Users With 240 Million Windows Versions Have Been Given the Decision to Upgrade
Get ready to make a move, folks! Microsoft's got some 240 million Windows users in a bind, with their systems losing all security support and no more free upgrade options in sight. Yep, that means no more updates for you, poor souls! But what's the solution? Microsoft's got a suggestion: upgrading to a secure Windows 11 PC, specifically a Copilot+ model.
But here's the kicker: while 500 million Windows 10 users can still snag a free Windows 11 upgrade, the rest of you are likely facing an expensive PC upgrade or the risk of heading into the security unknown. "Buy a secure Windows 11 Copilot+ PC, if you like," WindowsLatest advises, "but recycling or landfill might be a better choice for your fully-capable Windows 10 PC, according to Microsoft."
Feeling a bit the pits about dropping a wad of cash on a new PC? Don't fret: Microsoft's got links to shopping partners like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart to help you out. Just keep in mind, your old PC might not meet the system requirements for Windows 11, such as TPM 2.0[1].
If you do decide to upgrade, you'll also have to deal with the controversial Recall feature, which records everything you do to keep you motivated to apply security updates. Talk about data overload! As I mentioned earlier, if you enable Recall, remember you'll also be recording others' data[2].
Now, if forking out the dough for a new PC doesn't seem appealing, you've got some other options to consider. You can opt for Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU), which do require a subscription. Busy businesses or those reluctant to upgrade their hardware might find these a viable alternative[3][4].
For those who want to steer clear of additional costs, upgrading or replacing hardware may be necessary, but be warned: not all older PCs can meet the requirements for the newer Windows versions due to compatibility issues with CPU or TPM[3][5].
But hey, if you're feeling crafty, there are community-developed workarounds to bypass Windows 11 compatibility checks, although these might not be officially supported by Microsoft[3]. If all else fails, check out the Windows 10 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) versions for longer-term security support[2]. And remember, third-party security solutions can provide a stopgap measure to address some of the risks[2].
Ultimately, it's up to you to weigh the costs, risks, and security needs to determine the best plan of action. Now get moving! Your decision time is ticking!
Reference(s):- 1: Why Your Windows 10 PC May Not Get Windows 11: TPM 2.0 Explained- 2: Windows 10 LTSC: A Practical Guide- 3: Windows 10 TPM 2.0: How It Affects Your Upgrade to Windows 11- 4: Windows 10 Extended Security Updates- 5: Why Windows 10 Support is Ending and What to Do About It
- Microsoft is warning 500 million Windows 10 users about the end of support for their operating system, suggesting they consider upgrading to Windows 11, but this upgrade comes with a potential risk of high costs or incompatibility issues with their current PCs.
- Microsoft's warning about the end of support for Windows 10 and lack of free upgrade options to Windows 11 could lead to increased security risks for those who don't upgrade, which is a significant concern for the 240 million users affected.
- If the Windows 11 Copilot+ PC seems too expensive, Microsoft suggests considering recycling or landfill for your fully-capable Windows 10 PC, but users should be aware that their PC might not meet the system requirements for Windows 11, such as TPM 2.0.
