First, Windows normal output is via a mixer, which pretty much means you won't get the right rate unless you set it, and even then your output won't be bit-perfect.
It can be done, but I find getting Windows to output bit-perfect in any version is a PITA if you ask me. :) Even with Windows 10, you still have to go find an appropriate USB 2.0 driver. It's far behind Linux and Mac in this respect. Rather than suggest you upgrade your Windows to it's more advertising and spy-ware friendly version, check your music software's instructions. MediaMonkey and JRiver can output bit-perfect music, but it takes a little work.
If I were you, I'd repurpose one of those laptops to be a Linux box and run Logitech Media Server with Squeezelite, or build a new Linux music server. I built a 2TB server for about $600. I probably could have done it cheaper too.
It can be done, but I find getting Windows to output bit-perfect in any version is a PITA if you ask me. :) Even with Windows 10, you still have to go find an appropriate USB 2.0 driver. It's far behind Linux and Mac in this respect. Rather than suggest you upgrade your Windows to it's more advertising and spy-ware friendly version, check your music software's instructions. MediaMonkey and JRiver can output bit-perfect music, but it takes a little work.
If I were you, I'd repurpose one of those laptops to be a Linux box and run Logitech Media Server with Squeezelite, or build a new Linux music server. I built a 2TB server for about $600. I probably could have done it cheaper too.