I finally upgraded my main PC from Win 7 to Win 10 (Aug, 2025). Yeah, you read it right.

[GenXguy]

No I can't. My pc lacks something and IIRC it requires going into the registry and I wouldn't attempt doing that!

It's just changing settings. Check out I Bought a Refurbished Win 11 Computer

 

[Ian S]

In my first week with a new Windows 11 system. THere is a learning curve. I got my older printers working; but I can't get my Phot editing software (PS Elements 2020) installed. Paid for these programs but I previously installed on two computers. Looking for a work around or a decent editing program that's easy to use. PS was a bit over-kill for my purposes. My old-time favorite is MS Digital Image 2006 Suite. Any suggestions? My new computer has no disc drive.

Take a look at Corel Paintshop Pro available through ashampoo software. Right now it's $30 but you can often get it for less than that. Lots of other software too. Some of the titles they offer are by subscription but most are available for one time purchase.

 

[AudiDudi]

I'm going to Linux when web sites give up on any browser running on Windows 7. Right now, everything seems to work with Firefox ESR, although some of them saber rattle about it.

Schwab stopped working with Win7 at least a year ago.

 

[youbet]

Given the concern with transferring files, I'm going to guess you do not have a file back up plan in place? I would worry far more about the hard drive crapping out on said 15+ year old computer, thus losing all the docs and pics and stuff forever, than the difficulty of slugging through the transition to a new computer.

Thanks fognostic! I'm Googling your suggestions for further info and trying to get up to speed asap.

 

[fognostic]

Need to see if I can use my Logitech cordless keyboard mouse and touchpad.

Manjaro linux handles my cordless keyboard and mouse fine - even through a KVM switch. I suspect you'll be just fine on whatever linux distro you are using.

I didn’t think programs designed for Windows worked on Linux. So none of Adobe’s Creative Suite works, no PS Elements, no Acrobat Pro, etc. I have hundreds of programs designed to run on Windows. It’s stupid to think most would want to switch in this situation.

Those exact programs? Probably not. But there are linux equivalents.

If you don't get along with computers too well, want to stick with what is familiar and don't mind Microsoft tracking every keystroke, sound and image gathered from your computer to figure out who will pay them the most for guessing the next advertisement you "want" to see most, Windows 11 is a rational way to go to stay current. But if you're looking for alternatives and a bit of adventure learning new things, linux is a real option.

The GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) is rather powerful for photo editing and free on linux (free on Windows too for that matter). That covers Adobe Photoshop. Inkscape (also free on linux) covers Adboe Illustrator...etc.

There are plenty of free linux pdf options for viewing, commenting on, OCR'ing and printing to pdf; however, I admit I have not found an equivalent FOSS linux solution for Adobe Pro's pdf editing capabilities. Okular at least handles filling out pdf forms and saving and/or printing them with it's typewriter tool though, which is all I've needed. There are non-free linux Adobe Pro alternatives, but I've not missed Adobe Pro enough to buy one.

I've found LibreOffice (also available free on linux and Windows) to be a fine replacement for MS Office Excel, Word and Powerpoint. Firefox handles web access and e-mail interface just fine on linux - including doing my taxes on-line. I'm no longer a web mail luddite, but when I still was, an embarassingly short time ago, Thunderbird on linux did what I needed Outlook to do.

Gramps - free on linux - is a good genealogy option. MERO is nice for ballistics if shooting is your thing. Audacity is nice for sound editing and processing. Linux is not without options.

Waze on Android auto has replaced my Garmin nuvii, so I no longer miss that or Garmin Express on Windows. I hear the pain with Apple maps though if you're on an iphone. My children aren't ones to admit Android is better than iOS, but they will grudgingly allow that navigation with their iphones could be better.

The free GCC compiler collection on linux is simply amazing. I still shake my head when I think about how many years of license fees were / still are paid to Intel for their ifort compiler, when gnu's fortran compiler is right up there with it. Whoops - just dated myself as an old FORTRAN coder. Same with SASS licenses purchased year after year when R can be had on linux for free. But enough of that - we're done with work here.

 

[MC Rider]

Need to see if I can use my Logitech cordless keyboard mouse and touchpad.

Manjaro linux handles my cordless keyboard and mouse fine - even through a KVM switch. I suspect you'll be just fine on whatever linux distro you are using.

@fognostic Advice was right on, Thank You! Linux Mint 22.1. I plugged in the 2 usb transmitters to the back of the computer, and it mostly worked right off the bat. For some reason the mouse movement was glitchy and irregular, and the keyboard keys for sound volume did not work, nor did the sound. Touchpad was fine. Moved 1 transmitter to a front usb port and problem gone. Works great less wires.

