upgrade pathways

Microsoft has outlined two pathways for transitioning to Windows 11: upgrading existing PCs or purchasing new hardware. After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 users will only receive security updates through Microsoft's Extended Security Updates, which cost £24 annually. The minimum system requirements for Windows 11 include a TPM 2.0 chip, and while many Windows 10 PCs may meet these criteria, Microsoft has clarified that users can still upgrade to Windows 11 even if their devices do not meet the specified requirements. However, installing Windows 11 on incompatible hardware is not recommended, as it may lead to compatibility issues and lack of updates. During installation, users will see a disclaimer about potential issues and a watermark will appear on the desktop for devices that do not meet the requirements. Users can revert back to Windows 10 by going to Settings > System > Recovery and selecting the “Go back” option. Microsoft is prompting Windows 10 users with alerts to upgrade to Windows 11 and recommending the purchase of new devices.