The $2500.00 (MSRP) Kick Ass PC I had built by HP 4-1/2 years ago exceeds all of Microsoft’s performance requirements for Windows 11. However, because the 3.4GHz, quad core, 8 processor, CPU that I can never load more than 50% with intense CAD and multimedia work, is not a new enough Intel i7, I won’t be able to run Windows 11. 😦
I’ll probably migrate to a Linux Distro in 2024 especially since most of what I run can already run in *nix and I already use VM’s to run older Win32 CAD packages.
Unfortunately for the majority of people on the planet this won’t work for them. Instead many will trash the old systems leading to this potential outcome:
A NEW OS SHOULDN’T CAUSE AN E-WASTE CRISIS
Source: The Great Windows 11 Computer Extinction Experiment | Hackaday
I understand that Microsoft and it’s PC manufacturing partners need to sell new hardware. However they really should think more carefully what they are doing to the planet with this rather arbitrary forced obsolescence based on processor age, not performance. (My i7-6700 3.4GHz is way more powerful than many of the supported CPU’s)
Of course given the longer term industry trends this may backfire and force many more Windows users to switch to Chrome books and boxes, which frankly are a better choice for ordinary users. It seems really weird that Microsoft doesn’t seem to recognize that their migration of everything to the cloud has removed the need for a Windows PC for the vast majority of people on the planet.
Paul Hutchinson's Blog 