In my case I wanted to do a complete clean install since it's been 5 years since I reimaged my laptop. The instructions at Tom's Hardware offer both upgrade and clean install of Windows 11.
1) Download latest WhyNotWin11: WhyNotWin11 Download - They now have a new version of it that is more relaxed on TPM rules. Thanks Matt Finley. His post: Rumors about a new version of Windows 2) Ran WhyNotWin11 and I had all RED items on Boot Method, Disk Partition Type, & Secure Boot. Followed steps I wrote on MBR, BIOS here: Rumors about a new version of Windows 3) Only had CPU Compatibility issue left in RED. My laptop CPU has not been supported since Windows 10 was released and it works fine for me. My CPU: Intel Core i7-3740QM CPU @ 2.70GHz. Tom's says a lot of Core i7s have been left off compatibility list for some reason even though they work fine. 4) Backup all needed laptop data to external and PC drives. 5) Prepped ISO, Tom's Hardware: How to Download a Windows 11 ISO File and Do a Clean Install - Go to the "Download a Windows 11 ISO That Bypasses TPM" section. 6) Follow additional instructions at Tom's for creating the bootable USB stick for the ISO. 8 Gig Drive Minimum, same link above. 7) Insert USB drive and boot to it to begin installation. 8) Choose basic options you normally do on a Windows install. 9) Install Classic Shell for the old Start button controls. Classic Shell Start Menu Button
I'll be in the process of building the laptop in the coming days as just the basic install is done now..... I still have lots of apps to install, especially music ones.....
P.S. - It did let me install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account. Although it kept reminding me to add one, it didn't force the issue. I've seen various reviews saying this is the first version of Windows that takes that option away. Not true. On the sign in to Microsoft account during installation, choose sign-in options, then "Offline Account". It will ask you to choose security questions to store locally in case of password issues.
P.S.II - I was also able to set up the laptop to auto login as I had on older Windows versions too. I'm old school and just want to turn on the computer and let it boot. I don't want no stinkin' password prompt!
If anyone has any questions or things to try in Windows 11, let me know. I'm on BIAB/RB 2020, so that's the only forum related software I'll be able to test once I install it.
Just be careful! There are rumours that Microsoft will not allow updates to a Windows 11 installation that has bypassed its requirements. I think they say you will still get defender updates, but not feature updates and bug fixes.
I have three computers that have been updated without problems as they met the Microsoft requirements, however I have several others which will stay on Windows 10.
Just be careful! There are rumours that Microsoft will not allow updates to a Windows 11 installation that has bypassed its requirements. I think they say you will still get defender updates, but not feature updates and bug fixes.
Kevin, thanks for the feedback. Luckily, on the TPM workarounds, Microsoft has been the implementer of these so it's supported. I also believe that Tom's Hardware would indicate if any workaround would violate licensing. I think the main goal of Microsoft in all the requirements was to secure BIOS and the boot record to help prevent attacks of that sort on a user PC. That's why I support checking these items on that WhyNotWin11 utility: Boot Method, Disk Partition Type, & Secure Boot. I don't think Microsoft cares so much on the supported CPUs. I think they want the user to be aware that their CPU may not be able to handle the extra processing it may take for the new OS. My laptop CPU is not on their list more than likely since it was manufactured in 2013 (8 years old). It is a strong processor and I've had no crashes since installing Win11 yesterday.
3) Only had CPU Compatibility issue left in RED. My laptop CPU has not been supported since Windows 10 was released and it works fine for me. My CPU: Intel Core i7-3740QM CPU @ 2.70GHz. Tom's says a lot of Core i7s have been left off compatibility list for some reason even though they work fine.
Originally Posted By: Kevin Woolley
Just be careful! There are rumours that Microsoft will not allow updates to a Windows 11 installation that has bypassed its requirements. I think they say you will still get defender updates, but not feature updates and bug fixes.
