Menu Close

Windows 11

Upgrading to Windows 11

Windows 11 LogoNTI QuadStation Systems are now shipping with Windows 11 Professional 64 bit edition.

All new desktops and laptops will come with Windows 11. So if you are replacing an older computer or upgrading to Windows 11 here are some things to keep in mind.

If you are Still on Windows 7

Microsoft stopped providing ALL security updates for Windows 7 back in January 2020. That said it is time to move to a newer version of Windows ASAP. You have no choice really.

If you are in Windows 10

Should You Upgrade or Buy New?

  • If your computer is MORE than 4 years old, it makes more sense to move to a new Win 11 computer.
  • Microsoft security updates for Windows 10 will stop on October 14th, 2025 but that is coming up fast so don’t wait too long. Keep in mind HACKERS can’t wait for this date to come, don’t be a victim !
  • Since Windows 11 was released in 2021, motherboards older than that would not be supported as Win 11 was not out yet.
  • If your computer is LESS than 4 years old , you may be able to upgrade but your motherboard must support it. Windows 11 requires a new security feature called TPM or it will not work. Read more on that below.
  • If you still wish to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, Microsoft offers a FREE upgrade option, read below.

Windows 11 Security Features

How to create strong passwordsWindows 11 REQUIRES that your hardware (computer) and your operating system software (Windows) BOTH have the latest security features or it will not run. A new computer with Windows 11 has both.

The computer motherboard must also have a feature called “Trusted Platform Module” (TPM) , more on that below.

Windows 11 for Desktops

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • If you are buying  a Desktop or Laptop system from NTI, nothing to worry about at all. We will make sure that the computer hardware works perfectly in Windows 11.
  • But, it is up to you to make sure that all of your personal software programs and peripherals such as printers, scanners etc are compatible with Windows 11 which they should be at this point.  This includes all trading software, office programs, accounting programs etc. ALL software.
  • Microsoft disabled the ability to turn off automatic updates in Windows 11. So Windows updates will update automatically. However, we have found a workaround. See “Turning Off Windows Updates” below.
  • ​Our goal is to always provide the most solid operating system for our customers at any given point in time.  All QuadStation systems run perfectly in Windows 11.

Windows 11 for Laptops

  • Note, that all of the comments above apply to laptops systems as well.
  • Most laptops whether you purchase from us or elsewhere will more than likely come with Windows 11.
  • If you buy your next laptop from us it will be customizable,  lean and ready for work. If you buy elsewhere, it will come bogged down with unwanted trial and other software. Keep this in mind.
  • NTI QuadStation Laptops  systems now support up to 4 displays with a laptop running on Windows 11.

Windows 11 Start Menu

The Windows 11 start menu is a bit confusing at first but easy to get used to. So embrace this change and get used to it. It is easiest just to SEARCH for what you are looking for from the Start menu.

How to Pin a FILE to Windows 11 Start Menu

This process should be much easier but if you need to pin a specific file such as a Word document or Excel spreadsheet here is how to do it:

1. Go to the file you want to Pin on the Start Menu > Right-click the file > Show more options>Send to desktop (This is to create a shortcut of the file.

2. Press Windows + E and navigate to this path via File Explorer:

C:\Users\Your Username folder\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\

3. Now drag the Shortcut file we created in Step #1 from the Desktop to the Start Menu folder above.

4. This puts the shortcut on your Start Menu folder. Now click on the Start Menu > Click All Apps > Search for your file > Right-click your file > Click Pin to Start Menu.

How to Pin a PROGRAM to Windows 11 Start Menu

  • This is much easier. Just click on the Start menu> All Apps>Navigate to the PROGRAM you would like on your start menu> Right click on it> PIN TO START

Windows 11’s New Browser

You may have heard of Microsoft’s browser called Edge that comes with Windows 10 and 11. Microsoft Edge only works in Windows 10/11. It is completely integrated into windows & a standalone version is not available. And Microsoft has no plans of releasing the Edge browser for previous versions of windows or any other OS for that matter.

It cannot be uninstalled so if you don’t like the look and feel of Microsoft Edge, download and use Google Chrome or FireFox instead. It works great in Windows 10 / 11 and equally secure. We preinstall Google Chrome on all new desktops and laptops.

