Question Should I download the last 2 years updates OR fresh install Windows 11 ?

[dan99t]

I have Dell 5820 Workstation with Windows 11, which I bought in October 2022.

I have not used it at all for the last 2 years since I received it, because of tiny fonts issue.

I want to give it another try.

That means I will have to download the last 2 years updates which will take forever.

Should I do that or do a fresh Windows install ?

Dell has not provided a Windows 11 disc or image.

I need your help & expertise as to what is the best solution ?

Thank You.

 

[JohnBonhamsGhost]

you can just leave it updating throughout the day and/or over night.
Windows Update usually doesn't interfere much with my daily tasks or even offline gaming.

but, i wouldn't want an OEM version running on my system(s).
i would always install a fresh, direct from MS, version of the OS on any pre-built OEM system.

because of tiny fonts issue

you should still be able to increase font through Settings > Display to any size you want.

 

[dan99t]

you can just leave it updating throughout the day and/or over night.
Windows Update usually doesn't interfere much with my daily tasks or even offline gaming.

but, i wouldn't want an OEM version running on my system(s).
i would always install a fresh, direct from MS, version of the OS on any pre-built OEM system.

Don't I have to keep rebooting after some updates ?

You are right about OEM but where would I get Fresh Win-11 without buying it from MS ?

 

[ex_bubblehead]

You'll find it right here: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

 

[TeamRed2024]

but, i wouldn't want an OEM version running on my system(s).
i would always install a fresh, direct from MS, version of the OS on any pre-built OEM system.

Why not? Bloatware?

I just got this AW laptop... and was thinking of doing a wipe and fresh install of W11 Pro to remove the bloat.

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

Don't I have to keep rebooting after some updates ?

Windows does that automatically.

 

[dan99t]

You'll find it right here: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

Where will I get the Win-11 key ?
Dell has given me the workstation with Win-11 ( Workstation Version ) already installed.

 

[dan99t]

Windows does that automatically.

So that means I can leave it running all night & it will install all updates automatically ?

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

So that means I can leave it running all night & it will install all updates automatically ?

Put your PC in sleep mode. Windows will then be able to wake up your PC unattended for updates to be processed if there are any. That's how it works on my Dell PC anyway.

 

[Ralston18]

@dan99t

Just remember to backup all important data at least 2 x to locations away from the computer in question.

Verify that that the data is recoverable and readable.

Hopefully all will go well.

However, all sorts of things could happen and an interupted update may leave the system non-functional.

 

[ex_bubblehead]

Where will I get the Win-11 key ?
Dell has given me the workstation with Win-11 ( Workstation Version ) already installed.

The license key is encoded into the BIOS. You don't need to know it.

 

[dan99t]

Just remember to backup all important data at least 2 x to locations away from the computer in question.

Verify that that the data is recoverable and readable.

Hopefully all will go well.

However, all sorts of things could happen and an interupted update may leave the system non-functional.

Great advice. Thank You.

Still the question of Win-11 key remains unanswered

 

[Ralston18]

See Post #4.

Will defer to @ex_bubblehead beyond that.

 

[das_stig]

1. Your electronic key for your version of Windows is in your bios.
2. Ensure you BIOS has TPM2 and secure boot enabled, to avoid any glitches.
3. Installing Windows 11 23H2 is like refreshing the O/S, especially if you're on an old version of W11 but without losing any files/settings or you can let it start from scratch.
4. Install latest patches.
5. Recommend you install Dell Command Update (DCU) as it will automatically download and install any new BIOS and drivers direct from Dell.
6. Install latest 3rd party drivers for example Nvidia/AMD additional GPUs, if DCU doesn't as it will only install drivers for the hardwrae Dell supplied.

 

[dan99t]

Best answer ?
All of them.
Great forum on earth & Great Moderators & Great members.

Many Thanks

 

[JohnBonhamsGhost]

Don't I have to keep rebooting after some updates ?

if you are in the middle of something; you will get a notification that a restart is required when it is necessary.

 

[dan99t]

See Post #4.

Sorry missed it.

 

[dan99t]

1. Your electronic key for your version of Windows is in your bios.
2. Ensure you BIOS has TPM2 and secure boot enabled, to avoid any glitches.
3. Installing Windows 11 23H2 is like refreshing the O/S, especially if you're on an old version of W11 but without losing any files/settings or you can let it start from scratch.
4. Install latest patches.
5. Recommend you install Dell Command Update (DCU) as it will automatically download and install any new BIOS and drivers direct from Dell.
6. Install latest 3rd party drivers for example Nvidia/AMD additional GPUs, if DCU doesn't as it will only install drivers for the hardwrae Dell supplied.

Always learn a lot from members like you.
Thank You.

 

[JayBuild00]

I fresh installed Windows 11 23H2 and windows update will not work. Can't run ANY setup or installer for any app or software. Problems started with 22H2 and would not update to 23H2, I bought new Windows software, replaced ram, replaced motherboard, replaced SSD, replaced GPU. Running Asus ROG maximus her z790, 2TB WD nvme ssd, asus rtx 4090 tuf, 1000 watt psu, 128g ram, replaced i9 13900k with i9 14900k. EVERYTHING brand new and getting same BSOD errors in Windows. BSOD errors on clean install while installing! Windows update cannot update, ran troubleshooter, found problems it says it fixed but didn;t. Ran sfc/scannow. Found and fixed problems but they persist. I updated mob bios to latest version. No OC, running super cool all around. 1st rig was less than 1 year old. Replaced all the parts and it's worse! Should I even bother trying to build another? I'm in about $8k at this point. At my wits end. Don't know what more I can do. Tried EVER fix I can find. NONE of them did squat.

 

[USAFRet]

I fresh installed Windows 11 23H2 and windows update will not work. Can't run ANY setup or installer for any app or software. Problems started with 22H2 and would not update to 23H2, I bought new Windows software, replaced ram, replaced motherboard, replaced SSD, replaced GPU. Running Asus ROG maximus her z790, 2TB WD nvme ssd, asus rtx 4090 tuf, 1000 watt psu, 128g ram, replaced i9 13900k with i9 14900k. EVERYTHING brand new and getting same BSOD errors in Windows. BSOD errors on clean install while installing! Windows update cannot update, ran troubleshooter, found problems it says it fixed but didn;t. Ran sfc/scannow. Found and fixed problems but they persist. I updated mob bios to latest version. No OC, running super cool all around. 1st rig was less than 1 year old. Replaced all the parts and it's worse! Should I even bother trying to build another? I'm in about $8k at this point. At my wits end. Don't know what more I can do. Tried EVER fix I can find. NONE of them did squat.

Please create a NEW thread for your particular situation.
You'll get MUCH better replies, probably even an actual solution.