Dangers of Not Upgrading to Windows 11 After Windows 10 End of Service
By now, you've likely heard about the upcoming end of life for the beloved Windows 10. In case you missed the memo, Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14 2025. If you’re a Windows 10 user, there’s no need to panic yet, as there are several possible steps you can take to avoid the perils of not upgrading before that Gray Tuesday in October looming on the horizon finally arrives! Thankfully, there are several fixes, both short and long term that help you to properly prepare for the End of Service for Windows 10.
More on those later - first we’re going to cover the potential risks if you don’t upgrade to Windows 11, followed by how to upgrade, what to do if your computer can’t upgrade, as well as the temporary fix of extended Windows 10 service. We’ll finish by introducing a few top notch Windows 11 devices that you may want to consider if you decide to skip the kerfuffle of upgrading to Windows 11 on your old device and simply choose to buy a new laptop.
End of Service?
Before we get into the details of what could happen if you don’t upgrade Windows 10 to 11, let’s consider what End of Service (EOS) for an operating system (OS) actually means. EOS means that the developer, Microsoft in Windows’ case, will no longer provide official updates, security patches, and security support for the outdated version of the OS. As we mentioned above, the EOS for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025, a little over a decade after its first release in July 2015.
What happens if I don't upgrade to Windows 11?
Unfortunately, there’s a whole host of dangers that await you and your Windows 10 device if you choose to simply ignore the Windows 10 EOS:
1. Security vulnerabilities. Devices lacking TPM 2.0 will find themselves without hardware-based security updates. This means that you’ll be vulnerable to all of the latest, nastiest threats including viruses, ransomware, and malware. Much like leaving the keys in an unlocked car, unsupported systems are welcome targets for hackers, who find it easy to access your data.
2. Software compatibility issues. If the security risks weren’t enough to persuade you, and you’re still on the fence about upgrading, how about we throw increasing software compatibility issues into the mix? The latest software apps are always designed for the latest OS, and resultantly may not run correctly, or at all, on an outdated version of Windows. This also applies to existing programs, as they may no longer receive updates compatible with your system.
3. Loss of technical support. Sticking to Windows 10 will also mean that you lose access to official technical support from Microsoft. If you run into problems or system failures down the line, you won’t be able to get help from Microsoft troubleshooting resources or customer service. Without official channels of technical support, sorting any issues you encounter may become more challenging as you’ll need to rely on third party solutions and community forums. Without patches or updates for issues, your system may be left exposed to malware and operational challenges.
4. Decreased productivity and performance. As stated above, the latest applications and software updates are optimized for Windows 11 OS, meaning that older operating systems may have a hard time running them efficiently. This means longer load times, as well as slower processing speeds and even system crashes. You’ll also be without the new Windows 11 features and improvements, including improved multitasking and better overall performance.
5. Compliance/ regulatory risk. If your business decides to continue using an outdated Windows version, you may be exposed to compliance and regulatory risks. Depending on your industry, specific data security and privacy regulation standards such as GDPR or PCI DSS may have to be met. Running Windows 10 may leave you unable to comply with evolving regulations, which could lead to a whole other kettle of fish: legal consequences and fines.
What should you do to upgrade to Windows 11?
If your device supports the upgrade, then simply updating to Windows 11 is the best method to keep your system safe and sound. The caveat is that your PC must meet the following minimum system requirements in order to upgrade:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster with at least 2 cores on a compatible 64-bit processor. The processor must be on Microsoft’s list of approved CPUs.
- RAM: 4 GB or more.
- Storage: 64 GB and above
- System Firmware: UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability.
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 is required.
- GPU: Your graphics card must be compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
- Display: A high-definition (720p) display that is greater than 9 inches diagonally and supports 8 bits per color channel.
- Internet Connectivity and Microsoft Account: For Windows 11 Home edition, an internet connection and a Microsoft account are required to complete the setup on first use.
- Current Windows Version: Your device must be running Windows 10, version 2004 or later, to upgrade via Windows Update.
What if my computer can't upgrade to Windows 11?
If your device doesn’t quite cut the mustard and you’re unable to upgrade, then you essentially have two options:
1. Pay for extended Windows 10 service. You can buy extended security updates to help you prepare for the inevitable transition to Windows 11. ESUs are not a long term solution, and they do not include new features or non-security fixes, or design change requests. Take note that the ESU price doubles every year, for a maximum of three years.
2. Invest in a new device. If you’re unable to upgrade to Windows 11, then purchasing a new computer pre-installed with Windows 11 could be a smart idea that also future-proofs you for a while! If you’re in the market for a new device, be sure to check out the Acer Aspire range of versatile, feature packed laptops, including Copilot+ PCs. Business users may choose to opt for a laptop from the TravelMate family: lightweight, durable devices designed to help you win at work.
Final thoughts on Windows 10 End of Service
We hope that you’ve enjoyed today’s informative adventure into the dangers of failing to upgrade to Windows 11 after October 14, 2025. Be sure to note that date in your calendar! Whatever you decide to do, ensure that you’ve upgraded to Windows 11, paid for Windows 10 extended service, or even bought a new Windows 11 device before October 14!
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Edmund is an English copywriter based in New Taipei City, Taiwan. He is a widely published writer and translator with two decades of experience in the field of bridging linguistic and cultural gaps between Chinese and English.
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