1 Rookie
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4 Posts
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332
March 8th, 2025 12:50
Dell Latitude e6420 - upgrade or replace?
Intel Core i5 processor, 4 GB ram, Windows 10 Pro Version 2004, 14-inch, 1366 x 768 glossy touchscreen (LED)
Can I get this computer to be Windows 11 compatible?
What upgrades would I need? Where would be the best place to get this done? (I'm in the Dallas suburbs)
Alternatively, what would be a good, similarly sturdy, reliable, cheap, refurbished, off-lease business model to upgrade to for Windows 11 which still has the same keyboard?
I tried the highly thought-of Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon 4th Generation (2016), but I don't care for the "chicklets" keyboard, and it quickly taught me what "black screen" means (a common "failure to start" bug with these, apparently with no known resolution?)
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Chino de Oro
9 Legend
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8.1K Posts
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March 8th, 2025 13:58
Windows 11 support requires at least 8th gen processors while your Latitude E6420 has 2nd gen processor. There certainly is no upgrade can be done to make your laptop officially support Windows 11.
However, you can search for how to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware as it can be done easily. Generally, you can download Win 11 24H2 ISO and RUFUS to make a USB installer. Remember to select the legacy and bypass options. Install it on a spare SSD in case that you don't like it and revert back to your old system without any issue.
As for alternative option, you can do research for system of your preference and budget, then monitoring for holidays special discounts.
ejn63
10 Elder
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28.6K Posts
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March 8th, 2025 14:49
As noted, your existing system cannot be upgraded to support Window 11. And with Microsoft starting to raise the floor for CPU support under Windows 11, if you're looking at a used/refurbished system, consider nothing older than an 11th generation CPU (if Latitude, the model is the 5420 -- no "E").
The latest version of Windows 11 (24H2) strongly recommends an 11th gen CPU minimum -- and the next one will very likely require it.
wisconsindell
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March 8th, 2025 19:01
Thanks for the replies!
So, if I do the "unsupported" workaround, I'd be opening myself up to security problems? Windows Security wouldn't update, or what?
If I go with the Latitude 5420, would the keyboard have the same feel as on my E6420?
ejn63
10 Elder
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28.6K Posts
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March 8th, 2025 19:24
Updates will cease for unsupported hardware, and that appears to be nearer than it was when Windows 11 was released.
No, the E-series design is now almost 10 years old (2016). Anything newer will have a completely different chassis design, including the keyboard. That issue can be easily worked around either with an external keyboard and a Latitude or with a different make of system that has a keyboard more to your liking.
Chino de Oro
9 Legend
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8.1K Posts
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March 8th, 2025 19:29
At this current time, unsupported hardware systems are still receiving all security updates through current channel (Broad), same as Windows 11 supported systems.
As for the minimum support processors, systems with 8th gen processors running Windows 11 23H2 do received notification for updating to Windows 11 24H2. That leaves better option for shopping 8th, 9th, 10th systems if the budget is constraint. Otherwise, the systems with more newer, more recent processors, the better. For business, I suggest to look into Precision line as well. They are getting thinner and sleeker than the old models.
petermuss
2 Intern
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210 Posts
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March 9th, 2025 08:20
Hello,
if you like the sticky feeling from the E6420 keyboardand palmrest, you can use RUFUS to create a W11 USB stick.
From this USB stick you can run an inplace update from W10 to W11.
HTH
Peter
petermuss
2 Intern
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210 Posts
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March 9th, 2025 08:22
... after updating to W11 24H2 your E6420 will get all security updates using the standard windows update function
ann_droid
2 Intern
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508 Posts
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March 10th, 2025 10:44
Hi
In addition to the above help....
https://www.elevenforum.com/tutorials/?prefix_id=7
But the end result may not be a long term solution IMHO.