Is this a Windows 10 or Windows 11 machine...?

Question

I have a used DELL Precision 5820 Tower, bought at auction, formerly some kind of corporate server. It originally came with the Windows 10 Pro for Workstations (x64) OS, but was later upgraded to Windows 11 by the seller (before I bought it). No major problems occurred in the 2-3 years I had it, and Microsoft also seemed to have kept the machine updated automatically all the time, as did DELL.

However, both Dell's support website and several other tools identify this machine as Windows 10 - not Windows 11! Even the system itself lists the OS as "Windows 10 Pro for Workstations x64, version 22631" in some cases (though not in SYSINFO). Sure, the two are basically the same operating system, but even though Windows 10 has reached its "end-of-service" time, Windows 11 did not...

So, if MS has stopped updating the W10 files that even the UPGRADED operating system depends on – could this W11 run into problems? I must also point out that I am not aware of the upgrade method used, but I have no reason to suspect any foul play – after all, that type of upgrade was available for free at the time, and the new operating system is also registered with MS.

I'm not too worried, but a good explanation would be appreciated.

Erik

Stockholm, Sweden

joeroot4544 · Accepted Answer

This is normal behavior and not a risk.

Windows Update determines updates by build number, not by the original OS label. Version 22631 = Windows 11 23H2, so Microsoft still fully services it regardless of Dell’s misidentification. Dell’s site uses the service tag’s original OS, which is why it defaults to Windows 10 drivers.

As long as winver shows Windows 11 and you’re receiving cumulative/security updates, you’re safe. Dell drivers are largely OS-agnostic here. No W10 “end of service” impact on your W11 install.

R.S.T · Answer

Sometimes websites and tools can identify windows 11 as windows 10 but if you see the windows 11 UI your pc definitely running windows 11. but if you want to be extra sure if it is win 11 or win 10 go to your settings app>system>about and you will be able to see what os it is running.

MiniWise · Answer

@R.S.T​ I know what's running, the question is whether Microsoft / Windows Update knows... When DELL recommends updates (after correctly have identified the Service Tag of this machine!), it defaults to files aimed for Windows 10 - not Windows 11. I need to change that manually before every update. With Windows Update I don't have that option, it's just 'take it or leave it'. Or updates are being installed 'no questions asked'. However, if WU sees it as a W10 machine, some essential files may no longer (?) be updated...

R.S.T · Answer

@MiniWise​ I recommend to update drivers and BIOS first. To update them, visit the Dell support site for the Precision 5820 Tower and install the latest BIOS, and drivers.

Maxd1 · Answer

I wouldn't update the BIOS, especially via Windows, until you get this conflict figured out and rectified. Interested to know what the cause is/was. Sorry I don't have enough smarts to help you but my guess is the hardware was (originally) configured to be a server and now it's not. Just a thought. I would think there's a definitive way to get everything on the same page. Might require a clean install however.

MiniWise · Answer

@Maxd1​ Both BIOS and other updates from DELL/WU are regularly and successfully being installed – as I mentioned in my original post. Considering that DELL and some Windows features still identify this machine as running Windows 10 (for which the support has ended), my upgraded Windows 11 may not get all the necessary updates. Although some driver-/BIOS updates should be common for both systems, most of them are probably not. I wouldn't care much - if it wasn't for the erroneous system identification...

Maxd1 · Answer

Since your service tag is tied to the previous O.S. you will likely have to continue to make the manual change (to Windows 11). You would have to go through Dell to make an ownership change and update the relevant information.

If your system says you have the most recent build (26200.7462) of 25H2 your security should be okay. If not I would start manually updating the system via MS catalog.

MiniWise · Answer

@joeroot4544​ Thanks for the input, I hope you're right. It's not only DELL. When also Windows itself states that I m running a 'Windows 10 Pro for Workstations x64, version 22631' (as do some other local and online tools!) then it leaves room for certain doubt... I suspect that DOWNgrading a former active enterprise RAID server to a home computer, as in this case, while at the same time UPPgrading from W10 to W11, can create some 'identity confusion' within the system. Obviously, it's far from the ideal configuration, and different errors do appear from time to time, but they've been manageable so far. However, would updates cease to install then that would be a different story...

Windows General

Is this a Windows 10 or Windows 11 machine...?

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