Clean install for AC VR - Which Win OS?

[markie44]

Hi hive mind,

I've completely filled my c:/ drive with mods but have unused space on the drive that I don' think I can extend to without some kind of 3rd party re-partitioning tool.

It's seems a good opportunity to do a clean install with the latest drivers (leaving out many mods I've never used) but I wasn't sure which windows version to use at this time. I'm currently on W10 20h2 , which has been fine - but I'm wondering if there was any performance benefit in using 21h1/h2 or even Win11 for AC in VR.

I'm on a 10th gen i9, NVIDIA 3080 + HP G2

Thanks in advance

 

[ArkanHell]

Hi, give a try to LTSC windows 10 version, you can use LTSC 2019 (1809 based) or the recently released LTSC 2021 (21H2 based), both are most clean and reliable windows, i still using LTSC 2019 and works as a charm, but in january im gonna move to LTSC 2021.

Both are for enterprise use with extended support ( 5 years of support) and dont get any "new feature" updates, just security patches but for gaming are one of the best cos the less (mostly useless) services running in the background you have, the more performance you get for your games.

About the way to get LTSC windows, you cant buy one as a single user, but there are pages buying bulk licenses of LTSC and selling separatedly ( and usualy at very cheap prices like 8-15 bucks) or you can use a windows 10 enterprise key if you have one.

And about Win 11, looking at the benchs out there and the common behaviour of every single windows since win 95... better safeproof policy is never try a new windows at launch, new system means new bugs, let some other people suffer the bugs, Ms fix them after a while, read the news about it in some months and if looks like they fix it, give it a try, but now.... better stay with something tested and more reliable.

Regards.

 

[markie44]

Kind of heard mixed things on windows 11 regarding being more game focused - but also decreasing performance on some hardware, which sounds counter intuitive!

Funny you should mention the LTSC. A colleague mentioned the 21H Enterprise version the other day. It sounded ideal for a specific purpose without all the nonsense + spyware I spend ages removing. Getting hold of it sounded a bit of a challenge for the consumer. I'll check it out though


Thanks

*EDIT - LTSC 2019 seems widely available. LTSC 2021 not so much...

 

[markie44]

I managed to source and install 2021 LTSC (21h2) and was initially excited by its cut down nature. No crap! Unfortunately the WMR install doesn't look to be compatible which is a dealbreaker for me exclusively using VR. I couldn't download from the Microsoft store - so ended up doing a manual .cab install - which was quite painful TBH.

Install Windows Mixed Reality in offline environments and WSUS - Enthusiast Guide

Learn how to enable Windows Mixed Reality apps in WSUS or block the Windows Mixed Reality portal in enterprises.

docs.microsoft.com

While the install went OK using powershell using the 2004 cab ( "Windows 11 21H2" failed with an error - update not compatible with this version) the windows updates continuously fail on the holographic element.

Unless there is a fix for this - looks like I'll have to do a 21h2 pro build...

 

[blekenbleu]

clean install with the latest drivers

A clean install of Windows 10 can be a worthwhile improvement over an updated bloatware version.
I just resuscitated an older Dell PC with a fresh Windows 10 Home by microsoft.com installation media
on NVMe , using Clover for NVMe boot support, which enables dual booting for direct comparison:

Fresh install at idle:

... vs old Windows 10 updated:

 

[Durge Driven]

I do regular fresh OS, takes me hour, I use extensive backup so well setup export drag n drop etc.

Tip run all your Tools on a partition other then C:\ .......99% of software doesn't need re-installing

I run every bit of sim software ( batchrun, CrewChief, Fanalab, Fanaleds, Joy2Key, Simdash, simhub and all other tools ) from U:\TOOLS is external samsung 1TB SSD ..so only 1 copy of everything for 2 towers ands no personal stuff on either tower
drive is tiny you take with your phone when you go out, touch wood if your gear is stolen they don't get a single password
I use retail AVGTuneup, NordsVPN,Nords Password and Malwarebytes Pro they are all running in 0% you can see them in list below

 

[Durge Driven]

Opps sorry pic of resources running

BTW I use Retail W10 Home editions which have less bloat running
You can get legit retail keys for a song these days

Ad: Windows 10 Genuine Lifetime License only $12, Valentine's Day discount up to 91%! (18/2/22)

We propose our usual appointment with the offers of Vipkeysale. a site with which we collaborate to offer its readers a considerable advantage, in terms of price, for the purchase of software indispen...

www.guru3d.com

Also 11% ram is 32GB

Both my towers look the same 0% with months old OS as I never add a single thing then what I do with fresh OS so impossible for bloat to build up

 

[BrunoBæ]

I'm currently on W10 20h2

Im curently on Win7 SP1
- and I have just installed the AC Ultimate Edition from the Steam sale.
Everything is running just perfect - so..
And I dont have to watch carefully if MS does wish to change anything on my Personal Computer
- calling it an urgent update.

So my advice is Win7

 

[markie44]

I've got a lot of (legacy) love for windows 7 - especially as windows 10 is like a skinned windows 7 - BUT, drivers for newer hardware do appear to benefit from the newer OS.

Did a clean install with 21H2 Pro with the great bloatware script below, with as mentioned above many apps running on a separate SSD from the boot volume.

GitHub - Sycnex/Windows10Debloater: Script to remove Windows 10 bloatware.

Script to remove Windows 10 bloatware. Contribute to Sycnex/Windows10Debloater development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

It's been running great so zero plans to go to windows11...or 7

 

[Durge Driven]

Still using Winaero, export 101 settings to fresh OS in a click

 

[blekenbleu]

The difference between other spyware and Windows 11: Windows 11 is more bother
A Windows 11 Pro Insider update now requires Internet connection and Microsoft login:
"Similar to Windows 11 Home edition,
Windows 11 Pro edition now requires internet connectivity during the initial device setup (OOBE) only.
If you choose to setup device for personal use, MSA will be required for setup as well."
https://www.theregister.com/2022/02/18/windows_11_insider_msa/

 

[Durge Driven]

The difference between other spyware and Windows 11: Windows 11 is more bother
A Windows 11 Pro Insider update now requires Internet connection and Microsoft login:
"Similar to Windows 11 Home edition,
Windows 11 Pro edition now requires internet connectivity during the initial device setup (OOBE) only.
If you choose to setup device for personal use, MSA will be required for setup as well."
https://www.theregister.com/2022/02/18/windows_11_insider_msa/

So the hack does not work anymore ? Bummer lol

====================

WHEN ASKED TO CONNECT

SHIFT + F10

TASKMGR

PROCESSES

NETWORK CONNECTION FLOW

END TASK

CLOSE WINDOW