Using an old laptop

RavingMad

https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/dell-latitude-5400-i5-8365u-8gb-ram-256gb-ssd-fhd-windows-laptop-refurbished-wcode-sold-by-newandusedlaptops4u-uk-mainland-4609784

debitcardmayhem

Eyeful said:

debitcardmayhem said:

The laptop may not be suitable for Windows 11 , says who it’s a 3rd gen i3 , sith and SSD and 4 gb more memory it will run 11 I have an i5-24xx lappy which runs quite happily on 11.
Not misleading but perhaps misguided

Q. Who says Windows 11 may not be suitable for an old computer?
A. Microsoft . That's why I left the Website link for the OP to read and check out.

Until the Microsoft PC Health Check is run on the OP computer, none of us knows if it is suitable for Windows 11.
If you do download Windows 11 on to an unsuitable computer and get it to run, you do not know if it is running correctly, introducing bugs or security holes that you are unaware off. I certainly would not care to take that risk, though others may wish to take the risk.

How do you know if Windows 11 or any operating system is running correctly, introducing ……. on a machine that is brand new, let alone do you trust M$ to never let bugs/holes appear in their software. I’d stop digging now ….

BFBW

Eyeful said:

FlowrayG:      No one has given you misleading information.

1. Microsoft's official date for stopping security updates for Windows 10 operating system is  still 14 October 2025.
https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/windows-10-is-losing-security-support-in-october-aZV723o24RP9

2. As I stated before, your Windows 10 computer may not be suitable for updating to Window 11. This is because Microsoft has introduced new hardware requirements. If your computer does not have the necessary hardware, then you will have problem with Windows 11.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/check-if-a-device-meets-windows-11-system-requirements-after-changing-device-hardware-f3bc0aeb-6884-41a1-ab57-88258df6812b


3. The options I mentioned to you in my first post still stand.

First of all, I wasn't referring to you in particular when I was referring to the OP being misled. Have you gone through all the posts from everyone in order for you to determine if any misleading advice has been given? If not, then you should not be making definitive statements such as "No one....".

Now, on to your advice...

It's not yet the 14th of October 2025, so running Windows 10 right now on that device is just as safe as anyone else's device. Anyone suggesting otherwise, is misleading.
Secondly, Microsoft will be offering an extra year of updates for Windows 10. So that takes the support period up to the 13th of October 2026.
That means that the device will be 'safe' until then. Nearly eighteen months from now.

You haven't mentioned any of that, so therefore your advice was somewhat lacking, if we are to be honest. That's just standard Vanilla. Same for everyone.


Next, about Windows 11. Most any PC from 2010 onwards can install and run Windows 11 24H2 without issue by removing the check for the 'requirements'. It will be updated as normal until October the 13 2026. If you have any evidence of any machine not receiving updates whilst running Windows 11 24H2, then please publish it here. If you have any evidence of any 'security bug' on any device that isn't on the recommended list, please publish it here.

It seems that people read something and then repeat it parrot fashion, without really understanding it.

So, in conclusion, the OP can continue to run Windows 10 safely until the 14th October 2025 and then can opt for another year of updates until the 13th of October 2026 or they can install and run Windows 11 24H2 until October the 13th 2026, safely.
Bypassing the requirements does not automatically make the device not safe, as the requirements, in general, refer to the use of Windows Hello and BitLocker. Most people don't use those things anyway.


There is yet another option, for more advanced users. That is to 'upgrade' to a version of Windows 10 LTSC. There are two options. The first receives updates until Jan 2027 and the second until Jan 2032.

So people can run Windows 10 safely far beyond the dates you mention.

BFBW

Eyeful said:

debitcardmayhem said:

Eyeful said:

FlowrayG:      No one has given you misleading information.

1. Microsoft's official date for stopping security updates for Windows 10 operating system is  still 14 October 2025.
https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/windows-10-is-losing-security-support-in-october-aZV723o24RP9

2. As I stated before, your Windows 10 computer may not be suitable for updating to Window 11. This is because Microsoft has introduced new hardware requirements. If your computer does not have the necessary hardware, then you will have problem with Windows 11.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/check-if-a-device-meets-windows-11-system-requirements-after-changing-device-hardware-f3bc0aeb-6884-41a1-ab57-88258df6812b


3. The options I mentioned to you in my first post still stand.

Buy a chromebook ? really I suggest trying chrome flex no cost.
The laptop may not be suitable for Windows 11 , says who it’s a 3rd gen i3 , sith and SSD and 4 gb more memory it will run 11 I have an i5-24xx lappy which runs quite happily on 11.
Not misleading but perhaps misguided

1. If you had read through all of my posts on this subject, you would have seen that one of the options I suggested, was to to download and install either Linux Mint or Zorin distros (both also free).

