PC Update

[Dnk]

Ok one for the pc gang 

I'm using Windows 8 and next year Google won't update this system so I have to update to Windows 10 

Anyone done this and care to educate me 

I've put all my photos and files onto an external hard drive so far but just want some guidance as to doing the actual upgrade 

Cheers in advance for any help given 

[rider]

If you have an upgrade disc or downloaded an upgrade file it should do it all automatically. Just don't get a power cut part way through the upgrade which could take half an hour if you have, as you likely have, an older PC.

You might find that some programmes no longer work after an upgrade in which instance there is a compatibility option under the programme command file to set the compatibility to an earlier operating system. That doesn't always work though. The will be plenty of Tube videos online to walk you through any problem solving pathways.

[Dnk]

14 minutes ago, rider said:

If you have an upgrade disc or downloaded an upgrade file it should do it all automatically. Just don't get a power cut part way through the upgrade which could take half an hour if you have, as you likely have, an older PC.

You might find that some programmes no longer work after an upgrade in which instance there is a compatibility option under the programme command file to set the compatibility to an earlier operating system. That doesn't always work though. The will be plenty of Tube videos online to walk you through any problem solving pathways.

Other than saving files and photos I've not done anything, I haven't got an upgrade disc or downloaded an upgrade file. 

[Dnk]

Been onto Microsoft support and I need to upgrade the BIOS to 2018 or my system will crash, mines 2014  

[Annabella]

1 hour ago, Dnk said:

Been onto Microsoft support and I need to upgrade the BIOS to 2018 or my system will crash, mines 2014  

Was that definitely Microsoft Support? As it's not too common an issue? Anyway, what make is the PC? If HP for example, their update Assistant can upgrade the BIOS, it's just a firmware update. Or Dell have their Dell Update software. And as above the Power needs to definitely NOT go off during a BIOS update, as that would be bricked motherboard!

Once done, then you can download a Windows update assistant for Windows 10, https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows10

run it once downloaded and tell it you're upgrading rather than creating a bootable pen drive.It usually works ok, and I'm please you have everything backed up of importance!

[Dnk]

7 hours ago, Annabella said:

Was that definitely Microsoft Support? As it's not too common an issue? Anyway, what make is the PC? If HP for example, their update Assistant can upgrade the BIOS, it's just a firmware update. Or Dell have their Dell Update software. And as above the Power needs to definitely NOT go off during a BIOS update, as that would be bricked motherboard!

Once done, then you can download a Windows update assistant for Windows 10, https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows10

run it once downloaded and tell it you're upgrading rather than creating a bootable pen drive.It usually works ok, and I'm please you have everything backed up of importance!

Pretty sure it was Microsoft but who knows these days lol.

Thanks for the info, mines HP so i'll try that 

[Dnk]

Sadly pc doesn't want to play ball, the support assistant says I have to disable bitlocker before updating the BIOS 

Followed the route to find the Bitlocker drive encryption but my pc pings up this 

FFS I hate computers 

[Wishieftrottle]

Hi Dnk, if i were you, i would update bios from flashdrive before windows starts. What motherboard do you have?

Then I would install windows 10 using update assistant, in this case win 10 will be automatically activated (assuming you have official win 8). After complete update to win 10, I would do clean install win 10 from flashdrive to minimalize compatibility issues. Before clean install do not forget backup all important data.

[TuneR]

^^^What he said, i cant remember which website i used to help upgrade my one now as it was ages ago but i did W7-10. Might be the one below, not sure. Anyway the clean install afterwards always is a good idea as it gets rid of everything. Its unlikely you'll have hardware issues as its running 8 fine. One thing to remember is that the support for W10 ends in 2025 so you could be in this position in less than 3 years time. You could always see about upgrading to W11 but that could depend on your computers hardware given the specific (CPU, TPM, cant think of third thing) requirements.

 

https://www.howtogeek.com/509087/how-to-upgrade-from-windows-7-to-windows-10-for-free/

Edited December 14, 2022 by TuneR (see edit history)

[Dnk]

I've added a screenshot of my pc's system info 

So dependent on my pc I might as well get Windows 11 or buy a new pc 

Moneymaking piss take this is imo 

Think I'll pop into the local pc shop and get him to check out what I have and go from there 

Thanks for the great info guys, very helpful as always 

 

[Dnk]

Should I just buy something like this and keep my old pc as a back up ? 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09RQ8MW91/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&aaxitk=39766a6c0cefbc2a5b119e1cedf0b99d&content-id=amzn1.sym.1d1fc9de-af63-45b7-b9a4-15664e2de42b%3Aamzn1.sym.1d1fc9de-af63-45b7-b9a4-15664e2de42b&hsa_cr_id=6371022470702&pd_rd_plhdr=t&pd_rd_r=acca8166-19ce-4604-bd0d-9975feef3e9a&pd_rd_w=iRdz6&pd_rd_wg=OZcRK&qid=1671017089&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_lsi4d_asin_2_title&sr=1-3-e0fa1fdd-d857-4087-adda-5bd576b25987

[rider]

On a PC or laptop I wouldn't consider anything under 8Mb RAM, the Amazon one has half that so will probably really struggle on Windows 11. Unless you are running a server or an office from home there isn't really any point having more than one machine. If you have a local PC specialist store, not your PC World kind but an actual specialist then they would be able to build a system to your requirements on motherboard spec, processor spec, video card, RAM and disc size and even if they have historic things like CD drives.

