As somebody who works in cybersec i'm glad MS had balls to make it mandatory.
I hope everyone will find some solution to make it work. AFAIK there are methods to circumvent the check. Some are listed above.
Take care!
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It always rolls around eventually, and I always wait until near the end of the lifecycle to upgrade to make sure the most incompatibilities are patched out.
REALLY wasn't a fan of 11 at first as I use it at work, and while it was always mostly functionable it's just a pointless pain in the ass to make your users have to memorise the new layouts to get to the features / settings that they use on the regular. Kind of like when sites like Twitter or Youtube decide they're randomly going to move the buttons and layout around and reorder the settings menus. The majority of it serves no purpose other than that they want it to 'feel new'. I mean it's great to have all the latest (hidden) design considerations as far as security, forwards compatibility and underpinning code is concerned, but not being able to find the specific route to something simple is always annoying.
And then there's always that point where you just can't for the life of you find that one thing, only to google it and find out that they removed it with no apparent reason. People are change resistant at the best of times, but when there is little to no percievable reason for an average user to make that upgrade then they naturally resist it. But that's the nature of the beast I suppose. I do wonder if there are any features in W11 that more technically inclined people have found truly worth the migration.
So far my favourite W11 bug was when right clicking on my desktop (or any file on my desktop) caused my browser to be unshrink and maximise, preventing me from being able to copy, paste or rename anything on my desktop. That was fun, given the amount of files I turned over while processing shipments / compliance files, heh. It eventually got patched out but it was a good month and a half at least. Currently there's about a 1 in 10 chance that when I paste a file to the desktop it will insert it amongst the standard icons I have on the left (next to My Computer, recycle bin, etc), for seemingly no reaason. More baffling when I paste multiple files and it will insert one but then pool the rest of the files in the next free space like you would expect it to. Heh
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When i had to move to windows 10, i really missed the option in the icon bar the sound option to mute individual running sounds (great when a game doesn't provide such a function itself).
Had to install https://winaerotweaker.com/ to just get that function back, and use classic shell to atleast make the start menu look familiar.
Really hope that still all works with 11, was pondering about upgrading already, but such stories kinda makes me want to hold too.
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To be honest it will probably be fine, it's just going to be the usual teething issues. It only took me a few days to adjust to it at work.
Oddly enough having the taskbar pins be centred was one of the things that threw me the most, haha.
I can't speak to any game compatibility issues though. Doubt my job would appreciate me alt-tabbing to Noita or Spore while waiting on something. ;)
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Not a tech savy person, I want to ask if I can just upgrade to win11 using available button or need to uninstall win10 then install win11?
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Go to "settings" on your computer, then "update and security," and there should be easy to follow instructions where your computer will do all the work.
There are requirements your system has to meet in order to run Windows 11 though, like enough RAM, hard drive space, and most importantly, a powerful enough processor (CPU). If you are able to upgrade to 11, Windows will let you know and you can just do it, but be aware that even if you are able to run Windows 11, it may perform poorly based on your amount of RAM and quality of CPU.
EDIT: It looks like people with older hardware are now able to install Windows 11: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfUjB7k59kE
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If y'all manage to somehow get a copy of "Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021" edition, it will be updated until 2032. Just in case you want to keep using Windows 10 for longer.
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The only thing that blocks me from upgrading to Windows 11 is that my CPU isn't supported. It's an Intel 7th generation CPU with TPM 2.0.
I've used every Windows version since Windows 7, even upgrading to Windows 8 and 8.1 as soon as possible when they are released. That's on my old laptop.
The only problem I had with Windows 8/8.1 is that for the integrated GPU my old laptop uses, Intel doesn't provide OpenGL support for Windows 8 and later. Games like Angry Birds won't run.
I had to download an alternative driver from Mesa, which implements OpenGL 2.0 and later but runs on CPU only.
I've dual-boot with Ubuntu for years, and only use Windows out of habit, so nothing big I'll miss.
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Sorry for the necro. There's an update to this, MS offers more options to receive ESU:
https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2025/06/24/stay-secure-with-windows-11-copilot-pcs-and-windows-365-before-support-ends-for-windows-10/
Today, we’re introducing additional free enrollment options and the simple steps to get started.
Extended Security Updates for Windows 10:
- For individuals: An enrollment wizard will be available through notifications and in Settings, making it easy to enroll in ESU directly from your personal Windows 10 PC. Through the enrollment wizard, you’ll be able to choose from three options:
- Use Windows Backup to sync your settings to the cloud—at no additional cost..
- Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points—at no additional cost..
- Pay $30 USD (local pricing may vary).
Once you select an option and follow the on-screen steps, your PC will automatically be enrolled. ESU coverage for personal devices runs from Oct. 15, 2025, through Oct. 13, 2026. Starting today, the enrollment wizard is available in the Windows Insider Program and will begin rolling out as an option to Windows 10 customers in July, with broad availability expected by mid-August.
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So, send us your files and we'll let you get updates? Are they not even pretending they don't want our files for AI slop training anymore?
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Sorry for more necro, i just watched a super educational youtube video on how to bypass and upgrade to 11 with a non-compatible PC (a method with a manual regedit key + windows server download).
But i still hesitate, if i don't browse dangerous internet websites and don't download crap from internet, please isn't it safer to stay on W10 64 bits with latest security updates ? I mean, if i upgrade to 11, there is no guarantee to receive further security updates with my outdated CPU.
I've read another method to W10 LTSC, looks really cool too, but as i will anyway change PC in maybe 2 years max, can't i just keep W10 as it is now ?
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What you said, with 11 you won't get updates then again how long will 10 still get updates? I don't know.
I would always suggest someone to have some form of anti virus (kaspersky cost me 20 euro a year when you go to certain shops).
Regardless if you feel you are surfing safe, but to each their own.
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Thank you very much, that's a good tip, i'll consider an antivirus then.
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Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 will reach the end of support on Jan 13, 2032. You can change from your current Win 10 edition free of charge and have six more years of security updates.
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free of charge, or "free of charge" :wink: :wink:?
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If you get something for free chances are you're the product e.g. data harvesting, retina scans etc.
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That's why I was asking. As far as I know there is no upgrade path from Win10 Home/Pro to Win10 LTSC, whether you pay or not.
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Hello hbarkas
How did you manage to do so ?
Edit : is it with this ? https://www.steamgifts.com/go/comment/oJu6NtO
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No, I didn't install Win !0 IoT. I'm a traitor and installed Win 11 because my mainboard is to new and had no WiFi driver for Win 10. I'm just parroting recommendations made by Brian from TechYesCity on YT.
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If you need bypassing to install Win 11 - that means, that you have crappy and old CPU, which will suffocate with Win 11, not worth the hustle for 90% users.
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Thanks for your answer, my question is more in terms of safety, which is the safest option. But you're right that i could also get a PC upgraded to 11, more secure but barely running on 11.
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So, I'm no expert and those who are actually knowledgeable about security will probably have a myriad of objections to what I'm about to say but you don't really NEED to jump to the newest version of an OS as soon as official support ends, it's just recommended. Unless you're installing a lot of random stuff for whatever reason or you plug a lot of USB memories into your PC the main vector for potential infections is gonna be the internet, and that should be covered by common sense, an updated web browser, using a good ad-blocker (most will suggest uBlock Origin), and maybe an antivirus just to be safe (not sure of which one is the best tbh).
In theory for as long as those other critical pieces of software like the web browser are still receiving updates things should be fine, the problem is when those other software start to giving you ultimatums about moving to a newer OS but that tends to happen years after Microsoft drops support for a version of Windows, and even then you can sometimes get away with pushing things for a few months longer until the whole thing truly turns into a broken mess... I myself pushed my poor Windows 7 installation for far too long until an issue with the antivirus (quite ironically) managed to completely brick the OS by breaking something about the boot-up sequence, but it didn't help that I had been messing with stuff to keep Steam and games running and it had turned the system into a bit of an unstable mess.
About the requirements of Win 11 I've heard conflicting opinions, some say it makes sense for security reasons, others say that it's all just marketing BS to sell newer PC's since the real minimum requirements of the OS are far lower than what MS claims (some have successfully gotten it running just fine on much older hardware), and there's a third group that's just angry about all of the unnecessary "features" that MS forced into W11 and are going with a modified version of the OS just to get rid or turn off all of that stuff. I personally just opted to dodge the whole ordeal and moved back to Linux XD
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So, I'm no expert and those who are actually knowledgeable about security will probably have a myriad of objections to what I'm about to say but you don't really NEED to jump to the newest version of an OS as soon as official support ends, it's just recommended. Unless you're installing a lot of random stuff for whatever reason or you plug a lot of USB memories into your PC the main vector for potential infections is gonna be the internet, and that should be covered by common sense, an updated web browser, using a good ad-blocker (most will suggest uBlock Origin), and maybe an antivirus just to be safe (not sure of which one is the best tbh).