 

[robnplunder]

I just checked all my PCs (including one laptop) for the Windows 11 upgrade test. None of them passed. Their CPUs are not "good" enough. One even failed the TPM test. I feel like I am dated. It may be a time to convert one of the systems to a Linux one in case a powerful Windows 10 virus simultaneously corrupts all my systems. Oh, wait. I still have one Windows 7 system (only used to watch Netflix on a dumb TV).

 

[Al18]

Fognostic,
You have some really bizarre ideas on how Microsoft is collecting your personal information, while your logged onto a banking website. This is breaking the law and they would be immediately investigated and punished.

Android is a joke compared to iOS, and there’s no thorough vetting of apps as there is on the Apple Store.

 

[MC Rider]

I just checked all my PCs (including one laptop) for the Windows 11 upgrade test. None of them passed. Their CPUs are not "good" enough. One even failed the TPM test. I feel like I am dated. It may be a time to convert one of the systems to a Linux one in case a powerful Windows 10 virus simultaneously corrupts all my systems. Oh, wait. I still have one Windows 7 system (only used to watch Netflix on a dumb TV).

Convert 1 PC and see how it goes. I am increasingly happy with dumping Win10 and it has not even been a week yet. Easy process.

linuxmint.com

 

[timbervest]

I finally replaced my Windows 7 machine with a Windows 10 one -- it got to the point where Chome and Edge werent updating so certain sites werent working, my virus software stopped updating , and things were just shutting down. The big lift was DW still likes to use the Outlook 2010 local client email and I had to jerryrig a few things to get it to work. I will eventually migrate her to Outlook 365 but at least we are out of the dark ages.

 

[AudiDudi]

I finally replaced my Windows 7 machine with a Windows 10 one -- it got to the point where Chome and Edge werent updating so certain sites werent working, my virus software stopped updating , and things were just shutting down. The big lift was DW still likes to use the Outlook 2010 local client email and I had to jerryrig a few things to get it to work. I will eventually migrate her to Outlook 365 but at least we are out of the dark ages.

I still have a Win7 laptop (circa 2007). It came with Vista Nice 17 inch screen that weighs about 10lbs. Upgraded it to Win7 - not able to go to Win10. Using it as a Quicken 2016 backup. Won't log in to Schwab.I haul it back and forth when we transition from MT to AZ - just in case

 

[statsman]

Fognostic,
You have some really bizarre ideas on how Microsoft is collecting your personal information, while your logged onto a banking website. This is breaking the law and they would be immediately investigated and punished.

I have to agree with this. That said, there are some tracking settings in Windows 11 that I understand can be turned off, unless you really don't care what Microsoft sees.

Tracking for activity, ads, and data collection through Edge (a good reason for a 3rd party browser) can all be disabled in Windows 11.

And for the really concerned, use a VPN. I never understood the need for the extra recurring cost of a VPN in the past, but I am starting to question it.

 

[fognostic]

If you don't get along with computers too well, want to stick with what is familiar and don't mind Microsoft tracking every keystroke, sound and image gathered from your computer to figure out who will pay them the most for guessing the next advertisement you "want" to see most, Windows 11 is a rational way to go to stay current.

Fognostic,
You have some really bizarre ideas on how Microsoft is collecting your personal information

I freely admit to some stylistic poetic license here - yeah, I exxagerated a bit. But I personally like that I don't have to opt-out of so much on my linux desktop. I also enjoy fewer (none) pop-ups and "Breaking News!" distractions with linux. If Windows isn't a problem for you, by all means continue to enjoy it...

How Windows 11 scrapes your data before you’re even connected to the internet

7 ways Windows 11 collects your data – and how to opt out

How to Stop Microsoft from Spying on You

Windows 11 and the Silent Spyware Threat You Didn’t Know About

Here's a really bizarre idea from the last link: "Windows updates can reset your privacy settings without clearly telling you. After each update, it’s a good idea to revisit the privacy section and review the changes. Revisit all options, including ad tracking, location, app access, and diagnostic data sharing. Updates might turn some features back on, so it’s important to disable them again manually."

 

[gauss]

I still have a Win7 laptop (circa 2007). It came with Vista Nice 17 inch screen that weighs about 10lbs. Upgraded it to Win7 - not able to go to Win10. Using it as a Quicken 2016 backup. Won't log in to Schwab.I haul it back and forth when we transition from MT to AZ - just in case

Have you tried the Superium browser yet? It runs on Windows platforms back to XP.
It has currently supported releases. It works on most of the financial sites that I have tried it on. It is based on chromium so it is similar to the Chrome browser.

You can download 32-bit and 64-bit windows executables near the bottom of this page:

GitHub - win32ss/supermium: Chromium fork for Windows XP/2003 and up

Chromium fork for Windows XP/2003 and up. Contribute to win32ss/supermium development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

I was very pleased when I found this.

-gauss

 

[ejman]

How many programs designed for Windows run under Linux Mint?

