Mihaela Rosu/Getty Images reported on October 14, 2025 that Microsoft will cease providing security updates for Windows 10 PCs unless users are willing to pay a high price to join the Extended Security Updates program. Upgrading to Windows 11 on older PCs may be challenging as Microsoft has strict requirements for compatibility, including having a CPU on the official list of supported processors and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. However, there are workarounds available for most PCs capable of running Windows 10. It is important to ensure that your computer meets all the requirements for Windows 11, such as starting up using UEFI, having Secure Boot support, and having a TPM enabled. If your PC does not meet these requirements, there are alternative methods, such as using the Rufus utility, to bypass compatibility checks and complete the upgrade. Additionally, new CPU restrictions introduced in the Windows 11 update may require specific instructions to be supported. Users can choose between two options for upgrading to Windows 11, each with its own set of requirements and steps to follow.