Aaah thank you very much, that's exactly what i wanted to know ! ^^
I was wondering cause Microsoft and some advices are really on urgent tone, almost as if your PC will explode if you don't upgrade.
In theory for as long as those other critical pieces of software like the web browser are still receiving updates things should be fine, the problem is when those other software start to giving you ultimatums about moving to a newer OS but that tends to happen years after Microsoft drops support for a version of Windows, and even then you can sometimes get away with pushing things for a few months longer until the whole thing truly turns into a broken mess... I myself pushed my poor Windows 7 installation for far too long until an issue with the antivirus (quite ironically) managed to completely brick the OS by breaking something about the boot-up sequence, but it didn't help that I had been messing with stuff to keep Steam and games running and it had turned the system into a bit of an unstable mess.
This ! I remember that when i used Windows XP, sometimes i could disable updates for 2 years and PC didn't explode.
So it reassures me to see that you were able to continue using 7 normally until other softwares support ended. That's exactly what i hope to do before changing for a new PC.
What i've in mind is that currently my pc is 8 years old (and maybe won't last for much longer lol), but still runs 90% of the games. So if i change in 2 years when Steam will support no more W10, then new PC will have better components for the same price and a life cycle that will extend further into the future. Also i make regular back-ups to an external hard drive in case everything would break down one day.
About the requirements of Win 11 I've heard conflicting opinions, some say it makes sense for security reasons, others say that it's all just marketing BS to sell newer PC's since the real minimum requirements of the OS are far lower than what MS claims (some have successfully gotten it running just fine on much older hardware), and there's a third group that's just angry about all of the unnecessary "features" that MS forced into W11 and are going with a modified version of the OS just to get rid or turn off all of that stuff. I personally just opted to dodge the whole ordeal and moved back to Linux XD
I just read dozens of youtube comments from people who could upgrade old PC without problems to W11 bypassing requirements (and i also had the finger on the mouse almost ready to do it) but they can't be sure to receive further Windows 11 updates. So maybe they are now stuck with W11 vanilla (restoring W10 is just possible for 10 days after upgrade)... and that feels more unsafe than W10 + lastest security updates, as for sure there will be more fixes in the future on W11.
You made the good choice obviously to move to Linux, but i tried in the past to install Linux and it was just too complicated for me, also i like all these softwares that run on Windows. And well probably lazyness too. Wish you a good ride on Linux ! ^^
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Yeah if you're planning to get a new PC in a couple of years it's probably not worth making the jump to W11 just yet, I imagine the story with it will follow a similar path to what happened to W7 & W8/8.1, for as long as Chrome continues to support W10 other companies will do the same and only after Google decides they don't feel like developing Chromium for it anymore the rest of the crowd will do the same (it's kinda worrying just how much infrastructure runs on Chromium these days). And when it comes to games I assume there's still gonna be devs targeting W10 even if it's deprecated considering that with how slow development cycles are nowadays many of those games started development when W10 was THE version of Windows.
And I'm not gonna pretend like Linux is 100% ready to be a drop-in replacement for Windows for the average user but I was surprised of how much better it has gotten since the last time I used it, I'd say it's basically 80 to 90% there, wouldn't be shocked at all if by the end of the decade there's no real reason to not go with it for most people, or at least those who don't require super-specific software for work. The simple fact that now I can just install a game that's Windows-only directly from Steam and the client takes care of sorting Proton/Wine and it just starts and runs is a massive improvement.
Nvidia drivers still are a bit of a chore of trying a few versions until you find the one that runs the best tho, but I don't think that's ever gonna be fixed unless Nvidia one day decides to not be assholes about it and stop distributing the drivers as little mysterious black boxes, I've heard the experience with AMD GPU's is much better.
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If you were to stay on Windows 10, and be super safe, it SHOULD be fine.
Being super safe means the following:
1) No opening email contents on your machine (even opening a PDF from an email can download a virus onto your system)
2) No browsing sites that can contain viruses through auto downloads and other means (attached to "legitimate" downloads)
3) No playing online games in general, since hackers find access violations present through online games through which they can hack your PC and screw with things. Game & Windows updates mitigate this as it occurs, but since you would only be getting the game update side, some other game could still have the same access/exploit that a hacker can take advantage of.
4) Staying on your own private internet connection and only allowing trusted devices on the same network that you know are being careful with all the points listed above, otherwise you could get infected with something over the shared network.
5) Keep a trusted antivirus installed and updated. I'm unsure of EOL for Win10 means they won't be updating their build in antivirus anymore, but I assume they won't be supporting that anymore.
