Windows 11 install questions

[Donut417]

My mom's computer doesnt officially support Windows 11. It's a Lenovo Desktop with a 2200G and 8 Gigs of ram. I was planning on just trying to by pass method to upgrade but I have a few questions as Ive never used this method. 

 

So I download the ISO from Microsoft and using RUFUS I check the by pass box and image the ISO to a flash drive. 

 

1) Secure Boot vs No Secure Boot. While I know the bypass will remove the secure boot requirement, is there any benefit to enabling it? 

2) GPT vs MBR, Im assuming I will need to make sure Im using GPT? 

3) Activation. This is a OEM copy of Windows 10. Now I should just be able to install 11 and it will find the Windows 10 key in BIOS and activate it? I recall when. I upgrade my gaming rig, I installed Windows 10 clean and just preformed an upgrade install, as I wasn't sure I could use my Windows 10 key directly. 

4) I see everyone suggest 16 Gigs of RAM with Windows 11. This machine has 8. Would you suggest an upgrade? (If so I'll likely just take the RAM out of my gaming rig, and upgrade the ram in my gaming rig. 

[RONOTHAN##]

16 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

1) Secure Boot vs No Secure Boot. While I know the bypass will remove the secure boot requirement, is there any benefit to enabling it? 

Not really. It's basically there to know if the OS or boot partition has been tampered with. It doesn't hurt leaving it on (unless you're running Linux in the background), but I don't personally care about leaving it enabled. Whatever my motherboard defaults to is the state that I leave it, I don't change it one way or another unless I'm installing some Linux distro on the system (with the exception of Ubuntu, Fedora, and the couple others that have Secure Boot keys built in). 

 

18 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

2) GPT vs MBR, Im assuming I will need to make sure Im using GPT? 

Pretty sure both work with Windows 11, though GPT is definitely the preferred method and will be less likely to break if Microsoft ever patches MBR support out. 

 

19 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

3) Activation. This is a OEM copy of Windows 10. Now I should just be able to install 11 and it will find the Windows 10 key in BIOS and activate it? I recall when. I upgrade my gaming rig, I installed Windows 10 clean and just preformed an upgrade install, as I wasn't sure I could use my Windows 10 key directly.

It's a coin toss. I'd wager probably not, but who knows. The Windows Activation Service is quite weird with what it deems a good license and what it doesn't when working with hardware changes. Someone other than me might understand it better and be able to give you a better answer.

 

21 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

4) I see everyone suggest 16 Gigs of RAM with Windows 11. This machine has 8. Would you suggest an upgrade? (If so I'll likely just take the RAM out of my gaming rig, and upgrade the ram in my gaming rig. 

I probably would want 16GB of RAM, but at the same time you might as well try 8GB if you already have it. If you start running into low RAM slowdowns, an upgrade is cheap and easy enough to do.

[Donut417]

7 minutes ago, RONOTHAN## said:

It's a coin toss. I'd wager probably not, but who knows. The Windows Activation Service is quite weird with what it deems a good license and what it doesn't when working with hardware changes. Someone other than me might understand it better and be able to give you a better answer.

This upgrade kinda defeats the point if Windows cant be activated, Because Im pretty sure she will care about not having personalization options when running unactivated. 

[Thomas53]

Modern Linux distributions work with or without Secure Boot. It's original purpose was a condition board manufacturers had to include so that users couldn't install Linux or BSD.

 

About a year or so after it was introduced, code in the Linux kernel was written to bypass it to allow for dual booting as at that time Linux was unable to run with it on and Windows couldn't run with it off.

 

I'm not sure about Windows 11 but my neighbors kid had a CHEAP $89 (US) laptop running Win 10 Pro (it came with Win 10 Educational) with 2Gb RAM. And was able to run two applications at a time.

It didn't  run slower enough to really matter for what she was using it for.

[StDragon]

1 hour ago, Donut417 said:

My mom's computer doesnt officially support Windows 11. It's a Lenovo Desktop with a 2200G and 8 Gigs of ram. I was planning on just trying to by pass method to upgrade but I have a few questions as Ive never used this method. 

 

So I download the ISO from Microsoft and using RUFUS I check the by pass box and image the ISO to a flash drive. 

 

1) Secure Boot vs No Secure Boot. While I know the bypass will remove the secure boot requirement, is there any benefit to enabling it? 

2) GPT vs MBR, Im assuming I will need to make sure Im using GPT? 

