cycling, jogging etc -- so while inside playing around with computers can keep the mind active and it's great being able to "outfox" those who say this OS will only run on xxx hardware !!! Far more fun than watching the increasingly mindless drivel that's shown on the majority of TV stations these days or those dreadful social media sites like instagram etc.

So just have fun -- and enjoy !!!!! (even when it all goes pear shaped and you have to start again from scratch.

Sometimes even the grandads are better at fixing "teens" computers than they are !!!!

Cheers
jimbo

eore · Sep 16, 2021

I do agree with everyone.Does keep the mind active.I still maintain a plumbing and heating license and work part time.Have 6 kids and 9 grandchildren.Keeps me quite active and we do travel quite a bit.I use the computer very little but do enjoy it when I am on there.MS says they won't force anyone to upgrade to 11.I don't believe a word they say,never have and probably never will.The 4 years support for 10 is fine with me but we shall see.Thanks for all the input,Tony.

GaryW · Sep 16, 2021

@firebird, my story is much like yours. I've retired to Florida with an engineering background and I do some computer support for the local senior community. About half of my toys will run under 11, the others will stay on 10 as long as possible. I just try to learn as much as possible and enjoy the ride.

Gary

Bree · Sep 16, 2021

eore said:
MS says they won't force anyone to upgrade to 11. I don't believe a word they say....

Actually MS say they can't/won't upgrade anyone with hardware that doesn't meet the tougher new W11 requirements, so if your PC was built before about 2018 chances are you couldn't get W11 even if you wanted it :wink:

And for those that do meet the minimum specs it should only be an optional upgrade. It shouldn't be forced until W10 reaches end of support, and maybe not even then.

Manigue · Sep 16, 2021

Agree with all comments. At 68 and retired, I find myself using less options from Windows everyday. I even ask myself why I keep using a beefed up Desktop when I can do the same with an iPad or similar device. Maybe I just like tweeking and playing with Operating Systems. It's a retirement hobbie.

alkaufmann · Sep 16, 2021

Bree said:
Actually MS say they can't/won't upgrade anyone with hardware that doesn't meet the tougher new W11 requirements, so if your PC was built before about 2018 chances are you couldn't get W11 even if you wanted it .

I think I heard you will be able to manually download W11 and then do a clean install on your unsupported computer. All updates will also need to be downloaded for clean installs. If I were to try this, by the time I install all my programs there would probably be another W11 update. I will stick with W10.

Ak

clam1952 · Sep 16, 2021

69 in a a few weeks, been retired for nearly 11 years, I have no problems adapting to Windows 11, learning new stuff keeps my brain active, I've managed to adapt to every OS since MS Dos, with the exception of Windows 8 / 8.1 which was IMO dreadful, 10 to 11 is relatively easy. I actually do use my PCs, 3ds Max, Blender various graphics programs, plus some Ham Radio stuff, I also for many years had a sideline fixing peoples broken, messed up and virus riddled PCs, so I like to keep up to date with current technology. I'm definitely not giving anything up just because I'm retired, need to keep the brain active and new OS does exactly that!
iPads and Tablets have their place put bluntly for the masses that these days are technically inept and I do have them however other than small to use when away from home, I find them overpriced for what they are and very inferior to an actual PC.
Retirement doesn't mean you have to switch off, I seem to have more to do now than I ever did when working!

Bree · Sep 16, 2021

alkaufmann said:
I think I heard you will be able to manually download W11 and then do a clean install on your unsupported computer. All updates will also need to be downloaded for clean installs....

That's what they say, and I have done so on my System Two below. Whether or not your 2nd sentence is a bluff on MS's part to discourage such practice remains to be seen. So far my unsupported hardware has got all the CUs through Windows Update in the normal way, up to an including today's KB5005635. I'll be watching with interest to see whether that continues after release.....

tonez4466 · Sep 16, 2021

TheOldMarine said:
My 2 cents: I have been using Windows since version 3.1. I have used every version since then, having to have all the latest OS. I even liked the hated ME, go figure. At work I had to use UNIX, then Solaris when my agency switched to Sun Micro systems. I actually go back prior to Windows when my reports were done on DOS. I rather like the challenge on trying a new OS, and enjoy the features of Windows 11. I find after Windows 95 all windows were more less the same. I will stay on windows 11, keeping one Windows 10 boot just in case. As for my age, I was born 1 year and 1 week before Pearl harbor was attacked.