Actually quite a few Windows programs can run under Linux utilizing the WINE compatibility app. For example I run Quicken 2010 in both of my Linux machines which were originally Windows 10 (Dell and HP). My son ran a variety of Windows games using Steam on Linux. Unfortunately as far as I know neither Turbotax or H&R Block will run under WINE that's the only reason I got a cheap mini WIN 11 box that my wife uses which I will borrow for a few sessions come tax season.

 

[AudiDudi]

Have you tried the Superium browser yet? It runs on Windows platforms back to XP.
It has currently supported releases. It works on most of the financial sites that I have tried it on. It is based on chromium so it is similar to the Chrome browser.

You can download 32-bit and 64-bit windows executables near the bottom of this page:

GitHub - win32ss/supermium: Chromium fork for Windows XP/2003 and up

Chromium fork for Windows XP/2003 and up. Contribute to win32ss/supermium development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

I was very pleased when I found this.

-gauss

It wasn't a browser issue - Schwab no longer allows logins from Windows 7. I suppose I could modify the registry to "fool it", but it's not a big deal. Thanks for the tip on Supermium - I'll check it out.

 

[frank05]

According to TurboTax, you can use TurboTax Online if you don't want to update to Windows 11 How does the end of support for Windows 10 affect my TurboTax Desktop experience?

TurboTax Online is still supporting Windows 8.1!

On my Mac, I also resisted upgrading because I didn’t want to lose the ability to run 32 bit programs. I installed supported versions of MacOS in a virtual machine just to run TurboTax.

 

[Palmtree]

My home office PC is running Win 10 but I'm still rocking XP on a separate PC that is dedicated to run the last versions of Photoshop and lightroom that do not require a annual subscription.

 

[stepford]

My home office PC is running Win 10 but I'm still rocking XP on a separate PC that is dedicated to run the last versions of Photoshop and lightroom that do not require a annual subscription.

I still have a Windows 7 partition that runs my old copy of Photoshop CS5 just fine.

 

[robnplunder]

I just checked all my PCs (including one laptop) for the Windows 11 upgrade test. None of them passed. Their CPUs are not "good" enough. One even failed the TPM test. I feel like I am dated. It may be a time to convert one of the systems to a Linux one in case a powerful Windows 10 virus simultaneously corrupts all my systems. Oh, wait. I still have one Windows 7 system (only used to watch Netflix on a dumb TV).

I was able to update my laptop to Windows 11, bypassing the HW requirement check. I will (try to) upgrade my main PC, the one I've just upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows 7. The other two PCs are not worth upgrading to Windows 11 since I hardly use them.

 

[JoeWras]

From Intuit today:

Hi there,

We’re reaching out to provide an update on TurboTax Desktop software for tax year 2025. After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10 operating system. Because security is a top priority for us, TurboTax Desktop software for tax year 2025 onwards will not be compatible with Windows 10 operating system.

To use TurboTax Desktop software for tax year 2025, your computer will need to run on Microsoft Windows 11 operating system. You can also consider switching to TurboTax Online, which will work on any supported browser (available December 2025).

For more resources and additional information about this change, go to this help article: How does the end of support for Windows 10 affect my TurboTax Desktop experience?

 

[statsman]

I saw the same email show up in my Inbox this morning.

The strange part is the date on the email is from two days ago (August 20, 2025).

 

[brett]

I was able to update my laptop to Windows 11, bypassing the HW requirement check. I will (try to) upgrade my main PC, the one I've just upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows 7. The other two PCs are not worth upgrading to Windows 11 since I hardly use them.

Please report back if you do upgrade to 11. I am in the same boat. I am in no rush to upgrade unless forced. My desktop might well work. Do not care if the notebook blows up.

 

[frank05]

I'm hoping that is the case. Most of what I use on Windows 10 can be replaced on Linux. With the little "hardware" scare on my Windows 10 Pro PC that I posted about a couple of weeks ago, I have backed up everything I don't want to lose. On a minimum of three drives. In some cases, up to six drives. Yeah, I'm that paranoid. I grew up in an age when disk drives failed and sometimes so did the tape backups.

I will keep the Windows 10 PC offline to run software I haven't found a replacement for (yet). I am making a list of every application and tool I use on Windows 10 to find a suitable replacement for Linux. I have a lot of Windows batch files, so I will need to re-learn on how to write shells for Linux (I used Unix a lot in my career, mainly under Sun Solaris). I also use MAWK on Windows 10 in conjunction with some batch files, so that will be an easy replacement in Linux.

If you have a scanner make sure you can access it from Linux.

 

[stepford]

I was able to update my laptop to Windows 11, bypassing the HW requirement check. I will (try to) upgrade my main PC, the one I've just upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows 7. The other two PCs are not worth upgrading to Windows 11 since I hardly use them.

Did you bypass the HW check using Regedit or did you have some simpler trick?