The support for Windows 10 ends on October 14. Here are the options if your PC does not meet the requirements for Windows 11.
On October 14, official support for Windows 10 will end. After that, it is only conditionally recommended to use the old operating system. MeinMMO presents various options if your computer no longer supports the update to Windows 11. Because several options are available to you. What consequences the end of Windows 10 has for you can also be read on MeinMMO.
If your PC does not meet the requirements for Windows 11:
- Continue using Windows 10 offline
- Paid Security Updates (Extended Security Updates, ESU)
- Replace outdated or incompatible hardware
- Buy a new PC with Windows 11
- Install a different operating system
- Install Windows 11 on old hardware with a trick
Continue using Windows 10 offline
If you do not need online features (e.g., for controlling old machines, as a media player), you can continue to use Windows 10 in offline mode without internet after the support ends. The operation is as typical and free of charge, but there is still a residual risk due to old software or external media (such as USB sticks).
Paid Security Updates (Extended Security Updates, ESU)
For users whose device is not compatible with Windows 11, Microsoft will offer paid security updates starting October 2025. These so-called ESUs extend the provision of critical updates by up to three years, with annual costs of $61 for private users. Euro prices are not yet available, but are likely to be similarly high.
With ESUs, you as a private user will continue to receive security updates until October 13, 2025. However, there will be no new features or general bug fixes. Therefore, this is not a permanent solution.
Replace outdated or incompatible hardware
Microsoft has significantly increased the minimum requirements for installation. Therefore, you must meet certain requirements for an update to Windows 11. The system requirements for Windows 11 can be found explained on MeinMMO.
Especially older processors are affected. However, if you want to change a processor, you may also need to change the motherboard and memory, especially with a socket change. Depending on the age of the graphics card, building a new one or a complete new purchase may be more worthwhile in terms of effort.
Buy a new PC with Windows 11
Buying a new PC is especially worthwhile if your hardware is truly hopelessly outdated and you are considering getting a new PC anyway. The advantage is that you have direct access to new hardware, and Windows 11 is already pre-installed in most cases. This typically saves you a lot of time.
However, the acquisition costs of a new computer should not be underestimated, and for many gaming-capable systems, you quickly pay more than 1,000 euros. In the office sector, you can travel a bit cheaper, and often a mini-PC is already sufficient.
Another thing to keep in mind: If you get a new PC, you need to transfer your data from your old computer: either by transferring a backup to your new system or by installing your old SSD or hard drive in the new system.
Install a different operating system
If you do not want to buy new hardware or replace incompatible parts and still want to stay connected to the internet, switching to a different operating system may also be worthwhile. Linux systems, such as Ubuntu, are available for free and can be installed on almost any computer.
However, the effort for a switch is comparatively high:
- You cannot simply transfer your data from one operating system to another; instead, you have to copy or move the data yourself.
- Some software is also not available on Linux. Here, you will need to look for alternatives.
- Additionally, you first have to get used to the look and structure of the new system. Therefore, you need to factor in learning time.
However, some Linux systems (derivatives) like Xubuntu or Mint use a similar user interface to Windows, making the transition relatively easy. Gaming is not usually a problem anymore on Linux thanks to Steam.
Install Windows 11 on old hardware with a trick
In principle, there is the possibility that you can install Windows 11 on a system for which it is not officially intended. This has the advantage that you do not have to buy new hardware or switch operating systems. Therefore, there are no costs.
However, there are some restrictions to note: Microsoft no longer provides functional updates for devices that bypass the system requirements. Also, you should keep in mind that outdated hardware can lead to problems in everyday use, although it doesn’t have to.
What you will receive are the monthly security updates (“Patchday updates”), even if the hardware does not meet all the requirements.
However, new Windows versions (so-called “feature updates”) must be manually installed on unsupported hardware, as Microsoft has disabled the update automation.
However, this is relatively easy to do via an ISO file from Microsoft.
Windows 11 is the current operating system from Microsoft and is now running on many computers. However, some users are still hesitant about whether they should really upgrade from Windows 10 or an even older system to Windows 11. MeinMMO explains the advantages and disadvantages of an upgrade and lists reasons for and against an upgrade: 6 reasons why you should upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and 4 reasons against it
