admin – No Better Tech

If you’ve ever asked yourself “When’s the best time to buy a new Windows PC or laptop?”, you’re not alone. With the constant cycle of hardware upgrades, OS versions, and flashy marketing, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new releases. But after years of observation, I’ve found that the smartest time to buy a Windows computer is actually two years after a major Windows release.

Let me explain.

A. The 2-Year Rule: Why Timing Matters

In 2016, one year after Windows 10 launched (July 2015), we began seeing laptops and desktops fully optimized for the new OS—free from early compatibility bugs and bundled with drivers and firmware that matched the system perfectly. By 2016, Windows 10 PCs were stable, refined, and manufacturers had ironed out most quirks.

Fast-forward to 2022. Windows 11 was officially released in late 2021. Again, by 2022, we started seeing Windows 11-native devices hitting their stride—designed with TPM 2.0, proper Intel 12th/13th Gen support, AMD Ryzen 6000/7000 compatibility, and smarter AI-enhanced features.

Now it’s 2025, and Windows 12 is set to release in Fall 2025. If history repeats itself—and it usually does—the best time to buy a new Windows 12 PC will be in 2026. Here’s why:

B. Why You Should Wait for 2026 to Buy a Windows 12 PC

Better Optimization
Early adopters often face driver issues, performance bugs, and even compatibility problems with apps and hardware. Waiting a year or two allows time for Microsoft and OEMs to fine-tune the OS for real-world use.
Purpose-Built Hardware
Devices released in 2026 will be built from the ground up for Windows 12, taking full advantage of its AI capabilities, power optimizations, and any new security or productivity features baked into the OS.
Longer Support Lifecycle
A PC purchased in 2026 will receive updates and security patches for the full life cycle of Windows 12. Buying late in the Windows 11 era could mean a shorter support window.
Lower Cost, More Value
Prices tend to stabilize about a year after a major Windows launch. You’ll likely get better value for money in 2026 with more powerful hardware, refined design, and greater energy efficiency.

C. Final Thoughts: Don’t Buy Too Soon—Buy Smart

While it’s tempting to jump on the latest release the moment it drops, patience pays off—especially in the world of Windows PCs. By waiting for the second wave of machines—typically arriving a year or two post-launch—you’ll end up with a faster, more stable, longer-lasting computer.

So if Windows 12 launches in Fall 2025, circle mid-to-late 2026 on your calendar. That’s when you’ll find the sweet spot: matured software, optimized hardware, and the best value for your investment.

In short:
Don’t just buy the newest—buy the right (time) newest.

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HOW-TO RESET WINDOWS PASSWORD | Hirens-BootCD

I think this the easiest method to reset password in Windows 10/11.

You need to know the shortcut to go to Boot Menu to choose the CD or USB with Hirens-BootCD created with.

To reset a forgotten Windows 11 password using Hiren’s BootCD PE, follow these steps. This method works for both local and Microsoft accounts.

Instructions How-To create bootable media see further below at the end.

Boot your computer with Hiren’s BootCD PE — DVD/Optical Disk or USB
Go to Start Menu -> Security -> Passwords -> NT Password Edit
Open your SAM file (It is usually located in C:\Windows\System32\config\SAM)
Click your username and the click ‘Change password’. To set a password, type your password both ‘New password’ and ‘Verify’ fields and then click to ‘OK’. To remove the password, leave both ‘New password’ and ‘Verify’ fields blank and then click to ‘OK’.

🔧 What You’ll Need

A USB flash drive (at least 8 GB) or a DVD-R/-RW/DL
Access to another working PC to create the bootable USB
The latest Hiren’s BootCD PE ISO file
Rufus (a tool to create bootable USB drives) Or DVD Burner Software & DVD Burner Drive – e.g. Ashampoo Burning Studio FREE

🛠️ Step-by-Step Guide

1. Download Hiren’s BootCD PE

Visit the official site: hirensbootcd.org
Download the latest ISO file (e.g., HBCD_PE_x64.iso)

2. Create a Bootable USB with Rufus

Download Rufus from rufus.ie
Insert your USB drive into the working PC
Open Rufus and select your USB under “Device”
Under “Boot selection,” choose the Hiren’s ISO file
Click “Start” and wait for the process to complete

3. Create a Bootable DVD DISK with Ashampoo Burning Studio

Download Ashampoo Burning Studio FREE from https://www.ashampoo.com
Insert your DVD Disk in the DVD RW drive into the working PC
Open Ashampoo and select your Disk Image > Burn Image
Under “Disc Image Path” choose the Hiren’s ISO file
Click “Next” after choose your Burner DVD-RW/-R Drive and “Write” and wait for the process to complete

4. To boot to the Boot Menu

(also known as the One-Time Boot Menu) — without entering BIOS Setup or changing permanent boot order — you need to press a specific key at startup for your PC brand. Here’s a list of common brands and their Boot Menu keys:

✅ Boot Menu Keys by Manufacturer (for one-time boot device selection)

Brand	Boot Menu Key	Notes
Dell	F12	Tap during POST (when Dell logo shows).
Lenovo	F12 or Fn + F12	Some models use the Novo Button (small pinhole button).
HP	Esc → F9	First press Esc, then F9 for Boot Menu.
ASUS	F8	Sometimes Esc is used instead.
Acer	F12	May require enabling F12 Boot Menu in BIOS first.
MSI	F11	Tap at splash screen.
Gigabyte	F12	Standard across motherboards.
ASRock	F11	Tap during splash screen.
Microsoft Surface	Volume Down + Power	Hold Volume Down, press Power, release when logo appears.
Samsung	Esc or F12	Depends on model.
Toshiba	F12	Tap at startup.
Sony VAIO	Assist or F11	Newer models have a physical “Assist” button.

💡 Tips:

Press the Boot Menu key immediately after turning on the PC — start tapping it every second.
If you see the OS loading, you missed the timing — restart and try again.
On laptops with Fn Lock, you may need to hold Fn along with the function key (e.g., Fn + F12).

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