[Help] Laptop won't upgrade to Windows 11 - do I need a new one?

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Cheshire Cat

The most curious thing..
Back in 2019 I asked and got recommendations for a new laptop from the NSC hive. As a result I bought a brand new shiny machine with Windows 10 and everything was fine and dandy. It has worked fine ever since.

However it won't upgrade to Windows 11 because the processor isn't supported.

So....

Do I need to shell out for a new laptop since Windows 10 will no longer be updated after October 2025?

Can I still use this laptop safely with Windows 10 after October 2025 despite the lack of security patches and updates? Will it still be safe for online banking and shopping, and everything else.

If I do need a new laptop, does anyone have (affordable) recommendations (not Apple).

I currently use an ASUS VivoBook 15 15.6 Inch i3 4GB 256GB FHD Laptop which cost £350 back then, so would want something equivalent (if I really have to).

1749828176072.png
 






Tom Hark Preston Park

Will Post For Cash
Jul 6, 2003
74,382
Back in 2019 I asked and got recommendations for a new laptop from the NSC hive. As a result I bought a brand new shiny machine with Windows 10 and everything was fine and dandy. It has worked fine ever since.

However it won't upgrade to Windows 11 because the processor isn't supported.

So....

Do I need to shell out for a new laptop since Windows 10 will no longer be updated after October 2025?

Can I still use this laptop safely with Windows 10 after October 2025 despite the lack of security patches and updates? Will it still be safe for online banking and shopping, and everything else.

If I do need a new laptop, does anyone have (affordable) recommendations (not Apple).

I currently use an ASUS VivoBook 15 15.6 Inch i3 4GB 256GB FHD Laptop which cost £350 back then, so would want something equivalent (if I really have to).

View attachment 204242
The short answer is NO. Just because it's no longer supported doesn't mean it won't work perfectly. When I worked on contract in IT sooooo many major institutions stuck with Windows XP despite it being long past its support-by date. Very much doubt they paid Microsoft for that super-duper post-support support either. They're probably still running it on a wing and a prayer 😄
 




bWize

Well-known member
Nov 6, 2007
1,720
Back in 2019 I asked and got recommendations for a new laptop from the NSC hive. As a result I bought a brand new shiny machine with Windows 10 and everything was fine and dandy. It has worked fine ever since.

However it won't upgrade to Windows 11 because the processor isn't supported.

So....

Do I need to shell out for a new laptop since Windows 10 will no longer be updated after October 2025?

Can I still use this laptop safely with Windows 10 after October 2025 despite the lack of security patches and updates? Will it still be safe for online banking and shopping, and everything else.

If I do need a new laptop, does anyone have (affordable) recommendations (not Apple).

I currently use an ASUS VivoBook 15 15.6 Inch i3 4GB 256GB FHD Laptop which cost £350 back then, so would want something equivalent (if I really have to).

View attachment 204242

Definitely time for an upgrade. Surprised even Windows 10 is running Ok with only 4GB of Ram
 
Last edited:




beorhthelm

A. Virgo, Football Genius
Jul 21, 2003
36,544
on past behaviour if there's a really nasty security flaw MS will still issue a patch for some years to come. the regular minor-medium ones will stop. your AV should still update and along with broswer should catch anything for some time, keeping safe online.
if still thinking to upgrade, consider Linux first to keep the laptop running some more. then look if there's bypass on the CPU check so you can upgrade anyway, th CPU is decent enough just below an arbitrary line MS sets.
 


keaton

Big heart, hot blood and balls. Big balls
Nov 18, 2004
10,231
Back in 2019 I asked and got recommendations for a new laptop from the NSC hive. As a result I bought a brand new shiny machine with Windows 10 and everything was fine and dandy. It has worked fine ever since.

However it won't upgrade to Windows 11 because the processor isn't supported.

So....

Do I need to shell out for a new laptop since Windows 10 will no longer be updated after October 2025?

Can I still use this laptop safely with Windows 10 after October 2025 despite the lack of security patches and updates? Will it still be safe for online banking and shopping, and everything else.

If I do need a new laptop, does anyone have (affordable) recommendations (not Apple).

I currently use an ASUS VivoBook 15 15.6 Inch i3 4GB 256GB FHD Laptop which cost £350 back then, so would want something equivalent (if I really have to).