Cheers

Raye- The Old (retired) Marine!

what ray said i used it since dos its the same Raye, You sir are the reason we the world are free - I thank you

Mark Phelps · Sep 16, 2021

I don't believe the MS folks care at all about "learning curve" issues. Like any West-Coast Tech outfit, their ranks are constantly being replenished by young high-tech folks -- all eager to master the latest and greatest stuff.

Before I retired, I spent some time doing Technical training, and I can tell you that learning curve issues are not solely limited to the elderly or retired -- more accurately, they are most common with the non-technical -- which is essentially everyone but us 1% that regularly visit forums like these.

Most folks just want to use a PC or Tablet to do basic things, and when their current devices wear out or fail, they will buy new ones and the PCs, at least, will have Win11 on them. They will struggle to learn the new UI but eventually they will and all will be OK with them.

Dru2 · Sep 16, 2021

eore said:
I would like to ask a question.I read about all the advantages and disadvantages of using 11.I realize that there are a lot of folks that use computers for work.Techs. and such and also the younger generation,for fun,pleasure or whatever.Has MS ever thought about seniors.I am 74 and finally got comfortable with 10.Took awhile because I don't think we use it for anything but fun or pleasure.I dualboot 10 and 11 to try it out.I have spent a lot of time trying to figure it out.Everything I want to do I have to google to find out where everything is.At my age it's just another friggin' learning curve which I don't care to do.I don't know about other seniors but I just don't care to do this anymore.My only fear is they will trick people into changing to 11.Usually MS says one thing and does another.Thanks for listening,Tony.

I think there is an important factor missing in your "worries".... Windows 10 will still be here since it is supported through 2025. Also, if your PC doesn't support Windows 11, you won't get it.

Anyway, while companies try to meet the needs of all their customers, bear in mind Microsoft has customers all over the globe in all nationalities and age groups so it's near impossible to please everyone, not offend anyone, or eliminate fears in some.

At the end of the day it comes down to the individual and whether they will embrace change. But remember technology is ever evolving and we either embrace it or get left behind. That's the facts of life.

With that, I've said it before, I say again... owning a PC is an active endeavor, not a passive one. If you're going to own a PC, you're going to have to learn to use the tech/OS it currently runs. Passivity here will lead to nothing but frustration.

I'm not 74 (I hope I'm fortunate to make your age), but I am 62, so this isn't coming from some teenager tech geek. Yes, as we get older change becomes harder. But again, if you choose to use a tech, you need to learn it. And yes, Google is a great place to find help.

As for Windows 11, for me, I welcome the change and look forward to the final release. But I'm also one who's used or tested every Windows non-server OS since Windows 95, as I quickly moved from old to new leaving the old behind. That's me.

Good luck.

Dru2 · Sep 16, 2021

BunnyJ said:
Hi Tony and welcome to the forum

Bottom line.. no, there's no reason for anyone, including seniors, to upgrade to 11 from 10. 10 will be around for at least 4 more years and if that's what you're used to using keep it and continue to use it.

Though that's "your" opinion, I'm curious as to why "you" think no one ("anyone") should to upgrade from 10 to 11?

Hopachi · Sep 16, 2021

eore said:
I would like to ask a question.I read about all the advantages and disadvantages of using 11.I realize that there are a lot of folks that use computers for work.Techs. and such and also the younger generation,for fun,pleasure or whatever.Has MS ever thought about seniors.I am 74 and finally got comfortable with 10.Took awhile because I don't think we use it for anything but fun or pleasure.I dualboot 10 and 11 to try it out.I have spent a lot of time trying to figure it out.Everything I want to do I have to google to find out where everything is.At my age it's just another friggin' learning curve which I don't care to do.I don't know about other seniors but I just don't care to do this anymore.My only fear is they will trick people into changing to 11.Usually MS says one thing and does another.Thanks for listening,Tony.

My respect to you and your generation, Tony. Keeping up with the tech keeps the mind young.
If you managed to master Win10 then I'm sure you will be able to master Win11 as well.
Win11 might wear different clothes and make-up, deep down it's the same system as Win10 was. :)
Also, as others noted, Win10 will still be around for a while so there is no need to jump boat this soon.
Trying the new system alongside the old faithful is a nice step forward on that learning curve.