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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Hi colleagues. Maybe this item is discussed already here, but I coundn't find:
Microsoft is annoucing to end the supporting of Windows 10, so one should update to Windows 11.
I tested with the tool of Microsoft, that my PC for music production is not suitable for Windows 11, because of too old processors. There's memory enough, but updating processors is unpractical.
Have you solutions for this?
Should I stick with Windows 10 and work off-line as much as possible?
Should I move to Linux operating system?
Thank you in advance for your ideas.

Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Windows 10 will not stop just because MS end support, so working mostly offline would be fine.

I use Linux for most things that I do. IMHO it's a faster, better behaved, more stable OS than Windows, with far fewer irriutations, but there are gaps in what one can do.

I've run BIAB in Wine on AVLinux, with a few quirks, but every BIAB upgrade risks having to find the new breakages and fix them. I don't have the patience sometimes just for the BIAB quirks, never mind also the BIAB-on-Linux quirks.

Most of the VSTs I have will or have previously run just fine with wine-staging, but some of the recent product and licence managers have been very tempremental. Maybe if I installed the latest AVLinux, that would resolve, but so far I haven't tried. I would say 2/3 of my VSTs are OK.

My desktop PC dual-boots Linux or Win11 and I use the latter for my CAD and for BIAB and the VSTs; booting to Win is a bit of a nuisance, but tolerable, though the Windows endless reboots for updates are a real PITA.

For music work on Linux I use AVLinux, which still seems to me the best AV-oriented distribution. Reaper, Mixbus, Ardour, BitWig are all available native on Linux and there are lots of VSTs, many not available of Windows. OBS and various video editors are also available.

For a normal everyday PC I usually use the LTS version of Kubuntu, which is a more lightweight and more traditional desktop version of Ubuntu. Ubuntu is a pretty minimal challenges distribution and they offer support if you want it. Linux Mint is popular for ease of use.


Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Its easy enough to go to windows update and enrol for another year of free support, either with windows backup on, or redeem 1000 points.


Musiclover

My music https://www.youtube.com/user/donegalprideofall

Windows 10 (64bit) M-Audio Fast Track Pro, Band in a Box 2025, Cubase 14, Cakewalk and far too many VST plugins that I probably don't need or will ever use smile
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I got the additional year without having to do the backup thing, FWIW.
Or points


I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Originally Posted by rharv
I got the additional year without having to do the backup thing, FWIW.
Or points

Same here


I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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My studio desktop, from about 8 years ago, uses an Intel Kaby Lake i7-7700 processor. I have 32 Gb of RAM and use 1 SSD and have 3 mechanical hard drives. Like many of you, the MS analyzer said I couldn't update to Win 11, even though I had the required TPM 2.0. It appears that my processor wasn't on the list of supported processors. I really hated to give up on this machine that I use for music and being somewhat of a geek I was determined to find one way or another of updating it to WIN 11.

Long story short and after many tricks, hacks and endless reverts back from a failed WIN11 install back to WIN 10, there is a way to do this. It involves a bit of registry hacks and seemingly may have to be done a few times to get it to work, but it can be done! Here is the procedure I followed: https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-upgrade-your-incompatible-windows-10-pc-to-windows-11-for-free/

I did this upgrade about two months ago and have been using this desktop for about 4-5 hours a day with no glitches and no problems. All installed programs have been confirmed to work fine, all upgrades to WIN 11 from MS are installing correctly, have been confirmed and are working fine. Bottom line...no issues that I can find.

One chink in the armor that I wasn't able to get around was MS Office Professional. I was using Office 2016 Professional which is approaching end of life in a month or so. Seems MS is moving to the subscription based Office 365. I'm not a subscription type of guy! There is a way around this too. Using what's called an LTSC license. This is a one time license that's available with an MS authorization code. These licenses are available on-line from many sellers and run about 20-25 dollars. You buy one of these licenses, download the software directly from MS and then enter in the software authorization code. The only downside to this approach is that you get the full authorized MS Office Professional suite with security updates for 5 years, but you don't get any new features that they may offer during those 5 years...and I don't need them. I have now done this approach on 4 different machines. No problems, all programs run correctly. All previous spreadsheets, Outlook emails, PowerPoint presentations, Access databases all work correctly. MS security updates are all downloading and are installing correctly.

Just thought I would pass alone these tips. Not saying this is the best approach to renew your older machines but it is a way that might work for you. Be careful and follow all instructions for which ever way you go very carefully.

Jeff


Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2025, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Originally Posted by MountainSide
Long story short and after many tricks, hacks and endless reverts back from a failed WIN11 install back to WIN 10, there is a way to do this. It involves a bit of registry hacks and seemingly may have to be done a few times to get it to work, but it can be done! Here is the procedure I followed: https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-upgrade-your-incompatible-windows-10-pc-to-windows-11-for-free/
I can't say whether or not that's a good idea, only reiterate my (slightly different) caveat from some time ago:
Originally Posted by Gordon Scott
... and another caution ...
Originally Posted by Gordon Scott
My old Win7 was installing updates OK for a long time, then suddenly stopped on a major update at 95% installing and rolling back every few days, with just an obscure error number that barely helped. Eventually, after 18 months, I heard that it was related to that message (possibly paraphrased) "This CPU was designed for a older version of Windows". The whole business was a real PITA.
BTW, the reason I had that situation was because I'd done that old trick of moving (a clone of) the hard drive from the old machine onto a new machine, successfully avoiding all the countless hours of re-installations, but paying the time and effort many times over with the above install-rollback cycles.
It had been running just find for a couple of years.

I'd not say "don't do it", but I would caution that there could be issues in the future and they could be quite obscure.


Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe

This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®

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  • Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
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Video: New User Interface (GUI)

Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!

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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

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