Windows 11
Windows 11 is now live on one of the new HP 6G servers.
There have been some comments about how updates have been crashing the machines. One thing you want to check is the update settings.
If the settings show pre-release (or beta), disable those options. Unless you choose to be the beta tester, you will get those errors. Because this system is live
for development purposes, those settings are disabled.
The deadline to update
While October 25th was given, there could be pushback.
>Right now, if you switch from Windows 10 to 11 (regardless of version) there is no charge.
Make sure you keep a backup of the operting system on a flash drive (16gb is ok for storing the files).
The backup set will have you licence key (given by Microsoft) to restore the system from scatch.
If you skip this step, you may have to purchase a new license key (unless the license is noted on the computer or other documentation that came with it).
I have found one reseller taking a few short cuts in the process.
Before upgrading
There are some steps that should be exercised before doing any Windows operating system upgrade that replaces itself to a new version.
1. Backup the computer to another device.
While Windows operating system upgrades do place files into a folder (such as windows.old) during any major upgrades, it is a good idea to back the drive up to another external hard drive or flash memory using the Backup settings in the control panel using the incremental backup option.
2. Download the PC Health Check App from Microsoft
This app can be used with Windows 10 computers to make sure you device has the correct hardware to install Windows 11 as well as making sure any necessary Windows 10 updates and other concerns are taken care of (must be version 2004 or later to update to Windows 11).
Download the app using the website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11#pchealthcheck (download link located at the bottom of the Microsoft web page).
3. Windows 10 must be updated to version 2004 or later
Once the software is downloaded, using step 2, the app will alert you to update Windows 10 to the current version (you may have to reboot once completed).
If you are good about following the updates when provided, this should be ok.
If you are running Windows 8.1, this upgrade isn't going to work (must be on Windows 10).
4. Update comptuer firmware using the PC manufacturer website
When Windows 10 was released, some forgot (or were not aware) to do this and were surprised that the comptuer crashed.
While you computer may be compatible to install the new operating system, the manufacturer should have an update to correct the software built into your computer to make everything work together.
If your computer is manufactured by Dell or HP, the company websites should have the necessary link (using the software update tool provided by the manufacturer). Asus, Lenovo have similar tools as well and may already be pre installed in your computer.
These firmware updates have specific instructions and applications to follow. They typically require a reboot to install the firmware as well.
Some firmware updates require a flash drive to install the updates. The firmware installation app should instruct you about this. These updates typically use a smaller flash drive to install (64mb)
Once the firmware has been updated, the operating system upgrade should install (following the on screen instrutions).
If a firmware update isn't available, you should check with the manufacturer of the computer before updating to the new operating system.