I always spend high on PC's or laptops so they are good for around 6 to 8 years and remain fast enough. Start slow and they only end up really slow. So the last PC I bought was 3 years ago and cost over £2k but its still lightening fast. 

Of course, after the PC purchase you then need to think about adding software and more and more these are going to monthly subscription and away from single or multiple licence products.

Edited December 14, 2022 by rider (see edit history)

[Annabella]

Ask your PC guy to build you something like this spec, standard parts, unlike Lenovo, HP, Dell. Obviously with Windows 11. 

Your existing PC will NOT take Windows 11.

 

Edited December 14, 2022 by Annabella (see edit history)

[Dnk]

Thanks for the replies guys, just looking into options now. 

The local pc shop (not currys) said he can build me what I need but I should be able to buy pre built cheaper so I'm seeing 

what's out there with 

2ghz + processor

8gb ram 

500 gb hard drive 

windows 11 

[rider]

I'd go 16Gb RAM out of preference, its cheap enough and usually makes a World of difference. 

[Wishieftrottle]

Dnk, your current pc is really useless. I would keep HDD for external storage only.

I can tell you that configuration of new pc is always linked to the purpose of use.

If you do not play games, working with a lot of spread sheets, or making videos, you can use 8Gb of ram as today standard. 

Built pc is cheap, because they use the cheapest component. Especially power supply unit are generic ones without any extra safety/efectivity features.

The best solution is to pick all components up separately from proven producers and ask a friend to build it.

Of course, you can buy cheap pre built pc but bear on mind in this case that maintain the "user friendliness" (speed of system, updates, hardware and software compatibility, stability) could be more expensive in a long run

[Annabella]

8 hours ago, Dnk said:

Thanks for the replies guys, just looking into options now. 

The local pc shop (not currys) said he can build me what I need but I should be able to buy pre built cheaper so I'm seeing 

what's out there with 

2ghz + processor

8gb ram 

500 gb hard drive 

windows 11 

Dunk, what wishie said, hence why I suggested the custom built as you get quality standard parts rather than Lenovo/Dell/HP specific, which if they go wrong you're held to ransom for replacement parts.  Plus the spec above would be much faster and not that much more. Please make sure any system has a SSD (500gb bit) as a normal mechanical drive are so slow. As above 8GB is more than adequate for your needs, if Internet, email and Word is all you do. 

[Dnk]

12 hours ago, Annabella said:

Dunk, what wishie said, hence why I suggested the custom built as you get quality standard parts rather than Lenovo/Dell/HP specific, which if they go wrong you're held to ransom for replacement parts.  Plus the spec above would be much faster and not that much more. Please make sure any system has a SSD (500gb bit) as a normal mechanical drive are so slow. As above 8GB is more than adequate for your needs, if Internet, email and Word is all you do. 

He quoted me around £500 to put something together like you've mentioned so I think I'll be doing that 

I found this place which was interesting but more money https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/desktop-pc/

[Annabella]

That sounds about right, just make sure the PSU is something like corsair, evga, thermaltake at a push. Motherboard Asus or Gigabyte, and a decent brand of memory Corsair and SSD eg Westen Digital

[Wishieftrottle]

I personally use motherboard and graphic cards from MSI. I guess, you do not need an external graphics card for your needs. Just choose processor with integrated graphics and you are good to go. Price £500 is very accurate

[bonus_2000]

@Dnk if you are considering Windows 11 and you are building a PC, rather than buying a system from HP or Dell etc. You need to make sure that the motherboard you buy is TPM 2.0 compliant otherwise the system will fail the minimum requirement check on installation of Windows. Most boards from MSI etc. Will have the option, but sometimes you have to buy the TPM chip separately.

[rider]

You have to smile, 75% of recent posts over a fair number of days have been nothing related in any way to cars let alone Mk4 Supra's.

[Annabella]

15 hours ago, bonus_2000 said:

@Dnk if you are considering Windows 11 and you are building a PC, rather than buying a system from HP or Dell etc. You need to make sure that the motherboard you buy is TPM 2.0 compliant otherwise the system will fail the minimum requirement check on installation of Windows. Most boards from MSI etc. Will have the option, but sometimes you have to buy the TPM chip separately.

If he goes with what suggested above, I'm struggling to think of any board that wont have TPM as standard on an Alder socket motherboard. 

Edited December 17, 2022 by Annabella
Spelling! (see edit history)

[Annabella]

11 hours ago, rider said:

You have to smile, 75% of recent posts over a fair number of days have been nothing related in any way to cars let alone Mk4 Supra's.

No suprise, it's minus stupid out there, Christmas is on it's way, cars won't be the priority right now.

[Dnk]

Thanks for all the input guys, as usual its been most helpful to a pc tech dummy like myself.

I shall pop into the local PC shop and get him to put a package together and throw in the 

ideas from you guys. 

I shall post up his suggestions before I commit to him building me anything 

Edited December 18, 2022 by Dnk (see edit history)