incompatible hardware Archives

Winsage

November 12, 2025

This Trick WIll Let ‘Incompatible’ Windows 10 PCs Upgrade to Windows 11

Microsoft officially ceased support for Windows 10 as of October, although users can still receive security updates for an additional year. Many computers do not meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, but some may still be compatible with adjustments to settings. Users can check compatibility using Microsoft's PC Health Check app and may need to enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 in the BIOS. UEFI should be enabled instead of legacy BIOS mode for compatibility. If compatibility issues persist, adding a TPM module may enhance compatibility for certain motherboards. Upgrading to Windows 11 is advisable for computers six years old or newer due to security vulnerabilities in unsupported systems.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

Windows 10 PC can’t be upgraded? You have 5 options – and must act now

Windows 10 reached its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, concluding monthly security updates for over 1 billion PCs. Users with incompatible devices cannot upgrade to Windows 11 via Windows Update and are advised to purchase new hardware. Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10 on a subscription basis for three years post end-of-support, with costs varying for consumers, educational institutions, and businesses. Users can also consider buying new PCs, renting a virtual PC through Windows 365, upgrading incompatible hardware to Windows 11 using specific methods, switching to a Linux distribution or ChromeOS Flex, or continuing to use Windows 10 without support, which poses security risks.

Winsage

October 10, 2025

Can’t upgrade your Windows 10 PC? You have 5 days left

Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025, with no extensions or changes to hardware requirements. Users have several options: 1. Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10 on a subscription basis for up to three years, with varying costs based on user type. 2. Users can purchase new PCs or rent a virtual PC through Windows 365, which includes extended security updates. 3. There are methods to bypass compatibility restrictions to upgrade incompatible hardware to Windows 11, though this may carry risks. 4. Users can switch to alternative operating systems like Linux or ChromeOS Flex, which may be suitable for older hardware but may not support specific Windows software. 5. Continuing to use an unsupported operating system poses security risks, and while some may use third-party antivirus solutions, this approach is not advisable for business-critical systems.

Winsage

October 9, 2025

Global PC Shipments Surge 9.4% in Q3 2025 on Windows 10 End

Global personal computer shipments increased by 9.4% year-over-year in the third quarter of 2025, reaching nearly 76 million units, according to IDC. This growth is attributed to the impending end of support for Microsoft’s Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, prompting upgrades to Windows 11. Corporate refresh cycles, especially in the education and enterprise sectors, are driving this demand. Regions like Asia and Japan experienced double-digit growth, while North America reported weaker results due to trade tensions and proposed tariffs. Many devices are incompatible with Windows 11, necessitating replacements. Major manufacturers like Lenovo, HP, and Dell benefited from this trend, while smaller vendors faced challenges. The transition to Windows 11 is also influencing software development and peripheral markets, with a focus on AI-integrated features. Industry insiders anticipate continued momentum into 2026, although geopolitical factors may affect growth. Critics highlight concerns about electronic waste and the potential for functional Windows 10 machines to be discarded.

Winsage

October 8, 2025

Can’t upgrade your Windows 10 PC? You have 1 week left

The end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025. Microsoft will not extend support or change hardware requirements. Users can sign up for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for an additional year after the end-of-support date, with costs varying for consumers, educational institutions, and businesses. Users are encouraged to buy new PCs or rent virtual PCs through Windows 365. There are methods to bypass compatibility checks for Windows 11 on existing machines, but this may void warranties. Users can also switch to Linux or ChromeOS Flex, though this requires technical expertise. Continuing to use an unsupported operating system poses security risks, and while third-party solutions exist, they are not recommended for critical systems. After the end-of-support date, all editions of Windows 10 will no longer receive technical support or security updates.

Winsage

September 24, 2025

Can’t upgrade your Windows 10 PC? You have 5 options – and 3 weeks to act

The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, with no changes to hardware requirements. Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESUs) on a subscription basis, with educational institutions paying a low cost for the first year, escalating in subsequent years, while businesses face higher costs. Consumers can access security updates for an additional year at a list price, which can be offset using Microsoft Rewards points. Users have several options: sign up for ESUs, buy a new PC or rent a virtual PC, upgrade incompatible hardware to Windows 11, switch to a Linux distribution or ChromeOS Flex, or continue using Windows 10 unsupported. After the end-of-support date, users will no longer receive security updates or technical support, increasing vulnerability to exploits.

Winsage

September 15, 2025

Can’t upgrade your Windows 10 PC? You have 5 options – and just weeks to act

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ceasing technical support, security updates, and reliability fixes. Users will have several options, including: 1. Extended Security Updates (ESUs): Available on a subscription basis for up to three years, with varying costs for educational institutions and businesses. 2. Buying a New PC or Renting a Virtual PC: Users can opt to purchase new hardware or rent a virtual PC through Windows 365. 3. Upgrading Incompatible Hardware to Windows 11: Users can bypass compatibility checks to upgrade systems, though this carries risks. 4. Transitioning to Linux or ChromeOS Flex: Users may choose to switch to a different operating system. 5. Continuing to Use Windows 10: Some may decide to ignore the end-of-support deadline, which poses security risks.

Winsage

July 17, 2025

Windows 10’s end of life looms. A security pro dissects your only options

Windows 10 will reach its end of life in October, leading to concerns about security vulnerabilities for users who continue using the platform without support. Users can purchase a year of additional security updates as a temporary solution. Security expert Mike advises against forcing Windows 11 on incompatible hardware and relying on third-party patches for Windows 10. He recommends considering alternative operating systems, such as Linux or ChromeOS Flex for compatible devices. Mike shares insights on online security in a video discussion, and users are encouraged to subscribe to PCWorld’s YouTube channel for updates and tips.

Winsage

July 11, 2025

Can’t upgrade your Windows 10 PC? You have 5 options and 3 months to act

The end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will no longer provide technical support, security, or reliability fixes. Users can continue using Windows 10 without updates at their own risk, buy new PCs or rent virtual PCs through Windows 365, switch to a Linux distribution or ChromeOS Flex, sign up for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued security updates, or attempt to upgrade incompatible hardware to Windows 11 through specific methods.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Can’t upgrade your Windows 10 PC? Here are your options before it all ends in 3 months

The official end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025, as per Microsoft's Modern Lifecycle Policy. The final version, 22H2, will receive security updates until that date, after which users will not have technical support or security fixes. Users can choose to continue using Windows 10 without upgrades, buy a new PC that meets Windows 11 requirements, switch to a Linux distribution or ChromeOS Flex, pay Microsoft for Extended Security Updates (ESUs), or upgrade incompatible hardware to Windows 11 using documented methods. Microsoft will offer ESUs for Windows 10 at a cost, with reduced rates for educational institutions and higher prices for business customers. Individual consumers can subscribe for continued security updates until October 2026.