Should or shouldn't: try Windows 11 (again)

I’ve had Windows Update disabled since October 2024 on my Windows 10 laptop, but I recently re-enabled it, and, unsurprisingly, a bunch of updates were installed.

Before this, I downgraded from Windows 11 to Windows 10 with a fresh factory image reinstall due to some performance issues and several annoyances I couldn’t get past with Windows 11.

Now, after all the W10 updates have been installed, I’ve noticed a performance hit, especially when right-clicking folders and performing other tasks. The impact on responsiveness and overall speed is somewhat similar (though still a bit faster) to the performance I experienced with Windows 11 about two or three years ago.

This has me wondering if I should just wipe everything and go back to the factory image that originally came with the PC. That would let me start fresh with the clean version of Windows 10, and I could then manually install only the updates I want, accepting the risks that come with it.

I also wonder if there are any [new] nuances in installing a fresh version of Windows 11 especially since the laptop through the factory image has allocated the drivers on D drive.

You’re asking if you should upgrade to Windows 11. This is the Eleven forum so you’re basically asking thousands of members who are using Windows 11, if you should also?

The bottom line is, Windows 10 is dead as of mid October (14th). After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide free security updates, non-security updates, or assisted support for Windows 10.
Sure, you can use it, but at what cost?

Just install fresh from Windows 11 installation media.

In the tutorial below, the latest ISO’s that are available (unless you use UUDump) are:

Download Latest Windows 11 64-bit ISO using Media Creation Tool (MCT)
This will be for a Windows 11 Version 24H2 build 26100.4349 ISO file with install.esd.

Click to expand...

Or

Download Windows 11 64-bit or ARM64 ISO from Microsoft
This will be for a Windows 11 Version 24H2 build 26100.1742 ISO file with install.wim.

Click to expand...

The above mentioned (1742) is the very first ISO that Microsoft released for 24H2

antspants said:

You’re asking if you should upgrade to Windows 11. This is the Eleven forum so you’re basically asking thousands of members who are using Windows 11, if you should also?

Click to expand...

Lol, I can see my post triggered you. While some of your info makes sense, it wasn’t asked for and doesn’t help. Are you posting for likes, amusement, or just trolling? Besides, some users are forced to use W11 and actually don't like it. Isn't that wild?!

Triggered? Nope, just thought it was a stupid question. I’ll leave you with it

I was in the same situation as you, but instead of staying with Windows 10, I stuck with Windows 7.

After building a new computer, I finally decided to make the switch to Windows 11. At first, it may take some getting used to, even coming from Windows 10, which is very similar, but in the end, you'll end up liking Windows 11. You may even end up considering Windows 10 an unfinished version of Windows 11.

I think version 24H2 is already quite stable, although it still has some performance issues. In fact, I'm still very happy with version 23H2, waiting to see what version 25H2 brings us.

It all depends on whether your computer is very new and how powerful it is. The recommendation is to do a clean install of the latest version, which in this case is 24H2. But if you think your computer might not be up to the task, try version 23H2 and then decide whether to upgrade.

Sammy888 said:

due to some performance issues and several annoyances I couldn’t get past with Windows 11.

Click to expand...

We got you covered.

Sammy888 said:

I also wonder if there are any [new] nuances in installing a fresh version of Windows 11 especially since the laptop through the factory image has allocated the drivers on D drive.

Click to expand...

I don't know how new it is but installing windows 11 without using a microsoft account is as difficult as microsoft can make it. According to them, a microsoft account is now required.

You can grab the latest windows ISO and create an install usb with Rufus if you don't want a microsoft account.

Be careful though. In my case the last time I purchased windows it was 7 pro on disk. I did the upgrade to 10 from that which gave me the "Digital Entitlement" license for 10. When I went to upgrade 10 to 11 I was on a local account and it would not activate.

"Micosoft Support" told me I had to buy a new license for 11. (bullshit!)

I reinstalled 10 and it activated automatically. I switched from a local to a microsoft account which bound my "entitlement" to that microsoft account. Then I upgraded to 11 using the same account and it activated automatically. Then I wiped the drive and did a fresh install, again using the microsoft account my "entitlement" was bound to. Once activated I switch to a local account and proceeded to do my best to remove all traces of the microsoft account.

Here I'm using 11, only the first build 21h2.This PC is flying, this version is much lighter than the new 24h2.Everything opens faster.

To install Windows 11 with a local account there is still a workaround. Of course this assume your hardware is compatible with Windows 11.
Shift-F10
start ms-cxh:localonly

you can also upgrade or install Windows from a Rufus made USB pen drive.
Rufus gives you certain options to disable bitlocker and bypass TPM if its required
and will create a local account with the user name of your choice.

also you know have a bootable installerable version of Windows 11 for use if needed.

Rufus how-to

best of luck, Steve ..