This says to me that Microsoft might be implementing code that requires certain CPU features, as older CPU's may be unable to do a number of tasks even if they currently "work fine".
By CPU features, I mean things like newer SIMD extensions, AVX, TSX, and possibly virtualization extensions - basically some of the things that make a 2021 2ghz processor faster than a 2001 2ghz processor. If Microsoft chooses to remove some seemingly "fine" CPU's from their compatibility list, it's probably for a good reason.
Either way, I agree that some degree of caution should be taken with regards to unsupported computers and/or components.
My laptop install has been almost a week now and I've discovered no major issues yet. I've loaded a couple of games that I've played before the wipe and they seem to do well. I still need to load BIAB and run some tests. No CPU/Memory/Disk issues of any kind yet.
M$FT has not launched the new version of Paint yet for Win11 (before end-of-year, I've read) and when I tried to copy the executable in from the Win10 Paint, it would not work. So until the Paint update comes out, there's no default image editor. So I may wait until that release before I start the upgrade on my main desktop machine.
Edit - I found an article on Microsoft's website you can access the old MSPaint for now by doing a Win + R, then type mspaint.exe. It works! This is strange to me since there's no mspaint.exe located in the Windows directory. They must be pulling it through the app store or a different file name.
I am looking at this more as a reason/opportunity to buy a shiny new PC. More research first, of course. Seeing ads pop up for the Intel EVO chip driven PCs. It won't be until next year until I'd buy yet another computer and reload ALL this software. I always feared those "We'll move all your stuff for you" things. Seems like they can build in logic that says more like "We'll move all the stuff we say you can keep".
Eddie, the nice thing about wiping the laptop and starting a new install was that there's no bloatware. I just had the basic Win11 Pro install, no extra crap. Since I've only installed a few things so far like MS Office, a couple of games, etc., it's been running pretty fast.
I know my laptop qualifies for the upgrade, but my home-built desktop fails on a few of the check items.
Right now, I'm going through and updating all my software (a lot) on both my machines (I keep them mostly mirrored to each other, so if something happens to one, I can work on the other), and then plan to image my Win10 laptop and try the in-place upgrade. In theory, I should be able to get back to Win10 via the disk image if there are problems. I just don't want start fresh and re-install everything, as that takes a very very long time (and involves de-authorizing certain software first, since sometimes new OS's make it look like a different PC). We'll see. Probably do it sometime in November.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA
Wiped my wife's laptop and my home studio PC this weekend to install Windows 11 from the USB Win11 ISO stick I created for my laptop back in October when I started this thread. None of our machines have had any issues yet. Since I just got the main studio PC back up, I have the long process of installing all the music software as I get to it, including BIAB 2022.
P.S. - My machines were both on Windows 10 PRO and therefore upgraded to the same version of Win 11. The wife's laptop came with Windows 10 Home so the upgrade performed on it went to the new version of Home.
Great outcome so far. Keep us informed. Inquiring minds need to know
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
I will say my update to Windows 11 was actually a great idea. It allowed me to organize my filing system to be way more logical and efficient with all my music software, VST's, voices, sounds etc. I had a mish mosh of drives and stuff all over the place and now it is all tidy and neat! Not one piece of software fails to work.
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos are here on our website.
Since my desktop can't be upgraded (which is ridiculous, as I've got an i7 quad core processor, 32GB RAM, and 6TB hard disk space), I'm holding off on upgrading my laptop (which can be upgraded). Probably sometime after the new year, I'll upgrade the motherboard and processor on the desktop and look at Windows 11 then. For now, though, Win10 has been pretty rock solid.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA
Since my desktop can't be upgraded (which is ridiculous, as I've got an i7 quad core processor, 32GB RAM, and 6TB hard disk space), I'm holding off on upgrading my laptop (which can be upgraded).
You should still be able to upgrade that desktop after some BIOS tweaks and Microsoft supported TPM bypasses. Just PM if you want to work through this, John.
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!
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!
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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!
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.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
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Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
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Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
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