Windows 11 upgrade Archives

Winsage

November 26, 2025

Your Windows 11 upgrade not working? Try my 5 favorite troubleshooting tricks

When upgrading to Windows 11 on older hardware, users may encounter frustrating error codes and messages. To resolve upgrade issues, it is recommended to: 1. Ensure all necessary driver and firmware/BIOS updates are installed, as many users have found success after addressing these updates. 2. Check Microsoft's Windows release information dashboard for known issues related to the upgrade, as there may be temporary compatibility blocks that can be bypassed by updating or uninstalling incompatible software. 3. Restart the upgrade process after checking for pending updates, uninstalling unnecessary software, and disconnecting non-essential peripherals. Selecting "Not right now" for update downloads can help minimize complications. 4. Search for specific error codes and messages online, using reliable sources like Reddit or Microsoft for potential solutions. 5. Utilize the SetupDiag tool to analyze Windows log files for detailed reports on upgrade failures, which can help identify the causes of issues. This involves downloading the tool, creating a specific folder, and running commands in an elevated command prompt to generate a readable report.

Winsage

November 17, 2025

You can still get free Windows 10 security patches – here’s how until October 2026

This month's Windows updates will roll out automatically on Patch Tuesday, November 11. Official support for Windows 10 has concluded, meaning PCs running this operating system with default settings will no longer receive essential monthly security updates from Microsoft. Microsoft has introduced options for users to continue receiving critical security updates until October 2026. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 consumer PCs are available for free enrollment, particularly for those who do not qualify for a free Windows 11 upgrade. ESU coverage begins immediately and extends through October 13, 2026, for personal devices. Users must sign in with a Microsoft account to activate the subscription, which can be applied to up to ten PCs. The ESU subscription is available for personal Windows 10 PCs running version 22H2, excluding Enterprise and Education editions. Users in Europe qualify for free ESU subscriptions without needing a Microsoft account. Enrollment can be initiated through the Settings menu under Windows Update. Enterprise customers are not eligible for free ESU options and must pay a fee starting at per device per year. If the ESU offer does not appear, users should ensure all requirements are met, including the installation of the latest updates for Windows 10, version 22H2. Users should be cautious of the default 5GB storage limit on OneDrive when syncing settings to the cloud.

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

November 5, 2025

Elegant design and refined performance — with Windows 10 retired, this is your perfect Windows 11 upgrade

The Dell Inspiron Copilot 14-inch Laptop (Snapdragon X) is currently available at Best Buy for .99, reflecting a 44% discount as part of an early Black Friday sale. It features a 60Hz refresh rate, 1920 x 1200 HD screen resolution, 512GB of storage, 28 hours of battery life, 16GB of RAM, and a Snapdragon X (X1-26-100) processor with a base clock frequency of 2.5 GHz. The laptop is designed for productivity and casual browsing, and its design emphasizes portability. The early Black Friday sales event at Best Buy runs until November 9, 2025.

Winsage

November 2, 2025

Developer warns users that fake download site is hosting Windows 11 upgrade bypass tool — Win 10 upgraders warned of potential malicious downloads

Flyoobe is a third-party tool that helps users upgrade to Windows 11 on unsupported systems by bypassing system requirements and offering customization options. It allows users to remove AI functionalities and unwanted applications. However, there is a security concern regarding a potentially harmful version of Flyoobe being circulated from an unofficial site, flyoobe.net, which the developer warns may contain malware. Users are advised to download Flyoobe only from the official GitHub releases to ensure safety.

Winsage

October 24, 2025

Microsoft said my PC was ‘too old’ to run Windows 11 – how I upgraded in 5 minutes anyway

Microsoft has officially ceased support for Windows 10, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11. Many PCs running Windows 10 face challenges due to Microsoft's eligibility requirements, particularly the need for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Users with systems that do not meet this requirement can still find workarounds to upgrade. A method using the third-party program Rufus allows users with PCs manufactured around 2020 and functioning well to bypass the TPM requirement. To upgrade, users need an empty USB thumb drive with at least 8GB of storage and can follow a specific set of steps involving downloading Rufus and the Windows 11 ISO, configuring Rufus, and initiating the installation.

Winsage

October 16, 2025

Microsoft said my PC can’t run Windows 11, but I upgraded in 5 minutes anyway

The author built a desktop in 2020 with an Asus motherboard and Intel Core i9-9900 CPU, which are still performing well in 2025. The motherboard lacks a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0, making it ineligible for the Windows 11 upgrade. Microsoft has been urging users to purchase new PCs as Windows 10 support ended on October 14. However, there are workarounds to upgrade incompatible PCs to Windows 11, including a method using the third-party program Rufus. The process involves ten steps: downloading Rufus, obtaining the Windows 11 ISO, preparing a USB drive, and initiating the installation while bypassing the TPM requirement.

Winsage

October 14, 2025

Yes, Microsoft Offers Free Windows 11 Upgrade—Check Your PC Now

Users are upgrading to Windows 11 as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-life, with its market share dropping below 35%. Windows 11 requires specific minimum hardware requirements, which can be checked using the PC Health Check tool. If a device is not compatible, Microsoft suggests purchasing a new Windows 11 device. Microsoft offers a free 12-month security support extension for those unable to upgrade, with enrollment in the Extended Security Update (ESU) program open until October 2026. Users can enroll in the ESU for Windows 10 and later upgrade to Windows 11 within the next year if their hardware is eligible. Windows 11 has enhanced safety and security features, but around 500 million PCs still run Windows 10. There are reports of issues with the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool, and users are advised to download the Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) as a workaround. It is recommended to back up files during this transition period.

Winsage

October 13, 2025

Microsoft breaks Media Creation Tool on the eve of Windows 10 end-of-life — company confirms Windows 11 upgrade tool ‘might not work as expected’, outlines alternatives

Microsoft has acknowledged a glitch in the latest version of the Windows Media Creation Tool (MCT), causing unexpected closures without error messages. This issue arises as Windows 10 approaches its end of life (EOL) on October 14, after which devices running Windows 10 will no longer receive updates or support. Additionally, the Windows 11 MCT may not function properly on Windows 10 systems. Users can download the Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) from Microsoft's official page, but must ensure their systems meet the minimum specifications for the upgrade. Alternatives such as Linux are also suggested for users hesitant to transition to Windows 11.

Winsage

October 12, 2025

Microsoft accidentially breaks Windows 10 to Windows 11 upgrade using MCT ahead EOL

Microsoft's Windows 11 Media Creation Tool (MCT) is currently malfunctioning on Windows 10 systems, preventing users from upgrading to Windows 11. The latest version of the MCT, released on September 29, 2025, closes unexpectedly without error messages. Microsoft is aware of the issue and is working on a solution. Users can still upgrade to Windows 11 via the Windows Update method or by downloading the Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) from the Microsoft download page. To check compatibility for Windows 11, users can use the PC Health Check app. Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025, but users can extend security updates until October 13, 2026, through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Enrollment in the ESU program requires a Microsoft account, and different rules apply for users in the EU regarding the enrollment process.