Windows 11

What to know?

  • Microsoft will stop issuing updates for Windows 10 users on Oct 14th, 2025.
  • Your computer will continue to run normally after October. 
  • For nearly all users, Win11 does not offer anything better than Win10.

What are my options? (SEE DETAILED  EXPLANATIONS BELOW)

  • Upgrade to Windows 11, assuming compatible hardware.
  • Extend support one year by creating\using a Microsoft login account.
  • Force Windows 11 to install on non-qualifying hardware.
  • Do nothing. Make no changes and take a wait and see attitude.
  • Buy a new computer.

Our Recommendation

  • If your computer is running fine, take a "wait and see" attitude. We would recommend adding a third party antivirus if not already done so.
  • If your computer is slow but stable, it might benefit from a solid state drive upgrade.
  • If your computer falls under any of the following, replace it.
  • Over 10 years old, running poorly, with no upgrade option.
  • Laptop running Windows 10 with a major component replacement required such as a cracked screen, broken hinges, or battery.
  • It's running Windows 7 or 8.
  • You want to replace a desktop computer with a laptop, or vice versa.
  • You must use software that is demanding Win11 to run.

Upgrade Option Details

Upgrade to Windows 11 if your hardware is compatible.

  • Any Win10 computer purchased in the last 5-7 years probably qualifies for a Win11 upgrade.
  • The cost of the software upgrade is free. We would charge $99 to upgrade the computer. 
  • You can try to upgrade to Win11 when prompted. It will tell you if your computer qualifies. 
  • Windows 11 requires several things to be present:
  • 8th Generation or newer processor
  • TPM 2.0 Module
  • Secure boot configuration.
  • Sufficient drive space and memory

 

Extend support one year by using or creating a Microsoft login account

  • We have successfully extended support 1 year by using\creating a Microsoft login.
  • There may be unforeseen restrictions or requirements. This will be a case by case basis.

 

Do Nothing

  • Your computer will run normally after Microsoft stops updating it. 
  • We would recommend a third party antivirus program such as Norton, AVG, or Avast.
  • Not receiving updates can sometimes be a good thing because they can cause problems.
  • The other side of the argument is what if a security hole is discovered?
  • The number one security issue is not viruses, it's scammers. No security exists that prevents people from voluntarily giving scammers banking and login information.
  • A really scary type of attack is called "Ransomware", targeting businesses and the government. We haven't had a customer infected with ransomware in many years.
  • Ransomware gains entry most often the same way scammers do, using trickery. The rule is never click on anything inside an email or call a phone number listed in a message, even if that message is from someone you know.
  • The last notable security holes were called "Blaster" in 2003 and "WannaCry" in 2017. "WannaCry" infections were rare, similar to ransomware attacks. At the time Microsoft released a patch for both supported AND unsupported operating systems. I suspect if something egregious was found today, the same thing would happen. 
  • We see computers in the shop that haven't been updated in years. No hacks encountered.
  • Viruses, contrary to what you read, are a rare issue in today's world. Junk programs, notifications, scammers, and "browser hijacks" are much more common, brought on by trickery and fake links. NEVER EVER click on links in emails or advertising or call numbers listed. 

 

Force Windows to install on incompatible hardware.

  • Trying to install Windows 11 on a machine running old hardware, it will fail.
  • We may be able to bypass Win11 requirements and install Windows 11.
  • To upgrade to the next, full version of Win11, it will have to be done manually.
  • It's not authorized by Microsoft, but it is an option in some cases. 
  • We would also want to create a Microsoft account to digitally store the Win11 key number. 

 

Buy a new computer

  • Buying Assistance
  • When purchasing any desktop or laptop, the three basic requirements are as follows.
    • Processor: Install i5\Core 5 or greater. AMD Ryzen 5 or greater.
    • RAM: 12GB or more.
    • Storage: 500GB or More. 
  • Some people without pictures or videos can get by with 256GB.
  • If you have 50,000 pictures you should get a 500GB drive.
  • More than 50,000 with plans to add more, get a 1T storage drive. 
  • All other features are optional. Laptops have numerous other features to consider which are out of the scope of this document.

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