3) Activation. This is a OEM copy of Windows 10. Now I should just be able to install 11 and it will find the Windows 10 key in BIOS and activate it? I recall when. I upgrade my gaming rig, I installed Windows 10 clean and just preformed an upgrade install, as I wasn't sure I could use my Windows 10 key directly. 

4) I see everyone suggest 16 Gigs of RAM with Windows 11. This machine has 8. Would you suggest an upgrade? (If so I'll likely just take the RAM out of my gaming rig, and upgrade the ram in my gaming rig. 

 

1. Secure Boot - this is validate no rootkit malware loads at boot to remain hidden from Antivirus such as MS Defender.

2. Drive needs to be GPT to enable Secure Boot. Also BIOS needs to be changed from CSM (legacy) to UEFI in order to boot from a GPT vol.

3. Probably should upgrade to 11 so it uploads activation to Microsoft. Then perform a clean format / reinstall to have the drive set for GPT.

4. 16GB is minimum, and will work for most people. For business laptops, I'm speccing 32GB and in some cases 64GB.

 

As always, be sure the BIOS firmware is up to date before attempting to install Windows 11.

[Donut417]

Just now, StDragon said:

Probably should upgrade to 11 so it uploads activation to Microsoft. Then perform a clean format / reinstall to have the drive set a GPT.

The machine in question does not support Windows 11. So how do I do an in place upgrade? Because I was under the impression that was not possible. 

 

3 minutes ago, StDragon said:

16GB is minimum, and will work for most people. For business laptops, I'm speccing 32GB and in some cases 64GB.

The machine is for my 64 year old mom. She uses Fire fox and goes to the bank and Facebook websites and thats about it. 

[StDragon]

6 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

The machine in question does not support Windows 11. So how do I do an in place upgrade? Because I was under the impression that was not possible. 

Good point, you already mentioned the CPU being a 2200G, so you can't upgrade. Also, MS could force the kernel to only work with newer CPU instruction sets. So while you could "hack" Windows 11 install to work, you never know that some future update could trip the OS into a BSOD and no longer boot.
 

6 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

The machine is for my 64 year old mom. She uses Fire fox and goes to the bank and Facebook websites and thats about it. 

I would give ChromeOS Flex a serious look.

https://chromeos.google/products/chromeos-flex/

https://support.google.com/chromeosflex/answer/11552529

[Donut417]

1 minute ago, StDragon said:

Good point, you already mentioned the CPU being a 2200G, so you can't upgrade. Also, MS could force the kernel to only work with newer CPU instruction sets. So while you could "hack" Windows 11 install to work, you never know that some future update could trip the OS into a BSOD and no longer boot.
 

I would give ChromeOS Flex a serious look.

https://chromeos.google/products/chromeos-flex/
 

Chrome OS wont work with her printer. Ive check the list Google had listed. So it's a no go. Im just trying to save her from having to waste money on a new machine. Like everyone says the by pass method is the choice. So you're saying different. This is kinda getting frustrating. Maybe I'll try Ubuntu when 10 support gets killed off. She might be able to learn it. Otherwise she will be shelling out $500+ because Microsoft decided to do this RTARD move of making BS requirements. 

[StDragon]

Another option is you could purchase a 1 year Windows 10 ESU (Extended Support Update) license (not yet available, but soon). It's kicking the can down the road, but will buy some time to keep the OS secure with updates while you factor in a long-term replacement.

[Donut417]

1 minute ago, StDragon said:

Another option is you could purchase a 1 year Windows 10 ESU (Extended Support Update) license (not yet available, but soon). It's kicking the can down the road, but will buy some time to keep the OS secure with updates while you factor in a long-term replacement.

I gave her that option. She said it would be better just to buy a new machine at that point. 

 

So I guess another thing to get sent to the dump now. 

[RONOTHAN##]

9 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

Chrome OS wont work with her printer. Ive check the list Google had listed. So it's a no go. Im just trying to save her from having to waste money on a new machine. Like everyone says the by pass method is the choice. So you're saying different. This is kinda getting frustrating. Maybe I'll try Ubuntu when 10 support gets killed off. She might be able to learn it. Otherwise she will be shelling out $500+ because Microsoft decided to do this RTARD move of making BS requirements. 

Just saying, if it doesn't activate, there is the $20 activation keys from key resellers. It's not an ideal solution, but it's way cheaper than $500. There's also the option of getting her a 3400G for ~$40-50 on eBay, which is one of the approved CPUs and would hopefully allow for the in place upgrade (this would require making sure Lenovo provided a BIOS update though, so that's hit or miss). 

