Two questions for the computer guys. Got it done.

[Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770]

What I'm looking for: Since we always use TurboTax for our taxes, and they've advanced to windows 11, I'd like to see if I can update one of my confusers to run Windows 11.

Question 1: My wife and daughter have matching HP All-in-One confusers. These things are several years old, and get almost no use. The one my daughter is so slooooow to run anything, that she quit using it. I tried defragging, cleaning the disk, and a couple other things to no avail. BUT, I was able to get it to accept Windows 11, though as slow as it runs it would take a weekend to do our taxes instead of an hour. So the obvious solution would be to install Windows 11 on the other one. However, THAT one, while Windows says it's compatible, won't install 11 because it doesn't have the latest version of 10 installed. I've been trying to get that done for a week. It seems to take nearly a full day to update and download 10, but it simply will not install it.

I get all the way to "Restart your machine to complete the install", restart it, and it won't do it. All I get is "Windows 10 failed to install on your machine", or something like that. I've gotten that about three times now.  

Any suggestions? Speak simply, I really don't know them that well.

Question 2: I keep seeing videos on Youtube saying "Install Windows 11 even though Microsoft says your computer isn't compatible". Are any of these legitimate? If I can get Windows 11 on my computer that would be fine, but Microsoft says no. Can it be done?

Edited November 28, 2025 by Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770

[Stump Water]

I know this isn't what you want to hear, but given that the machines you have are several years old and the trouble that you've had so far, my recommendation is to go ahead and bite the bullet.  Or, to put it another way... the path of least resistance.

 

https://www.amazon.com/STGSivir-Desktop-Quad-Core-Bluetooth-Keyboard/dp/B0CNH8DV7X/?th=1

 

Question 2: I've heard it can be done (using that "Rufus" hack) but, that's it - I've just heard about it.  I don't know anyone that has actually done it.  

 

 

[Texas Joker]

I have used this company before for enterprise level applications and for personal use.

 

They buy computers off companies in pallet lots when they upgrade, erase, and reinstall windows. They are a windows authorized reseller.

 

I am not affiliated other than a satisfied customer. 

 

https://epcglobal.shop/collections/laptops/?sort_by=price-ascending

 

 

Edited November 25, 2025 by Texas Joker

[Chantry]

Replace them, either just one or two if needed.  If they are already slow, than Windows 11 will make them even slower.

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

You have a good friend with an up to date computer?

[El Sobrante Kid]

Have you looked into upgrading the hard disk to an SSD, and maxing out the memory on the computer(s)? Depending on how old the computers are this could be an inexpensive way to go. Your best solution though (right now) is to find a fairly fast new computer during a Black Friday or Ciber Monday sale.

[John Kloehr]

Since you really don't know them (computers) that well, figuring out if more disk or memory will make them faster is probably not practical. Also getting through an update can be a challenge for someone without experience.

 

This Dell laptop is a Black Friday special at $650. It might have twice the RAM you need, but looks like a solid deal.

 

https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/dell-16-plus-laptop/spd/dell-db16250-laptop/usedb16250hbtshvjj?_gl=1*wuxokb*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIx73UzfeNkQMV2xFECB2hmywYEAAYASAAEgJSc_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&gbraid=0AAAAADllXQdQkoYlFaTVJ5OWpO0RfFSEp

 

This looks like a nice desktop (the computer is the monitor) for about the same price and features:

 

https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/desktop-computers/dell-24-all-in-one-desktop/spd/dell-ec24250-aio/useec24250hbtshkxb?_gl=1*gqldxs*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIx73UzfeNkQMV2xFECB2hmywYEAAYASAAEgJSc_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&gbraid=0AAAAADllXQdQkoYlFaTVJ5OWpO0RfFSEp

Edited November 25, 2025 by John Kloehr
Otto

[WD Farren]

Store bought machines come with the endless bloat and junk from Microsoft, and often the vendor as well.

The beauty of store-bought:  it works right out of the box.

 

Those with the skills to roll their own, can take advantage of the Win10, Win11 unattended install XML configurations.
These allow you to bypass TPM which MS claims is "mandatory" to install.  It is not.
The bypass came from the MS development team, and is a single registry entry.

 

Buckshot Bear claims millions of people are installing Win11 on non-UEFI hardware.
I have not had any concrete proof (read:  hands-on) to know if this is valid or not.
So no opinion.

 

If you are willing to roll your own on top quality mainstream system boards, power, RAM, disks, etc, you can build a top notch system without the bloat.

For most users, buy a reputable brand, take it home and get busy.
You will need Win11 for Turbo Tax / Lacerte this year.. and probably Quickbooks as well.
Intuit is very much on board with forcing use of the latest and greatest software.

 

Edited November 27, 2025 by WD Farren
Otto

[John Kloehr]

 

Back in the day, I would buy a good Dell and a copy of commercial Windows at the current version, then wipe and repave. Mainly to get rid of McAfee but anything which might have come with it.

 

Back then, a PC was good for two years, maybe three. Then I switched to Apple. Twice the cost, but good for four to six years. It really comes out the same cost per year. The Apple advantage is not having to deal with the consumer add-ons or having to add a good anti-virus.

 

Today, the issue is AI. I don't want it. Don't really mind it in search results even though I have seen very wrong results, do not want it on my desktop or in my word processor or eMail. Supposedly easy to turn off in Windows (Copilot), but need to take some hours to look at it on Apple. Currently running Sonoma (non-AI), did not upgrade twice now so Tahoe is the current OS. At some point, I will need to look at this. my laptop is still fine but at some point the software will need update.

