Something only WIndows can do ! ( possibly!!!!)

[#1]

Excuse my ignorance of not reading this thread from the beginning but this last page caught my eye. I`ve just been prompted by Microsoft to do a Windows "Back Up" of Desktop, Documents, photos, folders etc....to OneDrive. Now I do have a MS Account so have been a bit slack using OneDrive and just used my 64GB USB Flash Drive to save to maybe once a month or when prompted to. 

This one seemed different in that, it asked me to Verify my identity by using my secondary email address so I could be sent a code. Which I then had to retrieve and put into the flashing cursor box awaiting my code. Once done, I saw the message "Congratulations - Files, in your Desktop, Documents, and Picture folders are now backed up and protected by OneDrive". You can access them anytime from ANY device. 

Like Mr_Paul, I`m `Old School` and only do these things because I feel it`s necessary to prevent pitfalls further down the line. My laptop runs Windows 10 Home (Free upgrade from Windows 7 Home which was originally pre-installed) and I know MS will be pulling security updates etc....after October 2025, so the method in the madness is to allow One Drive to Save what`s on this laptop for a somewhat smoother transition to a new Windows 11 laptop. 🤔

I only use my MS email account for a few friends to communicate with and the EDGE browser and my Gmail account for my everyday email use. So Android on my laptop and phone mostly but rely on MS for the software on the PC itself.

Maybe Microsoft somehow know how many older PC`s are out there waiting to bite the dust so they are alerting users to BACK UP NOW! So I did.....But at the same time, I`m livid about having to retire my laptop to it`s demise when it`s working so well even though I purchased it back in 2011! I`m sure I speak for the masses when I say that. 

[#2]

@plusmouse 

"transition to a new Windows 11 laptop"

Do you actually want / need a new laptop?

You could try booting your existing laptop from a USB stick with a Linux distro on it. You would be able to get a feel for if Linux is suited for you. and provided that you don't click on "Install", none of the files on your laptop will be touched. So if you don't like it, switch off, remove the USB stick and boot up again back in to Windows.

An 8GB USB flash drive, preferably USB3 if your laptop has USB3 ports, will be fine for this testing.

Of course, if you are taking the opportunity for an excuse to treat yourself, then don't let me stop you!  😉

"So Android on my laptop and phone mostly"

Android on your laptop, are you sure?

I know that it is theory possible to install Chrome OS on a PC / laptop, but I tried to do it a few years ago to try it out and was unable to get it to work.

Or, is it a Chromebook that you have?

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[#3]

@Mr_Paul : Sorry for the confusion! When I said - "So Android on my laptop and phone mostly", I should have said my Phone is Android but my Laptop is run by Windows 10 Home version and that I use Gmail as my main email client! The rest is Windows using the EDGE browser.

My Laptop is an Advent Roma 2001, bought refurbished from Curry`s all those years ago for £299 delivered. Has worked great from day one. But alas, Microsoft has decided it`s not compatible with Windows 11 so rather than try to learn something new, I figured I should stick to what I know because (a) it`s what I`m used to using and (b) I`ve no idea how long this laptop will continue to be trustworthy so going for a new laptop seems to be the best bet in the longer term. 

I just need a machine that has Windows 11 pre-installed already and has at least a 15/16" screen that will hopefully last as long as this one has! Without costing the earth. I`m a basic user so don`t need an all singing/dancing laptop. I also don`t have many shops I can visit even though Curry`s would be one option again. Buying online from a branded website appeals too but not Amazon as I don`t have an account with them. 

I know there are other software options I could go with but they still seem a little daunting to me having been a Windows user since day one and not being as tech savvy as most on here! I fear hitting the buffers and getting frustrated if something went wrong. Knowing me, it would. 🙄

[#4]

@plusmouse

Fair enough.

Are you intending to buy a brand new computer?

Have you considered a refurbished one from a reputable dealer?

I have bought a number of PCs and laptops over the past few years from Morgan Computers. They do sell a few that come with Windows 11, and whilst a few others cannot be upgraded, many of their computers are compatible with Windows 11. Their website tells you if it is upgradeable.

Upgrading a computer from Windows 10 to Win 11 is no more complicated than installing any other Windows updates - it just takes longer!

You can save a lot of money, or get a higher spec machine for your money by buying refurbished, and I have been very happy over the years with both the service a quality of products that I have bought from Morgan.

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[#5]

@Mr_Paul - Am I intending to buy a new Laptop? Yes and no! No because the one I`m using is still doing what it should and Yes because I know this one won`t support Windows 11.

I`m all for looking at refurbished machines though as this one was refurbished and I didn`t really think twice about that back when I purchased it. I suppose I just put my trust in that it had been checked properly and reduced in price to re-sell on by Curry`s. I can`t complain. But maybe I just got lucky...

Spec-wise, that`s where I would need to compare this one with a newer one to be sure it was an upgrade in terms of being slightly better than this one. I wouldn`t know where to start which is why I will possibly need to do some research and find a few I could consider. It`s a minefield! I`ll google Morgan Computers and see what they have but I`ve time on my hands until into next year so gives me time to compare.