Windows 11 upgrades Barnstaple
See how your PC runs Windows 11 before replacing it.
If Windows 10's end of support has made you think you need a new computer, let us check the one you already own first. Many older PCs run Windows 11 well even when they are not officially supported, so it is worth finding out before paying for a replacement.
Check before you replace your PC
Standard support for Windows 10 ended on 14 October 2025, but that does not automatically make an otherwise good computer obsolete. A supported or carefully assessed unsupported Windows 11 upgrade may extend its useful life. If a new PC or laptop feels necessary only because of Windows 11, it is worth checking the existing machine first.
Start with a Windows 11 suitability check
The PC is checked for processor support, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, memory, storage space, drive health and likely driver or software problems. This shows whether the official upgrade route is available and, if not, whether the machine is still a sensible candidate for Windows 11.
- Windows 11 compatibility and hardware checks.
- Checks for important programs, printers and other devices.
- Backup planning before installation.
- Windows 11 installation, updates and basic setup.
Need more time? Windows 10 ESU
Microsoft Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) currently covers eligible personal PCs running Windows 10 version 22H2 through 12 October 2027. It supplies critical and important security updates only. It does not provide new Windows features, general technical support or a promise that browsers and other applications will keep supporting Windows 10.
- Check the PC is eligible, fully updated and running Windows 10 version 22H2.
- Help with enrolment using your own Microsoft account. Any Microsoft charge is separate from the service.
- Confirm the ESU enrolment and available Windows updates are showing correctly.
If the PC is already enrolled, Microsoft says its Consumer ESU coverage continues automatically through 12 October 2027 with no new enrolment needed.
Consumer ESU is for personal devices. Business and organisation PCs use a separate commercial ESU programme with different licensing, so ask us to assess the practical route for those machines.
Unsupported can still be a practical upgrade
Failing Microsoft's hardware check does not automatically mean a PC is unable to run Windows 11. In our experience, suitable older PCs generally run it well; only one we have upgraded has shown some instability. We check the processor, storage, memory, drivers and intended use before recommending an upgrade. Microsoft treats these installations as unsupported and does not guarantee updates. We explain that before work begins, but this can still be a sensible way to keep a good computer in service.
Chrome and everyday software
As of October 2026, Chrome and most everyday applications still work on Windows 10. Eligible personal PCs can also use Consumer ESU for critical and important Windows security updates. This gives you time to make a sensible decision rather than rush into buying a replacement, although important software and security needs should still be checked.
Try the sensible upgrade before you replace
After the checks, the practical route may be a supported Windows 11 upgrade, a carefully assessed unsupported install, or Consumer ESU if you need more time. If you are considering a new PC mainly because Windows 11 seems to require one, let us assess the existing machine first. Replacement remains an option if it genuinely performs badly or has other faults, not the automatic starting point.
Windows upgrade FAQ
Common questions.
Is Windows 10 still safe to use?
Standard Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025. Eligible personal PCs running Windows 10 version 22H2 can currently receive critical and important security updates through Microsoft Consumer ESU until 12 October 2027, but ESU does not add new features or guarantee continuing support from other software companies.
Does Chrome still update on Windows 10?
Yes. As of October 2026, Google Chrome still supports Windows 10. Browser updates are separate from Windows security updates, so the Windows update route should also be considered.
Will my usual software still work on Windows 10?
Most commonly used software still works on Windows 10 today. Compatibility depends on the exact program and version, so anything important should be checked before moving to Windows 11.
Do I need to replace my PC if it is not supported for Windows 11?
Not necessarily. Failing Microsoft's official hardware check does not mean a PC cannot run Windows 11 well. We can assess the machine and, when it is suitable, install and test Windows 11 before you spend money on a replacement. A new computer is only recommended if the existing one is genuinely unsuitable or unreliable.
Can you install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC?
Often, yes. In our experience, suitable older PCs generally run Windows 11 well; only one we have upgraded has shown some instability. We check the hardware and intended use first. Microsoft treats these installations as unsupported and does not guarantee updates, so we explain that before work begins.
Is Consumer ESU suitable for a business PC?
No. Microsoft Consumer ESU is for eligible personal devices. Businesses and organisations use separate commercial ESU licensing, so their update options should be reviewed as a business IT project.
What happens to my files during a Windows 11 upgrade?
The condition of the drive and the available upgrade route are checked first. Important data can be backed up before work starts. If testing shows the existing PC is genuinely unsuitable, the data can instead be transferred to a replacement computer.