6) Don't plug any untrustworthy drives into your machine, or a machine connected to the same network
7) Set your browsers to not automatically download, since some pop-up ads automatically download software by simply visiting a website, and if you have auto downloads on, it will download without question, which is sketchy. So turn off auto downloads. I think the best way to do this is to make the browser prompt you for a download location with every download, then you will always know when something wants to download, and what it is.
The biggest problem after security IMO is that games and software might ditch Windows 10 as a supported OS when it comes to development, and even updates, and you could lose access to existing software/games, or future software/games might simply not work due to the Windows 11 requirement. Think of apps ditching 32-bit support, or games ditching DirectX 9 or 10 with updates.
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It seems that we can also get a free additional year of updates for W10. That looks really a good solution as i don't intend to use this PC for more than 2 years. 1 free year of updates and then 1 free year of no update (lol) and then i change PC. ^^
Thanks for the advice on everything not to do
1, 2, 6, 7 of course !
3) it happens that i still play online games but really rare
4) i think our network is private but i'll check that thanks
5) i use windows defender facepalm You're right and Lugum is right too, i'll think about an antivirus if Microsoft stop that.
The biggest problem after security IMO is that games and software might ditch Windows 10 as a supported OS when it comes to development, and even updates, and you could lose access to existing software/games, or future software/games might simply not work due to the Windows 11 requirement. Think of apps ditching 32-bit support, or games ditching DirectX 9 or 10 with updates.
That's expected but i count on the delay before they start to give up W10.
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AFAIK Microsoft is currently in the process of rolling out the offer to extend a year, but not everyone is getting this option yet. I read about a script which can enable this early, and it worked for me. In the Windows update settings it now says that my PC is registered for extended security updates (ESU). https://github.com/abbodi1406/ConsumerESU
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Oh thank you very much, that's a really cool news ! :D
In the end i'll gladly take this additional free year of security updates for W10 !
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Thank you, I knew about ESU and this script is really helpful for easily activating it and worked for me.
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Got the option to update today. Downloaded it anyway. I don't suppose I can get two years out of this?
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Nope, one more year of updates is the current limit AFAIK (for consumers).
Though it's possible that if there's still a significant amount of Windows 10 users in a year, MS could decide to give consumers more time.
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Windows 10 was released ten years ago...!?
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Switched to Linux Mint 22.1 (updated to 22.2 since) some 3 months ago, never looked back. Not just I can play games, I'm streaming on twitch and whatnot. F-Microsoft.
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Even if someone has a game which doesn't work properly on Linux, dual boot could be used. I realise that's not an acceptable solution for everyone. But if someone is scared to switch to Linux because some apps or games might not work, there is the option to install both (Linux and Windows).
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True. Not me. I just plunged in. Well, can't call Mint a plunge, it's not Arch or Gentoo, but you know, no dual boot, manual partitioning, btrfs for / and /home, snapshots recovery from grub, the whole thing. Had 0 issues so far ofc. But I am not gaming daily. And I don't care if I have 300 or 240 fps if the game works fluid and without issues.
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Is there a point to this as won't the apps that don't work with Linux already also stop working with the version of Windows you load and updating all the time is the point of the problem
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I switched to Kubuntu ~5 month ago and just wish I would've done so sooner. Gaming was always the reason I had to stick to Windows. I'm glad thats no longer an issue.
The company I work for takes the ESU and will switch to Linux over the course of next year.
Goodbye Windows, hopefully forever. Windows 7 was still pretty good though.
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For the European Economic Area, Microsoft dropped any some requirements to get extended security updates.
https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-10/major-backtrack-as-microsoft-makes-windows-10-extended-security-updates-free-for-an-extra-year-but-only-in-certain-markets
Edit: The article has been updated. Here's the old version for reference: https://web.archive.org/web/20250925140417/https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-10/major-backtrack-as-microsoft-makes-windows-10-extended-security-updates-free-for-an-extra-year-but-only-in-certain-markets
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to ensure it meets local expectations
Yeah, because the expectations in all the other world markets are coimpletely different...
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Update September 25, 14:58 EDT: In a follow-up statement after the article was published, Microsoft told BleepingComputer that EEA customers will only be able to get free Windows 10 extended security updates if they log in to Windows and enroll using a Microsoft account.
"Sign in to your PC with a Microsoft account (MSA) and stay signed in to receive ESU updates at no additional cost," a Microsoft spokesperson said. "If your MSA is not used to sign in for a period of up to 60 days, ESU updates will be discontinued, and you’ll need to re-enroll by signing in using the same MSA."