[WD Farren]

MS just released a major bug fix update to Win11 and the media creation tool.

 

I have two client machines on the bench for Win11 rebuilds.  Both are TurboTax users.

 

If you do the unattended install process to bypass TPM and all the bloatware, understand you cannot do an In Place upgrade.  It is a fresh new build and wipes the machine and data in the process.

[Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770]

Okay guy, I managed to get it done. Thanks for all the advice. 

[El Sobrante Kid]

1 hour ago, Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 said:

Okay guy, I managed to get it done. Thanks for all the advice. 

 

What did you end up doing???

[Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770]

1 hour ago, El Sobrante Kid said:

What did you end up doing???

I was afraid somebody would ask. But here goes. I spent a lot of time Googling the thing. First I tried using windows 11 update assistant. That would go to "Check for updates" and when updates were checked, it did nothing. 

Next I asked Google why it didn't work. I got a number of answers and "Try this", and THEY didn't work.  

So then I asked " windows 11 updater assistant will not download windows 11". I got another list of things to try. No joy. 

Eventually I found an series of answers on Microsoft Learn that told me how to download windows 11 , and after several tries got it to where IT was looking for updates, and got stuck at 46%. I reran that several times, restarting between attempts, and finally asked about THAT. Turns out that THAT is so common that it has it's own page(s) of answers. I wound up in the innards of the confuser, looking in file I hadn't known existed, Following different suggestions starting and restarting operations, shutting off the WiFi, turning the WiFi BACK on, and SOMEHOW the darn thing loaded and ran. It was then a matter of letting the confuser do it's thing, Restarting it a couple times, waiting to see what it would do between that, until it seemed to decide that it was done. The display looks different, it seems do act a little different, so I guess I got it right. I won't know for sure until we go to do our Taxes with Turbotax, but I'm hopeful.  

[WD Farren]

Your experience is why I don’t do my own gunsmithing.

[Buckshot Bear]

On 11/27/2025 at 11:08 AM, WD Farren said:

Store bought machines come with the endless bloat and junk from Microsoft, and often the vendor as well.

The beauty of store-bought:  it works right out of the box.

 

Those with the skills to roll their own, can take advantage of the Win10, Win11 unattended install XML configurations.
These allow you to bypass TPM which MS claims is "mandatory" to install.  It is not.
The bypass came from the MS development team, and is a single registry entry.

 

Buckshot Bear claims millions of people are installing Win11 on non-UEFI hardware.
I have not had any concrete proof (read:  hands-on) to know if this is valid or not.
So no opinion.

 

If you are willing to roll your own on top quality mainstream system boards, power, RAM, disks, etc, you can build a top notch system without the bloat.

For most users, buy a reputable brand, take it home and get busy.
You will need Win11 for Turbo Tax / Lacerte this year.. and probably Quickbooks as well.
Intuit is very much on board with forcing use of the latest and greatest software.

 

 

https://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&client=tablet-android-samsung-rvo1&source=android-browser&q=installing+Win11+on+non-UEFI+hardware.

[WD Farren]

Great.

Another "I saw it on the internet so it must be true."

It can probably be done, but with consequences.

 

I assume you are not in the computer business.
Those of us who have been for the last 50 years understand there are risks involved with installing unsanctioned configurations.

Lots of folks who smoke never get cancer.
Even more who smoke, do get cancer.

I have zero desire to play Russian Roulette with a client's computer.
In the end, these failures come back on me, and I lose my ass with that client.

No thanks.
YMMV.

[Stump Water]

12 hours ago, Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 said:

I won't know for sure until we go to do our Taxes with Turbotax, but I'm hopeful.  

 

Go ahead and download TT 2025.

 

Of course it'll update every time you launch it, but that's nothing new.

[El Sobrante Kid]

13 hours ago, Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 said:

I was afraid somebody would ask. ... It was then a matter of letting the confuser do it's thing, Restarting it a couple times, waiting to see what it would do between that, until it seemed to decide that it was done. The display looks different, it seems do act a little different, so I guess I got it right. I won't know for sure until we go to do our Taxes with Turbotax, but I'm hopeful.  

 

Congrats on your success and sticking with it until you found the answer. Hopefully the old computer and new OS will be fast enough to run your taxes. GL!

[Colorado Coffinmaker]

 

APPLE is having a GREAT Black Friday Sale.

 

Just think.  You could'v had a V8!!

[Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770]

2 hours ago, El Sobrante Kid said:

 

Congrats on your success and sticking with it until you found the answer. Hopefully the old computer and new OS will be fast enough to run your taxes. GL!

It should be. It doesn't get used at all anyway. I don't know exactly when or why she got the things. She got them back when I was still working, her and our daughter brought them home and set hers up all while I was at work. 

It sits back in her "office" that mostly houses stuff we find at yard sales. She normally uses either the desktop I'm on now, which sits just off the kitchen, or my laptop which sits on the kitchen table. It's being on this week while I did what I did is the most it's been powered up for years. And I don't see any reason to do so again until tax time.

1 hour ago, Colorado Coffinmaker said:

APPLE is having a GREAT Black Friday Sale.

Just think.  You could'v had a V8!!

While a new confuser would be nice, this only cost me time and brain cells.

[DeaconKC]

Thinking about digging out my just replaced laptop and installing Linux on it to see if I like it.