With the end of Windows 10 support just 18 months away, it’s time to think about what you plan to do when support ends in October over 2025.
Most computers can update from Windows 10 to Windows 11 fairly easily. It may take some time but your program and files shouldn’t be affected. While I suggest backing all of your important stuff up just in case there’s an issue, I’ve upgraded several PCs from Windows 10 to Windows 11 without losing any files.
The requirements for upgrading a Windows 10PC to Windows 11 are:
| Processor | 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC). |
|---|---|
| RAM | 4 gigabyte (GB). |
| Storage | 64 GB or larger storage device Note: See below under “More information on storage space to keep Windows 11 up-to-date” for more details. |
| System firmware | UEFI, Secure Boot capable. Check here for information on how your PC might be able to meet this requirement. |
| TPM | Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Check here for instructions on how your PC might be enabled to meet this requirement. |
| Graphics card | Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver. |
| Display | High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel. |
| Internet connection and Microsoft account | Windows 11 Pro for personal use and Windows 11 Home require internet connectivity and a Microsoft account during initial device setup. Switching a device out of Windows 11 Home in S mode also requires internet connectivity. Learn more about S mode here. For all Windows 11 editions, internet access is required to perform updates and to download and take advantage of some features. A Microsoft account is required for some features. |
That being said, now might be a good time to purchase a new PC that can handle future upgrades to Windows and advances in technology. A PC with up-to-date hardware should put you in good stead for a long time to come. And there are some good deals to be had right now. But that would depend on if you have money in your budget for a new computer. It’s also a great time to start saving up. Ten bucks a week could put you in great shape to buy a news PC. Mini and refurbished desktops can be found for under $300 and available for not much more.
Of course, if you switch to a new computer, you’ll have to transfer all of your important files. You’ll want to make sure you have activation keys for any programs you’ll want to move to your new computer. Whichever way you decide to go, let me know if you need any assistance.
Or, if someone doesn’t like Microsoft’s terms of essentially giving up autonomy, one might consider another operating system entirely.
I decided to not upgrade to Windows 11: so I changed my laptop to Kubuntu Linux. Once I have it up & running the way I need it to, I’ll do the same for the desktop. Most Linux distributions are open source, free and come in a wide variety… from as simple or complicated to use as the user wants.
Our OneDrive data is now on a NAS (Network Attached Server) so we have control over our data. It’s just important to know that there ARE options.