Windows 10 upgrade

Should I upgrade?

At this point, November 2026, the reasons for not upgrading are fading fast. I am personally loathed to dispose of something which is working perfectly well.

If you have a particular application which will not work with Windows 11 then, obviously, there is no need to upgrade. Keep your AV (not Microsoft’s) up to date.

If your Windows 10 computer is needed to run something and the computer is never going to go on line then there really is no reason to upgrade till the computer itself fails.

Reasons to upgrade

We already know, Microsoft is no longer supporting Windows 10. That’s the first reason.

Windows 10 machines are probably coming to the end of their life any way.

You may also need to upgrade to ensure your systems are insured. Some insurance company’s will insist that your hardware must all have up to date software.

Next, there may be legal implications if someone claims that they are not adequately protected. Or there may be a member of staff with a legal issue and may refer to the lack of updated software as some sort of evidence.

Better security – secure boot, virtualization based security, core isolation, smart app control and uses TPM 2.0 on approved hardware.

Supposedly better multitasking. Don’t really think anyone would notice this.

Resource management which helps slower processors look like slightly better processors.

AI integration like a new version of notepad, Clipchamp and a fer other things.

Upgrade your current PC

If your existing PC will not run Windows 11, then you could attempt to upgrade it.

My personal recommendation would be to make sure it has 8GB RAM and also get the hard disk drive checked. Windows 11 will work with 8GB but 16GB is more desirable.

If your existing PC will not run Windows 11, and you have to have Windows 11 running, then you will need to replace it.

Run Windows 11 on unsupported hardware

Yes, it is possible to force a Windows 11 install on non-supported hardware

Microsoft will not officially provide technical or trouble shooting help but they do not consider this to be illegal – making this a poplar option if you have a decent PC. We can do this and will verify that there are no hardware issues (network card failure, Video card support, certain types of USB support, etc..).

To ensure a clean and safe installation, we only use a genuine Windows 11 installation ISO for the installation. Our Windows 11 installation includes, taking a full backup of the existing hard disk, wiping it and carrying a bare metal installation. We then re install what applications we can and then we restore your data.

Where possible, we also update the BIOS firmware of the motherboard and any other firmware needed on the computer – which can help with compatibility and stability.

If you do not opt for a new hard disk drive, we will take an exact image of your old hard disk for restoration if you need it. These backups are usually retained for about 6 months.

Replace your PC

If your current PC is not Windows 11 compatible then there is a good chance it is very old anyway.

The usual process for replacing your PC is to get the data backed up, extract any licences for software and ensure you have the software you need to install on its replacement.

The new PC should have 8GB to16GB of memory and at least 256GB hard Disk space. Check with any software vendors you have for processor and any other component recommendations. Whatever they say, I recommend stepping it up a bit if possible. It’s a new PC so it must last. Also, your monitor may only have an analogue video connector so you might need an HDMI or DisplayPort to analogue video cable.

For more information on Microsoft website click https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/windows-11-specifications?r=1#table1.

Retain your old PC for a few months before having the HDD securely erased. Then have the PC disposed of according to WEEE waste regulations. We can do this for you.