Windows 10: If you run an old version of Windows 11, Microsoft may force-upgrade your system

Every version of Windows is someday reaching its end of life. For Windows 11, that is after two years for consumer-based editions of the operating system.

A few things may happen when a version of Windows 11 reaches end of life:

• Microsoft does not release security updates or any other update for the version anymore.
• Microsoft may force upgrade the system to a new version that is still supported.

This process makes a lot of sense for the majority of customers. Systems that are not supported anymore may have unpatched security issues that threat actors may exploit. This is especially true for systems that go online regularly.

For some customers, it is a question of staying in control to upgrade when they want to. This can be a question of timing or testing. Whatever the reason, they do not want their systems to be upgraded automatically.

Windows 11, versions 21H2 and 22H2 affected




Microsoft confirmed today that systems running the original release version of Windows 11 or the first feature update version will be upgraded automatically next month.

Why two versions?

• Windows 11, version 21H2 applies to Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise systems only.
• Windows 11, version 22H2 applies to Home and Pro systems only.

When is this going to happen?

The October 2024 update will be the last for the mentioned versions. They will receive a last batch of security updates on October 8, 2024.

After October 8, 2024, Windows Update will download and install Windows 11, version 23H2, automatically on those devices.

Are there exceptions?

The forced updates are only installed on devices that are not managed. Managed refers to devices managed by IT departments for the most part.

There may be other exceptions:

• Devices that do not meet the system requirements of Windows 11.
• Devices on which Windows Update is disabled or configured to block automatic updates.

Closing Words


It is easy enough to upgrade Windows to a new version manually. All you have to do is open Start > Settings > Windows Update, and activate the check for updates button. If a new version is available, it should be listed. You may then proceed to download and install it on the device.

If that does not work, for whatever reason, you may download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or Windows 11 Installation Media from Microsoft.

Windows 11, version 23H2 introduced Copilot on the system. The AI feature offers an almost identical functionality to the web-based Copilot chat. Still underwhelming, at least from the perspective of a Windows user. Other changes include the new Windows Backup app, which backs up specific folders and data only, and some smaller changes.

Which version of Windows do you run on your devices? Any particular reason for that? Feel free to leave a comment down below.

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Windows 8 Upgrade Streamlined to 11 Clicks

For those who upgrade between succeeding versions of Microsoft Windows, the upgrade installer can be cumbersome. There are way too many prompts and clicks. Microsoft is working to make the upgrade package of its next major version of Windows, for now referred to as Windows 8, streamlined to as few as 11 clicks. The new installer will be designed to perform most of its tasks without needing user input.

Microsoft will implement a new web-delivery method, where you purchase your Windows 8 license online, and the installer downloads your soft copy to you. It is pre-fed with your 25-character product key. Microsoft's next major Windows release is slated for 2012.






Source: Winrumors

 

Anyone can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $14.99.

Microsoft cracked down on the upgrade requirements you now need a windows 7 key OEM or Retail but the code its self needs to be one they listed in there upgrades system, So old keys wont work.

 

Old game won't run on my new windows 11 laptop because of directx error

Hi

Thanks for your reply.

I see that you've encountered an internal system error while trying to install DirectX. This issue could be due to a variety of reasons, including problems with your system's configuration or issues with the DirectX installer itself. Here's what you can try to resolve this:

1. Check the DirectX Logs: As the error message suggests, check the DXError.log and DirectX.log files in your Windows folder. These logs might provide more detailed information about what's causing the issue.
   
2. Run the DirectX Installer as an Administrator: Right-click the DirectX installer and select 'Run as Administrator'. This will give the installer the necessary permissions to make changes to your system.
   
3. Use Windows System File Checker: This tool checks for and repairs corrupted system files. You can run it by opening Command Prompt as an administrator and typing sfc /scannow
   
4. Clean Boot Your System: This involves starting up your system with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help you identify if any third-party applications are causing the issue. You can find instructions on how to perform a clean boot in Windows 11 on the Microsoft website.
   
   Disclaimer: A “clean boot” starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. It helps to determine whether a background program is interfering with your game or program and to isolate the cause of a problem. These steps of "clean boot" might look complicated at first glance. However, to avoid any trouble for you, please follow them in order and step-by-step so that it will help you get you back on track.
   
5. Perform an in-place upgrade of Windows 11 to fix your system.
   
   Disclaimer: Let’s try performing an in-place install or in-place upgrade which will refresh your Windows files and operating system without removing files or applications. That being said, we always recommend that if you have important data, you should back it up before making large system changes. If you want to back up your data first, please do so. Once you are done backing up, you can follow the steps in the following guides:
   
   1. How to run In-place upgrade in Windows 11 - Microsoft Community
      
   2. How to perform an In-place Upgrade with Windows 10 Step-by-Step Guide - Microsoft Community