2.  Your suggestion of ChromeOS is just another Linux distro.

3. Buy a Chromebook, was then suggested as an option should the OP not what to download and install any Linux distro. 

So there is no misguiding going on.

This is also misleading. Chrome OS Flex is not just another Linux Distro. That's a somewhat careless and throwaway statement. It's a Cloud based operating system. Mint and Zorin are not Cloud based.

But you still have the issues with possible incompatibilities.

Check to see if your device models are certified—Google regularly tests, maintains, and certifies ChromeOS Flex features and functionality on many individual models. While ChromeOS Flex might work on non-certified devices, we do not guarantee performance, functionality, or stability.

Exactly the same for installing Windows 11 on non-certified devices. 
You can have that with Linux distros too. So all the suggestions have caveats that won't necessarily be a problem.

Personally, If someone in the family can update the old device, then I would do that and clean install Windows 10 or 11. That gives ample time to find a Ryzen 5 4th or 5th Gen or i5 11th or 12th Gen laptop with Windows 11 from CEX or the like, for the price of a cheap, locked down Chromebook.

Windows laptops are far more versatile. Imagine having a device with only one Browser. I use up to four Browsers at any one time. You can install another, but the options are limited.

Flugelhorn

@FlorayG - I am lost in the technical discussion above  but I do like my chromebook(s) - they certainly do just about everything I need, got my first one about 10 years ago 

FlorayG

OMG I'm now totally, completely lost. I just want a b****y laptop that will do basic stuff for me, surf the internet, write a few documents, keep some records, make Zoom calls. I would rather not buy anything new if I don't need to but now I've had so much conflicting advice here ( but thank you all for contributing, I know you're trying to help) that I have no idea what to do.
I've looked at Chromebooks and they vary from £150 to £500 and I can't even understand the difference

J_B

FlorayG said:

OMG I'm now totally, completely lost..........

It's quite simple really!  

Depending on your desire to spend money, you can either do what BFWB has suggested, roll your sleeves up, get your hands dirty and put a new SSD (*) in it for less that £20 or maybe splash the cash and buy yourself a new device of some sort!

*  SSD = Solid State Drive = it's the main 'memory storage' disk in your PC. You probably have an HDD (Hard disk drive) which will be very slow, whereas SSD's are much faster.

BFBW

FlorayG said:

OMG I'm now totally, completely lost. I just want a b****y laptop that will do basic stuff for me, surf the internet, write a few documents, keep some records, make Zoom calls. I would rather not buy anything new if I don't need to but now I've had so much conflicting advice here ( but thank you all for contributing, I know you're trying to help) that I have no idea what to do.
I've looked at Chromebooks and they vary from £150 to £500 and I can't even understand the difference

To clarify...Your laptop, as it is now, can run Windows 10 and even Windows 11, but it will be slow because of the old style of storage within.
This can be swapped relatively easily. The video shows how.
A question is whether you are able to tackle it yourself or if you have a young 'un running around who can follow a simple guide to do it for you.

If not, I recommend that you look at good quality second user devices. There are a lot of them out there, so you can get very good value for money.  £200 may get you something fast and decent. 
@Cisco001 is good for providing recommendations in this regard.

Chromebook fans sell you on the positive points but fail to mention the downsides. Chromebooks can have a small amount of storage, as you are expected to upload everything to Google's servers. If you want a decent Chromebook, you'll need to pay a price at which you can buy a laptop anyway. 
If ChromeBooks are so great, then why doesn't everyone buy one? 

Chromebooks, while offering affordability and simplicity, have some drawbacks compared to traditional laptops. These include limited offline functionality, a reliance on cloud-based applications, and a lack of traditional software compatibility. Additionally, hardware limitations and a focus on web-based tasks can restrict their suitability for certain demanding applications. 

Here's a more detailed look at the downsides:

1. Limited Offline Functionality:

• Chromebooks are designed to be internet-connected, and many features and applications are dependent on a network connection.

• While Google Drive and other cloud services offer offline editing for some documents, not all applications are as functional offline.

• This can be a disadvantage if you need to work on projects or access data without a consistent internet connection. 

• Chromebooks primarily use web-based applications, which can be slower or less feature-rich than traditional software.

2. Reliance on Cloud-Based Applications:

• While the cloud-based approach enhances security and portability, it can limit your ability to use specialized software that isn't available as a web application. 

3. Limited Software Compatibility:

• Chromebooks don't support traditional Windows or macOS software. 
• This means you're limited to the applications available in the Google Play Store and web-based options. 
• If you rely on specific software that isn't available for Chrome OS, you may need to use a traditional laptop. 

