Windows 11

[OverlayHunter]

Hi, does anyone have a good feel for whether or not there are any real benefits to changing to Windows 11? Are there any downsides?

Thank you for the insights.

[Augenj]

I don't see any benefits unless it's in the underlying security. Things you'll notice most are the changes to the Start button/menu which lists your apps and the File Explorer which replaces some of the text commands with icon commands. This I don't care for. You wind up accidentally clicking on tasks that you didn't want to do such as Copy when you meant Replace, etc. However, you can do a mouse-over to see what the command is. It requires an extra mental step and I'm mentally lazy.

[headhawg]

There is no compelling reason to switch to Win11 and it might be more trouble than it's worth. Some people like the new look but many are using apps like Start11 to reverse the UI annoyances that M$ thinks users want. Win10 support lasts until October 2025 so if you're happy using it I suggest you just stay with it.

[Dave Schwartz]

I've always been enamored to the Windows 7 look and feel.

As such, I've used the Stardock products to maintain that look and feel.

Here's the newest: Stardock's Start11.

I don't have Win11 but have used Start10 and Start8.

PS: They've raised the price to a whopping $5.99.

[OverlayHunter]

Thanks for the helpful information, guys. I am always reluctant to update anything on my computer unless absolutely forced to. I've had too many unhappy moments. Before posting my question, I had researched on the net but didn't feel I found anything definitive. You've all confirmed my suspicions. Thanks, again.

[PaceAdvantage]

This is a good page to check when looking to do any of the monthly windows updates:

https://www.askwoody.com/

They let you know if it's relatively safe to update...it usually takes a few weeks from the release of the actual update until they deem it safe to use.

[Jeff P]

A few days ago a longtime JCapper customer purchased a new HP Pavillion laptop with Windows 11 on it. (Imo, decent machines for the price.)

Yesterday he emailed and told me he was having trouble getting a good JCapper Install up and running.

Based on the text from an error message he sent, I knew it was a permissions issue... Specifically, Windows was refusing to grant true admin rights so he could install third party software on his own machine.

It turns out the Windows 11 Administrator Account is disabled by default.

ghacks.net | Martin Brinkmann | Oct 1, 2021
How to enable the hidden Windows 11 administrator account:
https://www.ghacks.net/2021/10/01/ho...rator-account/

If you're installing third party software on a Win 11 machine, if you're following the install instructions from your software vendor, and you're not getting anywhere:

One of the first things you should do is check to see whether or not the admin account is enabled and that you do in fact have true admin rights.



-jp

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[JustRalph]

Damn good stuff…….

Loving my iPad more every day

[crestridge]

I just received a message from Microsoft, that to me is "chilling". My wife (a month or so ago) purchased a new HP computer with either Microsoft Windows 10, 11 and in order to use the Excel, Word, etc. "stuff" I must register and they will give me one year access for "free', after 1 year I'm not clear what transpires.

That's just the beginning, the "new" message is about obtaining a license/agreement to use Microsoft and the sum is: if you don't sign, all Microsoft applications will be discontinued. If you agree, then they have the right to "police" your computer to see if any violations of the agreement have occurred, if so they will grab all your stuff, shut down all Microsoft applications, etc.

I'm hoping this doesn't apply to all my older computers, because they are Microsoft driven. Anyone encounter this new agreement?

I just received this new message/agreement today, via e-mail from Microsoft. This "new" agreement goes into effect Aug. 15th.

[PaceAdvantage]

Off the top of my head, this doesn't sound legit to me...some sort of scammer?

[crestridge]

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ta...XNWXLpprKVJtTh

Is this ok for me to post? This is the agreement I received. If this is violating any rules here just delete.

[PaceAdvantage]

Originally Posted by crestridge

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ta...XNWXLpprKVJtTh

Is this ok for me to post? This is the agreement I received. If this is violating any rules here just delete.

Unless you also give us the user name and password to your google mail account, I'm afraid we can't read anything using that link.

[tupper]

Originally Posted by crestridge

I just received a message from Microsoft, that to me is "chilling". My wife (a month or so ago) purchased a new HP computer with either Microsoft Windows 10, 11 and in order to use the Excel, Word, etc. "stuff" I must register and they will give me one year access for "free', after 1 year I'm not clear what transpires.

Why would Microsoft email you regarding your wife's computer? How did they get your email address in reference to your wife's computer?

Why would you need to "register" if they already have enough of your information to contact you about your wife's computer?

Why did you get this notice via email, instead of it automatically appearing on your wife's computer when she tried to use Microsoft Office?

It would probably be wise not to give out any sensitive information.

Originally Posted by crestridge

That's just the beginning, the "new" message is about obtaining a license/agreement to use Microsoft and the sum is: if you don't sign, all Microsoft applications will be discontinued. If you agree, then they have the right to "police" your computer to see if any violations of the agreement have occurred, if so they will grab all your stuff, shut down all Microsoft applications, etc.

Not sure if the email you received is legit, but more and more proprietary software is becoming subscription based, and proprietary software often tracks you and continually phones home.

However, it is potentially illegal for a subscription software provider to "grab all your stuff." Removing/viewing your data without your consent is crossing a line.

So glad that I use LibreOffice and other open source software. There's no registration, no tracking, it's free and, if I ever get an email that my LibreOffice "subscription" will end if I don't "register," I simply delete the obvious scam email.

Originally Posted by crestridge

I'm hoping this doesn't apply to all my older computers, because they are Microsoft driven.

Sounds like a stressful way to use a computer.

[Dave Schwartz]

Originally Posted by crestridge

I just received a message from Microsoft, that to me is "chilling". My wife (a month or so ago) purchased a new HP computer with either Microsoft Windows 10, 11 and in order to use the Excel, Word, etc. "stuff" I must register and they will give me one year access for "free', after 1 year I'm not clear what transpires.

That's just the beginning, the "new" message is about obtaining a license/agreement to use Microsoft and the sum is: if you don't sign, all Microsoft applications will be discontinued. If you agree, then they have the right to "police" your computer to see if any violations of the agreement have occurred, if so they will grab all your stuff, shut down all Microsoft applications, etc.

I'm hoping this doesn't apply to all my older computers, because they are Microsoft driven. Anyone encounter this new agreement?

I just received this new message/agreement today, via e-mail from Microsoft. This "new" agreement goes into effect Aug. 15th.

New computers often come with TRIAL software such as Microsoft Office, thus this could be normal behavior except for the parts about "bought it a month ago," "me one year access for free," and "Aug 15."

I am in agreement with PA that this sounds "phishy." Think of it this way...

If you wake up on Aug 16 with no software, Microsoft would send you an email saying, "Are you ready to come back? Send money."

So, do nothing.

Dave
PS: Oh, and never open an email like this again.

[crestridge]

Thanks so much guys, this really helps a lot. However, the item about registering with Microsoft Office, came with the computer and said I have one year free access, etc. And in the new computer it stated if I don't register, I may not be able to use the software. Not totally understanding the language, but in the computer there's many items, if used must be registered. Also, third party applications are no longer easy to install, as Jeff points out, must go into system to obtain Admin rights. Admin rights are no longer default.