Windows 10 support has ended: can your PC run Windows 11?

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. Your computer keeps working, but it no longer receives free security updates, which steadily increases the risk from viruses and malware.

The good news: on an eligible device, upgrading from Windows 10 Home or Pro to the equivalent edition of Windows 11 is free. The bad news: Windows 11 sets a high hardware bar — TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot and an approved processor are all mandatory.

This guide first shows you how to measure your PC's eligibility using official tools, then how to upgrade safely. If your machine turns out to be ineligible, you will also find a neutral rundown of what is left: Extended Security Updates, a new device, or a different operating system.

1. Confirm your Windows 10 version Right-click Start and go to <strong>Settings → System → About</strong>, then read the <strong>Version</strong> line under "Windows specifications". You can see the same thing by pressing Windows key + R and typing <code>winver</code>. The version should be <strong>22H2</strong>: both the Windows 11 upgrade path and the Extended Security Updates programme require it. If you are on something older, install every pending update from Windows Update first.
2. Run the PC Health Check app for a one-shot verdict Type "PC Health Check" into the taskbar search box. If the app is not installed, download it from <code>aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp</code> and install it. Open it and press <strong>Check now</strong>; it tells you in one screen whether your device meets the Windows 11 minimum requirements and, if not, exactly which requirement fails. Write the result down, because the next steps fix those items one by one.
3. Check whether you have TPM 2.0 Press Windows key + R, type <code>tpm.msc</code> and press Enter. In the window that opens, confirm the <strong>Specification Version</strong> line reads <strong>2.0</strong>. The same information is available under <strong>Windows Security → Device security → Security processor details</strong>. If you get a "Compatible TPM cannot be found" message, the chip is usually present but switched off in firmware — you will enable it in step 5.
4. Check Secure Boot and BIOS mode Press Windows key + R, type <code>msinfo32</code> and press Enter. In the <strong>System Information</strong> window, look at two lines on the <strong>System Summary</strong> page: <strong>Secure Boot State</strong> should read "On" and <strong>BIOS Mode</strong> should read <strong>UEFI</strong>. If BIOS Mode says "Legacy" (also called CSM), Secure Boot cannot be turned on; you must first switch the boot mode to UEFI following your manufacturer's instructions.
5. Turn on what is disabled from the UEFI settings Go to <strong>Settings → Update & Security → Recovery</strong> and press <strong>Restart now</strong> under "Advanced startup". On the blue screen choose <strong>Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings → Restart</strong>. In your manufacturer's firmware screen, enable TPM and Secure Boot, usually found under a "Security" or "Trusted Computing" heading. The setting name varies by brand: you may see "Security Device", "PTT" (Intel) or "fTPM" (AMD).
6. Compare your processor against the official list Windows 11 is only supported on approved processors, and the CPU is the most common sticking point. Get the exact processor name from the "Processor" line in <strong>Settings → System → About</strong>. Then check Microsoft Learn's official lists: <code>learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/minimum/supported/windows-11-supported-intel-processors</code> and the AMD page in the same folder. If your chip is not listed, your device is not officially supported — jump to step 10.
7. Back up before you upgrade The upgrade normally keeps your files, but never start without a backup. Open Windows Backup from <strong>Settings → Accounts → Windows backup</strong>; it saves your folders, settings, many installed apps and Wi-Fi details to your Microsoft account. Keeping this on has a second benefit: if your PC turns out to be ineligible and you need ESU, syncing your PC settings is exactly what qualifies you for the no-extra-cost option. Also copy irreplaceable photos and documents to an external drive.
8. Upgrade through Windows Update Go to <strong>Start → Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update</strong> and press <strong>Check for updates</strong>. If your device is eligible, a notice appears saying the upgrade to Windows 11 is ready; press <strong>Download and install</strong> and wait. The PC restarts several times on its own during installation, so do not unplug it. If Windows Update never offers the upgrade, you can use the official <strong>Windows 11 Installation Assistant</strong> from <code>microsoft.com/software-download/windows11</code>.
9. Roll back within 10 days if you dislike it If you hit driver or software problems on Windows 11, the door back is open. Go to <strong>Settings → System → Recovery</strong> and use <strong>Go back</strong>. In most cases this option is available for <strong>10 days</strong> after the upgrade; your personal files stay, while apps and settings added after the upgrade are removed. Once the window closes, a clean install is the only route back, so test everything in those first 10 days.
10. Weigh your options if the PC is ineligible Option one is Extended Security Updates (ESU): click the enrolment link that appears in <strong>Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update</strong>, and your device keeps receiving critical and important security updates only, through <strong>12 October 2027</strong>. You can enrol in one of three ways: at no additional cost if you sync your PC settings, by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or with a one-time purchase of 30 USD (local currency equivalent plus tax); one licence covers up to 10 devices. Option two is buying a new Windows 11 PC; option three is moving to a free Linux distribution such as Ubuntu or Linux Mint. Forcing Windows 11 onto unsupported hardware is a route Microsoft does not recommend: a watermark appears on the desktop, updates are not guaranteed, and resulting damage is not covered by the manufacturer warranty.

⚠ This guide is general information. Yudum cannot be held responsible for the outcome of following it; for official procedures always rely on the institution's own statement. Steps and fees change over time.

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