4. Hardware Limitations:

• Chromebooks often have less powerful processors and limited RAM compared to traditional laptops.
• This can impact performance, especially when running resource-intensive tasks like video editing or gaming.
• Additionally, storage capacity is typically lower than on traditional laptops. 

5. Focus on Web-Based Tasks:

• Chromebooks excel at web browsing, basic word processing, and cloud-based tasks.
• However, they may not be ideal for tasks that require a more robust operating system and powerful hardware, such as advanced software engineering, graphic design, or complex scientific computations. 

They can work for your simple tasks, but then you are limited to that. With a Windows laptop, you can do those simple tasks and more. 
This is why I suggest that you don't rush in. If you can get someone to speed up your current laptop, you'll have more time to get hands on with a ChromeBook or to have someone source a suitable Windows device upgrade for you.
My issue is only with the misinformation supplied to yourself. In so that you can proceed in making decisions armed with the correct information, rather than sales pitches.

Eyeful

BFBW said:

First of all, I wasn't referring to you in particular when I was referring to the OP being misled. Have you gone through all the posts from everyone in order for you to determine if any misleading advice has been given? If not, then you should not be making definitive statements such as "No one....".

Now, on to your advice...

It's not yet the 14th of October 2025, so running Windows 10 right now on that device is just as safe as anyone else's device. Anyone suggesting otherwise, is misleading.
Secondly, Microsoft will be offering an extra year of updates for Windows 10. So that takes the support period up to the 13th of October 2026.
That means that the device will be 'safe' until then. Nearly eighteen months from now.

You haven't mentioned any of that, so therefore your advice was somewhat lacking, if we are to be honest. That's just standard Vanilla. Same for everyone.


Next, about Windows 11. Most any PC from 2010 onwards can install and run Windows 11 24H2 without issue by removing the check for the 'requirements'. It will be updated as normal until October the 13 2026. If you have any evidence of any machine not receiving updates whilst running Windows 11 24H2, then please publish it here. If you have any evidence of any 'security bug' on any device that isn't on the recommended list, please publish it here.

It seems that people read something and then repeat it parrot fashion, without really understanding it.

So, in conclusion, the OP can continue to run Windows 10 safely until the 14th October 2025 and then can opt for another year of updates until the 13th of October 2026 or they can install and run Windows 11 24H2 until October the 13th 2026, safely.
Bypassing the requirements does not automatically make the device not safe, as the requirements, in general, refer to the use of Windows Hello and BitLocker. Most people don't use those things anyway.


There is yet another option, for more advanced users. That is to 'upgrade' to a version of Windows 10 LTSC. There are two options. The first receives updates until Jan 2027 and the second until Jan 2032.

So people can run Windows 10 safely far beyond the dates you mention.

1. Yes I have gone through all the posts before making that statement.

2. It was clear to me that the OP was no techie.
     I kept the options simple so as not to confuse the OP. 
     From those options, the OP decided a Chromebook would fit the bill.

3. As can be seen the OP is now confused due to some of the posts that followed my first post.

4. To try and remove the confusion for the OP, I will go over the options again.

5. Security updates for windows 10 operating system stops on the 14 October 2025. It will not be safe to use after this date.
Microsoft will sell you an extension to use Windows 10 safely until October 2026.
All this does is delay what option to chose by 18 months. Microsoft is determined to move you on to Window 11.

Microsoft has introduced new computer hardware requirements to run Windows 11. 
To determine if your computer is suitable for Windows 11, you need to run their PC Health Check:
 https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/windows-11?r=1#pchealthcheck

You can of course try to download Windows 11 on to your old computer and see if it will run.
Remember that when Microsoft supply security updates for Windows 11, it will be for computers that meet there suitability requirements.
Do you want to run the risk of security updates to what Microsoft thinks is unsuitable?

6. If you find that your computer does not meet the Microsoft requirement for Windows 11.
(a) Buy a new pc with windows 11 already installed on it.
(b) Buy an iPad or Android tablet.
(c) Install a Linux Mint or Zorin on to your old computer
(d) Buy a Chromebook. If you only have simple needs. 


7. Chromebooks 
(a) Chromebooks run Googles their version of a Linux distro.
Google downloads their Linux distro on to your computer every time you switch on the Chromebook.
A clean install of the operating system, every time you switch on.

Correction:
ChromeOS is installed on the device’s internal storage, and the system boots into this pre-installed OS,
similar to how Windows or macOS boots on their respective devices
Some people, like Google, some do not.


8. Watch YouTube videos about Chromebooks to see if the will suit you. 

Vitor

My advice stands for the OP to purchase a laptop that runs the same OS as the works one that is being returned and has a similar spec. as it was doing everything the OP needs. Clearly the OP has no appetite to try and refurb an old clunker or get to grips with Linux distros and their ofter confusing variety of open source apps.