Source: BleepingComputer
So which one is it now? 'Dropped any requirements' or 'enroll using a Microsoft account'? Because having to use a MSA sure as hell is a requirement as far as I am concerned. I don't have one and I don't want one just to use my OS.
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I´m reading conflicting infos about that. Some sources say this is one of the requirements that got dropped, others are clearly stating its still required. I hope there will be some clarification about this in the next few days.
I personally switched to Linux a few month ago, but my girlfriends laptop still runs Windows 10. I'd be happy to get a few extra months leeway to make the switch, but not if it requires the MS-account.
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The latter apparently. Originally there were reports which said no account required, but seems it's necessary after all.
Old version of the article: https://web.archive.org/web/20250925140417/https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-10/major-backtrack-as-microsoft-makes-windows-10-extended-security-updates-free-for-an-extra-year-but-only-in-certain-markets
The script which I mentioned above also tries a local account according to the description:
https://github.com/abbodi1406/ConsumerESU?tab=readme-ov-file#design
But maybe this needs to be repeated every 60 days, if no MS account was used.
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Yeah, I did the script like a week ago. Works for now. We'll see how permanent this solution is.
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But maybe this needs to be repeated every 60 days, if no MS account was used.
What makes you say that?
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The previous quote by Calibr3:
"If your MSA is not used to sign in for a period of up to 60 days, ESU updates will be discontinued"
The question is, what happens if you enroll without MS account, i.e. never logging in. There could be a 60-day timer as well. But that's just speculation, so I wrote "maybe".
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📝
https://www.euroconsumers.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Letter-to-Windows.pdf
Microsoft schrapt eisen voor gratis extra jaar Windows 10-support in Europa - Tweakers
https://tweakers.net/nieuws/239564/microsoft-schrapt-eisen-voor-gratis-extra-jaar-windows-10-support-in-europa.html
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I love the EU's consumer-friendly approach by law and their willingness to sue big companies for encroaching on it.
Would customers from the rest of the world be able to download the security updates by using a VPN?
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Gamer Nexus is gonna make a large vídeo on this matter since there's many good hardware that is being forced to Win11 or being thrown to the trash bin. Boy It's gonna be good.
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"Windows 10's support lifecycle will end on October 14, 2025. Users have just one year left of free support and security updates for Windows 10.
Microsoft recommends that all Windows 10 users upgrade to Windows 11, or they will have to pay for security updates on Windows 10 beyond its end-of-support date.
The death of Windows 10 is now fast approaching. We have just one year left of free support and security updates before Microsoft pulls the plug, meaning everyone still running Windows 10 should now be thinking about an exit strategy ahead of October 14, 2025. Whether you're a business managing hundreds of Windows PCs or a home user with just one computer, it's time to consider your options for what's next.
But why is Microsoft ending support for Windows 10, and is there anything you can do to stay on it beyond its end-of-support date? This article will explain everything you need to know about the end of the support life cycle for Windows 10 and the many options you have as an end user to remain secure and supported beyond October 14, 2025.
Windows 10 is now a legacy operating system in Microsoft's eyes. It was originally released in July 2015, making it over a decade old when support will finally end. While it's true that Microsoft kept Windows 10's core platform up to date for many years post-2015, it actually stopped with Windows 10's May 2020 Update, which was the last to deliver core platform updates before Windows 11.
That means even if you're running the latest version of Windows 10, you're running a core Windows platform release that's coming up to half a decade old. Microsoft has released three new versions of the Windows platform since then, all based on Windows 11. That means there are security and performance improvements under the hood that Windows 10 users are not benefitting from today.
If you simply don't like Windows 11 and want to stay on Windows 10 for as long as possible, there is a third option for you: Pay for support. Microsoft has announced that it will allow both commercial and consumer users to pay for continued support on Windows 10 for the first time ever.
For consumers, Microsoft will charge $30 for a single year of additional security updates. These updates will keep your Windows 10 PC secure until October 14, 2026. Consumers can only pay for extended support for one extra year. After October 2026, you will no longer be supported."
https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-10/psa-windows-10-has-entered-its-final-year-of-free-support
"Microsoft reiterates that it will not lower Windows 11 requirements — A TPM 2.0 compatible CPU remains "non-negotiable" for all future Windows versions."
https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows11/comments/1h6ia4a/microsoft_reiterates_that_it_will_not_lower/
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