Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 in 2025 — which means security updates have stopped coming. That doesn’t mean everyone should jump straight to Win11. Here’s when to do it and when not to.
When to move to Windows 11
You have a newer computer (2019 or later):
- Intel 8th generation CPU or newer (i3/i5/i7/i9-8xxx and up)
- AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer
- TPM 2.0 module (most machines from 2018 on)
- 8GB+ RAM
- An SSD (NOT an HDD)
If that describes your machine, Win11 gives you:
- Security updates that keep coming (Win10 gets none)
- Better support for new games (DirectStorage)
- Android apps (through WSA — but Microsoft is shutting this down in 2025!)
- Better productivity (Snap layouts, Widgets)
When NOT to move
An older computer:
- CPU older than 8th generation (i5-6xxx, i7-7xxx)
- No TPM 2.0
- Less than 8GB of RAM
- You use old software that may not run (an accounting package from the 2010s, say)
Technically you CAN force the Win11 install — there is a registry trick — but Microsoft guarantees neither stability nor future updates.
What to do if you’re staying on Win10
- Extended Security Updates (ESU) — Microsoft sells one extra year of support for $30. Worth it if you have to hold out a bit longer.
- 0patch — a third-party service that writes small patches for Win10 vulnerabilities. Around $25 a year. Handy for home use.
- Disable Microsoft account sync — keep to local files and use OneDrive separately.
- A browser that still gets updates — Chrome, Firefox and Edge keep updating on Win10 until 2028.
Linux as an option
If the machine won’t take Win11 and all you use is a browser plus Office:
- Linux Mint — the closest thing to Windows in look and feel. Costs next to nothing if you install it yourself.
- Office Online in a browser works perfectly well (free)
- LibreOffice is a drop-in replacement for desktop Office
We do the switch to Linux Mint for 5,000 RSD (files moved over and the machine set up). An old computer gets a second life.
Our recommendation, by situation
- You have a newer computer: move to Win11. With us: clean install + drivers + basic programs = 5,000 RSD.
- Older, but you’ll use it for another year or two: stay on Win10 with 0patch.
- Older and you’d rather not buy a new one: Linux Mint, and you’ll get another 3–5 years out of it.
- Older and you use one specific professional program all day: it may be time for a new computer.
The consultation is free — by phone or by dropping into the shop.