Berlin (dpa) — As the summer of 2015 fades into memory, so too does the era of Windows 10. Microsoft has announced that on October 14, it will officially discontinue support for this operating system, marking the end of an era for millions of users worldwide. While the software will continue to function post-deadline, the absence of free updates raises significant concerns regarding security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals.
Understanding the Transition
For those still navigating the Windows 10 landscape, the transition to Windows 11 is not just advisable; it’s essential. Users may have noticed frequent prompts urging them to upgrade, a gentle nudge from Microsoft to ensure they remain protected. To determine whether your current system is equipped for this upgrade, a simple check can be performed: right-click the Windows icon in the bottom left corner, select “System,” and inspect the “Windows Specifications/Edition” section.
Check Compatibility
To ascertain compatibility with Windows 11, Microsoft provides the PC Health Check app. If it’s not readily available in your search results, downloading and installing it is the next step. Windows 11 comes with a set of stringent hardware requirements, including a modern processor, a minimum of 4 GB of RAM, and a TPM 2.0 security chip. The health check will confirm whether your device meets these criteria.
If your device falls short, there are often straightforward solutions. For instance, if the issue is insufficient RAM or a disabled TPM chip, these can typically be rectified by upgrading hardware or adjusting settings in the computer’s firmware (UEFI/BIOS). Accessing these settings usually involves holding down a specific key during startup—common keys include ESC, DEL, F1, F2, F10, F11, or F12, depending on the manufacturer.
After making the necessary adjustments, running the health check again should reveal whether the upgrade to Windows 11 is now available under “Settings/Privacy and Security/Windows Update.”
Addressing Upgrade Challenges
If the upgrade option remains elusive, it may be due to the BIOS mode being set to Legacy instead of the required UEFI. This adjustment necessitates converting the Windows hard drive from Master Boot Record (MBR) to GUID Partition Table (GPT). This can be accomplished by entering “Command Prompt” in the Windows search box, right-clicking to “Run as administrator,” and executing the command mbr2gpt /convert /allowfullOS. Following this, reboot the computer, access the firmware settings, switch to UEFI mode, and run the health check once more.
Back Up Before You Upgrade
Prior to initiating any upgrade, it’s prudent to create a backup of your data on an external storage device. This precaution ensures that your information remains secure throughout the transition.
For those who have exhausted all options yet still find their systems incompatible with Windows 11, there are alternative paths. Some users have discovered methods to bypass Microsoft’s requirements, allowing them to update to Windows 11. While these machines currently receive security updates, feature updates must be installed manually. However, it’s important to note that Microsoft could cease updates for these unofficially compatible computers at any time, making this route suitable only for those who are prepared for potential challenges.
For individuals seeking a temporary reprieve from the impending deadline, Microsoft is offering an Extended Security Updates (ESU) option for (approximately €27), extending support for an additional year. This marks a notable shift, as previous support extensions were exclusively available to businesses.
