Windows 11 upgrade

[JLS]

I have a Dell XPS laptop with windows 10 pro. I read that Microsoft will end support for windows 10 starting October 14, 2025. I ran a check to see if my laptop meets the system requirements for win 11 upgrade in pc health at a glance section. It said my laptop does not meet the win 11 system requirements. It stated that my processor (Intel Core i5 7200 CPU @ 2.5 GHz) is not supported. I assume I should not use my laptop after October 2025?

[fink]

Important software manufacturers like antivirus, security and related items will continue to support Win 10 for some time after that. Browsers will be updated, commonly used software programs will also continue to do so for at least a couple of years.

I would also bet that when the time approaches they'll extend support for at least another year or longer like they did with Windows 7 because so many people were still using it and did not want to be forced to upgrade.

And of course another option would be to switch to a Linux OS that will be up to date and will run on the laptop for likely quite a long time with no complaints.

Also worth noting is that there are still a number of ongoing and reliable ways to even keep Windows 7 security up to date. One distributor of the Win 7 updates is Majorgeeks popular computer software site that has links to download the extended release packs and seem to be legally doing so.

[JLS]

Hi, Fink. That is good to hear. I appreciate your detailed reply. Thanks again!

[jdc2000]

Windows 10 paid support will be available for another 3 years.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/want-t...-it-will-cost/



It is also possible to install Windows 11 on "unsupported" hardware.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to...st-any-old-pc/

https://www.zdnet.com/article/micros...rted-hardware/

[ferari458]

Hi! Don't worry, you don't have to stop using your laptop after October 2025. Microsoft will end support for Windows 10, but that doesn't mean your laptop will suddenly stop working. You can still use it, but you won't receive security updates or support from Microsoft. If you're concerned about security, you could consider upgrading to a newer laptop that meets the Windows 11 system requirements or exploring alternative operating systems.

[masonjava]

You can still use your laptop with no worries, just like some governaments stil use Windows XP after a decade of not supporting it anymore.

[druggas1954]

Windows 10 paid support will be available for another 3 years.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/want-t...-it-will-cost/



It is also possible to install Windows 11 on "unsupported" hardware.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to...st-any-old-pc/

https://www.zdnet.com/article/micros...rted-hardware/

I updated to Win11 and I am surprised how easy it was. My computers are old Dells too.

[mathewp]

After October 2025, your laptop will not only “stop working " but also become less secure over time. Weigh the risks and your usage needs, then pick whichever route makes the most sense.

[Steve R Jones]

After October 2025, your laptop will not only “stop working " but also become less secure over time. Weigh the risks and your usage needs, then pick whichever route makes the most sense.

Please repeat that and answer this:

How does an operating system “stop working" AND become less secure over time??