Will Windows 10 Stop Working when Windows 11 Launches?

With Windows 11 here and Windows 10 support ending in 2025, you may be wondering what will happen to your PC if you do not upgrade. We explore the possibilities.

Will Windows 10 Stop Working When Windows 11 Launches?

Windows 11 was released in fall 2021, and you’re still able to use Windows 10 as you did before it’s release. It won’t stop working automatically.

Once Windows 11 launches, Microsoft Windows 10 is likely to offer users the opportunity to upgrade to Windows 11 for free from within Windows Update in Settings. If you refuse the update, you may see popup reminders asking you to upgrade to Windows 11, if your computer does not support it.

After Windows 10 support expires in 2025, Windows 10 will still work. You will be at greater security risk.

What Happens If You Can’t Upgrade To Windows 11?

You may have already checked your computer and realized that it will not be able to upgrade to Windows 11. If so, you have a few options. The safest option is to buy a newer PC some time before that 2025 cut – off date. That way, you’ll be running the latest, safest Windows OS. The other option is to use Windows 10, which comes with significant security risks.

What if You keep using Windows 10?

Every time a Windows upgrade comes, there are always some people who prefer to stick with an older version of Windows, even when it’s not supported. Even today, some captures still use Windows 7, Windows 8, or even earlier versions like Windows XP every day. But those people take security risks seriously.

What could possibly go wrong? Lots of things. Unsupported version of Windows 10, you will be more susceptible to malware that spies on or damages your data, ransomware that holds your data hostage, RAT software that infects your webcam, and much more.

After a few years, some applications may drop support for Windows 10, leaving you vulnerable to other types of security benefits if you can not keep them up to date with their latest versions.

What Is The Safest Way To Keep Running Windows 10?

First of all, running Windows 10 after October 14, 2025 is not recommended. It’s not worth the risk, and basic PCs (even used PCs) capable of running Windows 11 should be free at that point . But we know that reality is not always the ideal, so here are some tips.

There is no doubt that, even with the risks, people who practice good security hygiene will have a better chance of running Windows 10 without major issues after the 2025 cut – off date. Here are a few sensible things everyone can do, even now, to stay safe online:

Always keep your web browser up to date.
Keep your requests up to date.
Do not visit suspicious or scam sites on the web.
Keep up-to-date anti-malware software on your computer.
Use a secure password and do not reuse passwords.
Use two-factor authentication where possible.
Maintain frequent backups, including offline rotating backups.
Do not open email attachments.
Do not run programs that you download from the Internet unless they are from a trusted verification source.

But let’s face it: How many people brush their teeth twice a day and floss after every meal as recommended by dentists? Some people do, but not all.

In the end, it’s best to upgrade

When Windows 11 launches, Windows 10 will start to deteriorate at sunset – whether we like it or not. You may feel pressured to make an upgrade decision immediately, but that’s not necessary. As of this writing, you have over four years to plan ahead before Windows 10 support ends, which is a long time in the world of technology.

But take your time to plan ahead so you can make a smooth transition to Windows 11 when the time comes. (Or, there’s always another option: Install Linux on your PC when Windows 10 expires.)

Will Windows 10 Stop Working when Windows 11 Launches?

Newer Articles

Older Articles