 

There are also ways to bypass the Windows activation if necessary. Don't think I'm allowed to say what they are by forum rules on piracy, just putting it out there. 

[Donut417]

3 minutes ago, RONOTHAN## said:

Just saying, if it doesn't activate, there is the $20 activation keys from key resellers.

I dont really trust the grey market route. Plus I know some of those keys are bought with stolen credit cards and Im not willing to support a criminal enterprise. 

 

6 minutes ago, RONOTHAN## said:

There's also the option of getting her a 3400G for ~$40-50 on eBay, which is one of the approved CPUs and would hopefully allow for the in place upgrade (this would require making sure Lenovo provided a BIOS update though, so that's hit or miss). 

I looked in to that option but I cant find confirmation that they updated the BIOS with support. 

[Thomas53]

I KNOW I'M LATE HERE,

But instead of dumping the PC, look to see if your city has something like 'PC's for People'. Another one that I know of is 'Computers For Causes" and that there are similar organizations, but none that I can think of off hand.

 

What these organizations do is sell used computer equipment to low income individuals/ families at extremely low prices. My local store prices for a computer start at less than $50. The least expensive computer that I can remember seeing there was $20. I didn't stop in but glancing through the window I noticed monitors and keyboards too.

[rm -rf --nopreserveroot]

On 5/15/2025 at 2:54 PM, Thomas53 said:

I KNOW I'M LATE HERE,

But instead of dumping the PC, look to see if your city has something like 'PC's for People'. Another one that I know of is 'Computers For Causes" and that there are similar organizations, but none that I can think of off hand.

 

What these organizations do is sell used computer equipment to low income individuals/ families at extremely low prices. My local store prices for a computer start at less than $50. The least expensive computer that I can remember seeing there was $20. I didn't stop in but glancing through the window I noticed monitors and keyboards too.

For me id hate to see it get dumped, it could be a good server lol

 

[Donut417]

1 hour ago, rm -rf --nopreserveroot said:

For me id hate to see it get dumped, it could be a good server lol

 

Problem is I have a server. Not only that I don’t need more space heaters in my room. Plus the old wiring probably would appreciate not have more shit plugged in. If anything I’d like to downsize my setup. 

[rm -rf --nopreserveroot]

26 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

Problem is I have a server. Not only that I don’t need more space heaters in my room. Plus the old wiring probably would appreciate not have more shit plugged in. If anything I’d like to downsize my setup. 

Im gambling by plugging in a server in an extension cord and not a PDU 

[Mark Kaine]

On 5/8/2025 at 3:28 AM, Donut417 said:

Chrome OS wont work with her printer. Ive check the list Google had listed. So it's a no go. Im just trying to save her from having to waste money on a new machine. Like everyone says the by pass method is the choice. So you're saying different. This is kinda getting frustrating. Maybe I'll try Ubuntu when 10 support gets killed off. She might be able to learn it. Otherwise she will be shelling out $500+ because Microsoft decided to do this RTARD move of making BS requirements. 

No you can bypass... It's unlikely Ms ever bricks it retroactively, and if they do, well that's when you deal with it, but not beforehand.

 

I honestly wanna see Ms doing this, the backlash will be enormous, likely full ban in EU lol...

 

I really really wanna see this (sorry not sorry)

[Donut417]

49 minutes ago, Mark Kaine said:

No you can bypass... It's unlikely Ms ever bricks it retroactively, and if they do, well that's when you deal with it, but not beforehand.

 

I honestly wanna see Ms doing this, the backlash will be enormous, likely full ban in EU lol...

 

I really really wanna see this (sorry not sorry)

The bypass won’t work with her current windows key. Because it’s a prebuilt (Lenovo). The only way to convert the key over is to do an in place upgrade. Which I can’t do due to it being an unsupported platform. No we will not buy a new key, especially from a grey market. 

[Mark Kaine]

14 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

The bypass won’t work with her current windows key. Because it’s a prebuilt (Lenovo). The only way to convert the key over is to do an in place upgrade. Which I can’t do due to it being an unsupported platform.

No the key probably won't work, i just meant specifically the bypass will work and it's just unlikely ms retroactively bricks billions(?) of pcs... 

 

If the key specifically is your issue then of course there are relatively easy solutions, such as buying the windows 10 "protection pack" as soon it's available, or indeed buy a techyescity w11 license... Hey, if it works for Australians...!? 

