Windows 11 and 12

[MaxS12]

I am currently using an HP Pavilion TouchSmart 23" HD with Windows 10. I understand that updates for Windows 10 will be ending soon. I am checking into purchasing a new HP system with Windows 11 but have heard once Windows 12 comes out Windows 11 updates will not be possible, and we will have to go to Windows 12. Does anyone know if Windows 11 updates will be continued and if Windows 11 will be able to update to Windows 12?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

There is no official information from Microsoft on W12 at this time, so we don't know what is going to happen regarding W11's ability to be upgraded to W12.

https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/windows-12-ai-new-ui-features-and-everything... 

If you want to hold on to your PC a little longer, and if you are interested in installing W11 24H2 on your PC as is, watch this video:

How to install Windows 11 24H2 on Unsupported PC (Early Access) 2024 (youtube.com)

Download the W24H2 ISO file and use that (3rd option).   

Download Windows 11 (microsoft.com)

You can download the free 7-Zip file utility from the link below.  The top line is for 64 bit.

7-Zip

You'll have to repeat this procedure each October when Microsoft rolls out the new builds because a PC that does not meet Microsoft's minimum W11 hardware requirements will never automatically get the update to the next build.

Other than that, your PC will continue to get the monthly cumulative and other updates.

That's only a minor inconvenience to have continued OS support beyond October of 2025.

Then as time progresses, we will all have a better idea where things are headed.

I made the mistake of buying a Dell Optiplex 7050 MT PC before W11 came out as I had heard that W10 was the final OS that Microsoft was going to release.

Then came W11.

Well, my PC's Intel i7-7700 processor just missed the cut for the minimum W11 hardware requirements Microsoft established.

When I found viable workarounds to install W11 on unsupported hardware, I jumped at the opportunity and have been running W11 on all of my unsupported PCs since it came out in 2021.