How to Turn off Automatic Updates in Windows 10/11

To stop Windows from automatically updating your computer apply the steps in the link below. This is not a 100% guaranteed fix, but many customers report that is works successfully. There are 3 places to change settings. See This Page to learn how. Keep in mind this is a little technical.

Microsoft Privacy Settings

By default, Microsoft enables many privacy settings in Windows sharing your information without you knowing. However,  during production in all NTI’s QuadStation computers, we turn all of these features off for you!

Traders Tune In

  • If you are a trader, contact your trading platform software company to make sure it is supported in Windows 11.
  • ​ Trading software companies take years sometimes to adopt a new operating system.  Do your research to find out if your software is supported or recommended in Windows 11. Click here for details
  • Please contact your software provider for all trading software support.
  • All trading platforms work perfectly with our computer systems.

Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11

If your computer is more than 4 years old,  a new computer makes more sense vs upgrading.

If you decide to upgrade from Win 10-11, Microsoft does offer a FREE upgrade using their Windows 11 Installation Assistant found here on their website. Please note that if you run into any snags, you will need to contact Microsoft directly for assistance.

Before Upgrading to Windows 11

Make sure your computer can handle it. If you already have an NTI QuadStation, you are probably good to go if the system is not too old. Windows 11 requires something called TPM (Trusted Platform Module) to be enabled in the BIOS of the motherboard if applicable. All new NTI QuadStation computers comes standard with TPM preinstalled.

What is TPM?

A TPM, or a trusted platform module, is a physical or embedded security technology that resides on a computer’s motherboard (in BIOS Settings) or in its processor. TPMs use cryptography to help securely store essential and critical information on PCs to enable platform authentication.

How Do I know if I Have TPM on my Computer?

  1. Press [Windows Key] + R or select Start Run.
  2. Type “tpm.msc” (do not use quotation marks) and choose OK.
    1. If you see a message saying a “Compatible TPM cannot be found,” your PC may have a TPM that is disabled. Contact your PC manufacturer for instructions to enable the TPM. If you are able to enable the TPM, complete the next step to verify that it is a TPM 2.0 (minimum needed to run Windows 11).
    2. If you see a message confirming TPM is ready to use, check Specification Version under TPM Manufacturer Information to verify it is 2.0. If it is less than 2.0 your device does not meet the Windows 11 requirement. it is time for a new computer that supports the new TPM security feature.

Enabling TPM in the BIOS

If not already enabled, you may need to enable TPM in your computer BIOS settings. Note this is a bit technical so if you are not comfortable with this do not proceed. If you have an ASUS motherboard these instructions show you how to enable TPM in the BIOS settings on your computer.

To enter the BIOS section, turn OFF your computer and while it is booting, hit DEL or F2 keys every 3 seconds as they computer is starting to get you into the BIOS. Again, if you are not comfortable with this technical procedure stop. You could disable something that prevents your computer from starting !

Secure Boot Must be Enabled for Windows 11

Another Windows 11 requirement is that Secure Boot is enable in the BIOS as well. This is a little easier.

  1. Enter the BIOS settings as described above.
  2. Under the ADVANCED section on Asus motherboards, look for the BOOT menu at the top.
  3. Next look for a setting called Secure Boot. If it says Other OS, it is Disabled. Choose Secure Boot from the drop down to enable it and restart your computer.

Summary

  • If you are still using Windows 7 it is time to buy a new computer with Windows 11 for many reasons but primarily for your security.
  • If you are using Windows 10 and your system is more than 4 years old, it is time to start thinking about a new computer.
  • If tour computer is less than 4 years old, you have the option of upgrading to Windows 11 with the help of Microsoft (see above).
  • Windows updates are applied automatically with no easy way to turn off.​ See our work around above.
  • Windows 11 does a pretty good job and finding and automatically installing peripheral drivers.
  • Windows 11 comes standard with Windows Defender  antivirus and malware software. So no need to pay for Norton, McAfee etc.

Any questions drop us an email !

Computers with Windows 11:

NTI QuadStation Computers

See All QuadStation Systems Here