Windows 10 support ends October 2025; upgrade advised

Windows 10, a popular and stable operating system, will soon reach its end of support. Microsoft will stop regular updates in October 2025. After that, users can only receive security updates through a paid program. Many people are facing the decision to upgrade to Windows 11, but the process may not be as daunting as it seems. Before upgrading, users should check if their computers meet Windows 11’s requirements. They can do this by installing available updates in Windows 10 or using the PC Health Check program. The basic requirements include a 64-bit processor, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage. Higher processor specs are necessary since the release of version 24H2. Backing up data is also crucial before upgrading. A clone backup will allow users to return to Windows 10 if something goes wrong with the installation. Various programs can help create these backups. Users should ensure that their backup is functional before proceeding. When it comes to upgrading, users have two main options: updating the current version or performing a fresh installation. An update can be quicker and simpler since it keeps existing programs and settings. However, a fresh install may improve performance and reduce bugs. A solid backup is essential no matter which method is chosen. For those opting to update, using Windows Update in Settings is the easiest approach. If users do not see the update option, they can download an ISO file to install Windows 11 manually. During the installation, they can choose to keep files, programs, and settings, or just personal files. If users wish to clean their computers, a fresh installation is a good choice. This involves reformatting the disk and starting from scratch. A complete backup is vital, and the installation media can be created using Microsoft’s tools. Once Windows 11 is installed, users will notice several changes. The Start menu has a new layout, and the taskbar behaves differently by not showing multiple windows as separate icons. Users can revert some settings back to their previous styles if preferred. Features such as the Action Center have been removed, replaced with new notification views. The Windows Store has improved, offering more programs than before. Additionally, Microsoft’s old assistant Cortana has been replaced with an AI chatbot called Copilot. If users face issues after upgrading, there is an option to roll back to Windows 10 directly in Settings. However, if the option is unavailable, restoring from a backup will be necessary. Overall, while the transition might seem challenging, upgrading to Windows 11 can enhance the user experience and ensure continued support from Microsoft.