Stay on Windows 11 or switch to Linux?

[ThinkPad560X]

I been reading that Microsoft is now going to start blocking software that isn't from the MS Store or verified. Even Software for hardware like Intel. So, I am guessing if you have say, a core i 8th/9th/10th gen "Windows 11 Supported" and you want the latest update version of windows 11 or future version. It is going to check every little detail and if maybe your wifi card or audio driver isn't compatible with the latest version then you don't get it. There is some 3rd party software too that will not allow the update to proceed unless uninstalled.

Seems like they are going the smartphone route, once it becomes 2-3 years old, it is no longer supported and is deemed really old device in their eyes. I am guessing on this, but I think since AI is the new thing, and probably will be a requirement for Windows 12 or even a newer Windows 11 feature update. Any PC that doesn't have an Intel Core Ultra CPU can't upgrade to the latest Microsoft Windows version. And I think Intel's Core i 14th gen is the last of the i series and moving onto the Intel Core Ultra and will require an NPU for future Windows. Intel Core Ultra only has the NPU, the Core i doesn't. So even a 14th gen Intel cpu may not support Windows 12 if and when announced.

Some info found about Windows 11 blocking software updates: https://www.tomshardware.com/software/w ... -os-update

[dr_st]

I been reading that Microsoft is now going to start blocking software that isn't from the MS Store or verified. Even Software for hardware like Intel. So, I am guessing if you have say, a core i 8th/9th/10th gen "Windows 11 Supported" and you want the latest update version of windows 11 or future version. It is going to check every little detail and if maybe your wifi card or audio driver isn't compatible with the latest version then you don't get it. There is some 3rd party software too that will not allow the update to proceed unless uninstalled.

There is no way in hell this will EVER make it to any desktop build. Unless you SPECIFICALLY install the OS variant where you WANT this kind of control.

Some info found about Windows 11 blocking software updates: https://www.tomshardware.com/software/w ... -os-update

The way I read that is that Microsoft is going to strictly check for a long list of specific software that might conflict with Win11 24H2, and if it is found, it will not offer the 24H2 to you via Windows Update.
This may actually be a good thing, as it will reduce the chances of someone getting an automatic update breaking his system.

It is not the same thing as preventing manual installations, or limiting which software you can install on your OS. It simply doesn't guarantee compatibility.

[muller]

Its up to you, but without a doubt Linux will be far lighter for your PC. I had windows on an old laptop but it was so freaking slow, then I slapped EndeavourOS with Openbox (or xfce) on it and it ran a lot better. Linux excels in this area.

I wouldn't worry too much about the windows license. You can always just activate it for free tbh. You're not losing anything by giving it a shot, you can just switch back if you dont like it. Just back up your data and then put it back.

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