Still Running Windows 10 and Can't Upgrade? Here Are Your Top Options
Not sure whether your current device is compatible with Windows 11? There are a few different ways to check. The simplest is to go to Start, then click Settings. Once in the Settings menu, select Update & Security then click Windows Update to see if you're able to update to the latest version on Windows.
Microsoft also has a list of Windows 11 system requirements that you can refer to if you're not sure whether or not your computer can upgrade. Requirements include 4GB of RAM, 64GB or more of storage and a 1GHz or faster processor. These hardware requirements are the most common reasons that a PC may not be able to upgrade to Windows 11. If that's the case, you have several different options. Below, you can find the best options to consider if your computer cannot be upgraded to Windows 11.
Read more: Best Laptops of 2025
Upgrade your PC
You could use this deadline as a good reason to upgrade to a new computer. Microsoft recently released a couple of cheaper, lighter Microsoft Surface laptops that are joining Microsoft's Copilot Plus PC lineup. Going this route also means Windows 11 will already be installed and ready to go. If you need help finding the right upgrade, check out our list of the best Windows laptops of 2025.
Of course, upgrading your computer is not the most cost-effective solution. If your laptop is slowing down or you were already eyeing an upgrade, this option is worth considering, but if not, you may want to hang on to your current computer for a bit longer and try one of the other solutions on this list.
Pay for extended security updates
Microsoft actually isn't fully doing away with Windows 10 updates, but you will have to pay for them going forward. Microsoft previously announced that it will offer extended security updates (ESU). Enrolling in the ESU program will give you access to critical security updates for Windows 10. Though you won't receive updates for new features or bug fixes, and Microsoft will not offer technical support if you run into any challenges on your Windows 10 PC.
The ESU program is primarily targeted at businesses and institutions using Windows for commercial use or educational purposes, but this year, Microsoft will be rolling out a consumer version. The consumer plan is a one-year option priced at $30. Microsoft reports that program enrollment will open closer to Oct. 14.
This option is certainly cheaper than upgrading your laptop and far less risky than ignoring the end-of-support deadline and using an unsupported OS, so it's worth considering if you'd like to keep your old laptop for a bit longer.
Ditch Windows in favor of another operating system
The display screen on Zorin OS set to a ChromeOS desktop layout.
Screenshot by Kaylyn McKenna/CNET
Windows 11 isn't the only operating system available for PCs. Linux is a popular option for giving new life to older PCs. The free, open-source operating system has a strong reputation for security. There are many different versions (or distros) of Linux, so you can find one that best fits your needs and design preferences. Some popular options worth exploring include Mint, Ubuntu and Zorin OS. ChromeOS is a Linux-based option, but is not generally considered a traditional Linux distro.
Google ChromeOS Flex provides the look and most of the functionality of the Google ChromeOS, the operating system that commonly runs natively on Chromebooks, but is designed for use on Windows, Mac and Linux devices. If you're a current Windows 10 user who predominately uses the Google Chrome browser, ChromeOS Flex will likely feel fairly familiar and intuitive to you. To find out whether Google ChromeOS Flex is an option for your device, look through the certified models list.
Use Microsoft 365 or a virtual desktop
Screenshot by Kaylyn McKenna/CNET
In a recent blog post, Microsoft advised that you could migrate to the cloud with Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop if you're unable to upgrade your device or buy a new one. This can make Windows 11 available on your unsupported device via the cloud.
It was also announced last month that Microsoft 365 apps running on Windows 10 will continue to receive security updates for another three years after the upcoming end of support date. Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based subscription service that provides access to apps such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more.
Opt for third-party security software
Screenshot by Kaylyn McKenna/CNET
Technically, you can continue to run your device on Windows 10 after the deadline, but you won't receive security updates. Leaving your computer without appropriate security protections isn't wise, so some people are turning to third-party security services in hopes of bridging the gap until they can upgrade.
Installing third-party 0patch agent is one way to add a bit more protection for an unsupported Windows PC. 0patch announced that it will continue to provide critical security patches for Windows 10 for at least five more years. The free version includes patches for known 0-day vulnerabilities, providing a cost-effective option for those not looking to splurge on a security subscription or new laptop. Though you'll need to upgrade to the paid plan if you want all available Windows 10 patches.
There are also plenty of antivirus software programs on the market that can help you improve your PC's security. That being said, this isn't the most secure route, and could have negative outcomes. If you store sensitive information on your computer or rely on it for work or school, it's best not to take your chances with an unsupported operating system.
Bypass the Windows 11 upgrade compatibility checker
Even if your device is technically considered incompatible with Windows 11, there are some ways to bypass the Windows 11 upgrade compatibility checker and install it anyway. You can use Rufus to create a bootable version of Windows 11 using the Windows 11 ISO file that will bypass the system requirements for upgrading. This option has been used to upgrade older PCs and bypass Microsoft account requirements.
On laptops originally built for Windows 10, you can also make a simple adjustment in the Registry Editor to bypass installation restrictions and upgrade your device to Windows 11. Ed Bott of ZDNET has a step-by-step outline of how to complete this process and upgrade your incompatible Windows PC.
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