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October 15th, 2025 18:52
Multiple Desktops with Microsoft Windows 10 + Upgrade Options to 11
My present Precision and Optiplex consoles are presently running Windows 10 installed from USB Recovery Media (pre - 22H2, consoles individually updated through Internet to 22H2) created using the Dell OS Recovery Tool.
All of them have options for upgrading to Windows 11, which I thus far have declined.
IN THE FUTURE, knowing support for Windows 10 has since ceased...
...should I decide to perform a clean install of Windows 10, should I...
1. Install pre - 22H2 Windows 10 using Dell USB Recovery Media (created using the Dell OS Recovery Tool), and attempt to update using Windows 10 22H2 USB Media or a Disk Image downloaded and created by Microsoft's Media Creation Tool? Personally not in the habit of "installing old, updating to new."
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-installation-media-for-windows-99a58364-8c02-206f-aa6f-40c3b507420d
OR
2. Install 22H2 Windows 10 from USB Media or a Disk Image downloaded and created by Microsoft's Media Creation Tool, and use Dell's SupportAssist app?
SIMILARLY, when the time comes to finally upgrade to Windows 11...
1. Should I install Windows 10 from Dell USB Recovery Media and upgrade to Windows 11 by using the provided option,
OR
2. Should I install Windows 11 from USB Media or a Disk Image downloaded and created by Microsoft's Media Creation Tool and use Dell's SupportAssist app subsequently? I am not sure if this would be considered a proper "registered" installation of Windows 11.
Thanks in advance for your recommendations...
Jebediah
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October 15th, 2025 18:55
Just wanted to add - I wasn't sure if a "fresh" Windows 10 or 11 install using Microsoft - generated media would be considered an "official, registered installation."
Note: My mindset is still stuck in the days of WIndows XP wherein Serial Numbers determined whether the installation was kosher or not. I never bothered to look up and still don't fully understand how Windows 10 or 11 looks up a device and determines whether the "OEM installation" is legitimate or not.
ejn63
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October 15th, 2025 19:00
How many systems will you be upgrading? If it's just one or two, you can try the upgrade path for each (after being sure you have a verified backup of each system.
If it's many systems, you're probably better off starting with a clean install of Windows 11 on each -- there is no need to install a clean Windows to and then upgrading it. The Windows 10 and 11 are both basically "install and upgrade" OSes -- even with an upgrade install, they do a clean install and then migrate the data and program settings over to the new OS.
Jebediah
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October 15th, 2025 19:31
@ejn63
Good to hear.
Then I just let Dell's SupportAssist program scan for installed devices and take care of all the drivers?