Can’t afford to update computer

Judith Schieffer 0 Reputation points
2026-09-11T18:08:20.1633333+00:00

I am a senior citizen living on very limited income and can’t afford to purchase a new computer with Windows 11. My current computer has Windows 10 and isn’t upgradable to Windows 11. Why aren’t we considered when all these updates are considered? What do you expect those of us in this situation to do?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | End of support (EOS)
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AI answer

2026-09-11T18:08:36.52+00:00

The practical options are:

  1. Keep using Windows 10 until October 14, 2025. It remains supported until that date.
  2. If the PC cannot upgrade to Windows 11, use Extended Security Updates (ESU). Microsoft provides a consumer ESU option so a Windows 10 device can stay protected for up to one year after October 14, 2025.
  3. If the PC is eligible after all, upgrade for free from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Check by going to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates, or run the PC Health Check app.
  4. If the PC is not eligible, avoid installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. Microsoft does not recommend it. Unsupported devices are not supported by Microsoft and are not guaranteed to receive updates, including security updates.
  5. Back up the PC now. Microsoft recommends creating a backup with Windows Backup so files, settings, apps, and sign-in credentials can be restored later if moving to another PC becomes necessary.

Key dates and expectations:

  • Windows 10 reaches end of support on October 14, 2025. After that, it can still work, but it will no longer receive regular technical assistance, software updates, or security fixes unless enrolled in ESU.
  • If continuing to use Windows 10 after support ends, the paid ESU program is the supported path mentioned in the lifecycle documentation.
  • Buying a new Windows 11 PC is the recommended long-term option, but it is not the only immediate option.

What this means in this situation:

  • There is no requirement to replace the computer immediately.
  • The supported short-term path is to stay on Windows 10 through its support date, then use ESU if more time is needed.
  • If the device does not meet Windows 11 requirements, installing Windows 11 anyway carries compatibility and support risks.

References:

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  1. Lester Bernard Reyes 84,725 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-11T18:59:59.19+00:00

    Hi, I'm Bernard. I'm happy to help!

    I understand the issue you have. There is nothing to worry about. I am here to assist. Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements, including supported CPU generations, which are in place to provide better security and performance. If your PC isn’t compatible with Windows 11, you still have the option to subscribe to Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10. This allows your device to continue receiving important security updates after regular Windows 10 support ends.

    You may follow the steps provided in the link below to learn more about the Extended Security Updates program.

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/extended-security-updates

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