View attachment 204242
If you're only using it for banking and shopping do you need a laptop? Could you not just use your phone or a get a tablet?
 


vegster

Sanity Clause
May 5, 2008
28,503
I'm in a similar situation, sometimes I think it is better to bite the bullet and buy new. Virtually all tech stuff is getting better so, embrace it....obs not Apple crap though.
 






madinthehead

I have changed this
Jan 22, 2009
1,792
Oberursel, Germany
The short answer is NO. Just because it's no longer supported doesn't mean it won't work perfectly. When I worked on contract in IT sooooo many major institutions stuck with Windows XP despite it being long past its support-by date. Very much doubt they paid Microsoft for that super-duper post-support support either. They're probably still running it on a wing and a prayer 😄
Major institutions normally buy extended support, too expensive for home users, though
 








Nightfall

Well-known member
Feb 3, 2025
107
Greek in Hamburg, GER
In your case I would buy something new. If you stick with it and no updates it will eventually become hazardous.
You will also see a significant improvement for myour current one with 4GB Ram.

I used to have Dell in the past a lot, then Asus. But in Germany their support has declined significantly in recent years.
I have Lenovo for the past 5 years for personal use and at least in Germany the support is excellent an I am very satisified with it
(I am a software engineer btw so I have quite some demands :D )
I am not familiar with computer sites in the UK and where you get good offers, but based on a quick amazon search, this should be within your budget and a good upgrade from your current setup:

 


Harry Wilson's tackle

Harry Wilson's Tackle
NSC Patron
Oct 8, 2003
61,064
Faversham
The short answer is NO. Just because it's no longer supported doesn't mean it won't work perfectly. When I worked on contract in IT sooooo many major institutions stuck with Windows XP despite it being long past its support-by date. Very much doubt they paid Microsoft for that super-duper post-support support either. They're probably still running it on a wing and a prayer 😄
Indeed. Computer will say yes.

However....I have some work laptops. I was emailed about doing upgrades. It was simple but time consuming. I forgot to do the 11 upgrade on one and my WORK made me send them the laptop and charged me £160 to upgrade (paid for out of some 'funds' I have available, thankfully. Other identical laptops that I remembered to upgrade upgraded perfectly. Mea culpa and all that but it's a bloody racket.
 






Madafwo

I'm probably being facetious.
Nov 11, 2013
1,917
Dell are currently doing 40% off on their outlet shop so there are some bargains to be had there if you don't mind a laptop that has more often than not been ordered and sent back without ever being used. This one looks decent to be fair, and with the code H8LC08IURHG0HZO at checkout it works out at about £250.

Alternatively you could have a browse through Hot UK Deals, various offers come up if you are in the market for something, that's where I found the above offer for the Dell stuff.
 


Barnet Seagull

Luxury Player
Jul 14, 2003
6,057
Falmer, soon...
Not worth the risk. The CPU not working is due to an inherent and exploitable flaw which is why MS won't support it. Best to get something new. Asus vivobooks are what I usually recommend for budget conscious laptop users. Decent specs and well made.
 






Easy 10

Brain dead MUG SHEEP
Jul 5, 2003
62,830
Location Location
I'm very happy with a Chromebook.
Is the right answer. I kissed goodbye to my Windows laptop years ago. I've had this Chromebook for about 5-6 years now and its still as fast as the day I bought it.

Solid state build so no moving parts to wear out, no hard drive to get gradually more shonky after numerous defrags. OK you can't play CD's or DVDs on it, but who does that any more ? And there's not much in terms of internal RAM, so if you're looking at downloading and storing loads of films and music on it, then this isn't the device for you.

But as a pure browsing machine, its absolutely top notch. And you don't have to install any virus protection software, its all done automatically in the background by Google.

I'll NEVER go back to Windows.
 


birthofanorange

Well-known member
NSC Patron
Aug 31, 2011
7,402
David Gilmour's armpit
Is the right answer. I kissed goodbye to my Windows laptop years ago. I've had this Chromebook for about 5-6 years now and its still as fast as the day I bought it.

Solid state build so no moving parts to wear out, no hard drive to get gradually more shonky after numerous defrags. OK you can't play CD's or DVDs on it, but who does that any more ? And there's not much in terms of internal RAM, so if you're looking at downloading and keeping loads of films and music on it, then this isn't the device for you.

But as a pure browsing machine, its absolutely top notch. And you don't have to install any virus protection software, its all done automatically in the background by Google.

I'll NEVER go back to Windows.
Yep, and a cheap Chromecast plugged into the TV means you can cast straight to TV, with no issues. Best device I've ever bought, and (touch wood) never had a problem.
They're damn good value, too.
 


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