 

Or go "not activated'. . (I kinda think the w10 license will just work anyway, but definitely not sure) 

[Donut417]

2 hours ago, Mark Kaine said:

No the key probably won't work, i just meant specifically the bypass will work and it's just unlikely ms retroactively bricks billions(?) of pcs... 

 

If the key specifically is your issue then of course there are relatively easy solutions, such as buying the windows 10 "protection pack" as soon it's available, or indeed buy a techyescity w11 license... Hey, if it works for Australians...!? 

 

Or go "not activated'. . (I kinda think the w10 license will just work anyway, but definitely not sure) 

I took her thru the options. 

 

Unactivated is a no because she likes to customize her machine and such. Plus she would probably get tired of the watermark. Grey market keys are a no go because frankly I dont trust them, nor do I trust the sites where they are sold. She already hates buying shit online because she doesn't like giving them the card details. She said no to paying for the extended updates. AND she said no to Linux. 

 

So that leaves buy a new one. If anything Im trying to push her towards a laptop. Mainly due to the fact it has a battery and we do loose power a few times a year. So a built in "UPS". Plus she can take it with her if she needs to. 

 

I think some people in this thread think Im going to chuck this in the weekly trash pickup. Im not, the county does hazardous waste drop offs a few times a year, likely I will just drop it off with the county and they will dispose of it "Properly". 

[KidKid]

On 5/7/2025 at 7:59 PM, Donut417 said:

My mom's computer doesnt officially support Windows 11. It's a Lenovo Desktop with a 2200G and 8 Gigs of ram. I was planning on just trying to by pass method to upgrade but I have a few questions as Ive never used this method. 

 

So I download the ISO from Microsoft and using RUFUS I check the by pass box and image the ISO to a flash drive. 

 

1) Secure Boot vs No Secure Boot. While I know the bypass will remove the secure boot requirement, is there any benefit to enabling it? 

2) GPT vs MBR, Im assuming I will need to make sure Im using GPT? 

3) Activation. This is a OEM copy of Windows 10. Now I should just be able to install 11 and it will find the Windows 10 key in BIOS and activate it? I recall when. I upgrade my gaming rig, I installed Windows 10 clean and just preformed an upgrade install, as I wasn't sure I could use my Windows 10 key directly. 

4) I see everyone suggest 16 Gigs of RAM with Windows 11. This machine has 8. Would you suggest an upgrade? (If so I'll likely just take the RAM out of my gaming rig, and upgrade the ram in my gaming rig. 

Try 8GB of RAM and see how it performs

[Donut417]

5 minutes ago, KidKid said:

Try 8GB of RAM and see how it performs

Read the rest of the thread. Because I cant do the in place upgrade to convert the key. We are not going to buy a new key for a platform thats not official supported. 

[KidKid]

6 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

Read the rest of the thread. Because I cant do the in place upgrade to convert the key. We are not going to buy a new key for a platform thats not official supported. 

You don't need a key. You can install Windows 11 without it.How to get windows 11 for free (or less than $15) | Tom's Hardware

[Donut417]

7 minutes ago, KidKid said:

You don't need a key. You can install Windows 11 without it.How to get windows 11 for free (or less than $15) | Tom's Hardware

Again read the thread. I went thru this. ]

 

1 hour ago, Donut417 said:

Unactivated is a no because she likes to customize her machine and such. Plus she would probably get tired of the watermark. Grey market keys are a no go because frankly I dont trust them, nor do I trust the sites where they are sold. She already hates buying shit online because she doesn't like giving them the card details. She said no to paying for the extended updates. AND she said no to Linux. 

Remember it's not my machine. Its my mom's and the option she choose is the one she is comfortable with. 

[Mark Kaine]

44 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

Again read the thread. I went thru this. ]

 

Remember it's not my machine. Its my mom's and the option she choose is the one she is comfortable with. 

I think it's just a bad choice to ditch a perfectly fine computer just because microsoft "went crazy again" ... Maybe you need to explain her the options better, including the environmental impact (there is one, and it's not even small) and that it doesn't really matter if you buy a cheap OEM license or an expensive Microsoft one, plus the license she already has might just work (yes ik that's a crap shot so I wouldn't rely on it)

 

1 hour ago, Donut417 said:

Grey market keys are a no go because frankly I dont trust them, nor do I trust the sites where they are sold

I bought mine from Amazon, for like 3.50, it's working fine (until you change your mobo,but even then you *could* call, ms is very likely to reactivate, they don't really care, also it's just 3.50 lol). Nowadays I think ebay is your best bet...

 

These licenses are basically never stolen (how?) they're just surplus, hence why they're often dirt cheap.