Microsoft has confirmed that support for Windows 10 will continue beyond October 2025 but only for an additional year. The brief reprieve means millions of users will soon be forced to upgrade their operating systems, and in many cases, their hardware as well.

While Windows 11 runs on relatively modest system requirements a 64-bit CPU with two cores at 1 GHz, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage Microsoft enforces far stricter compatibility rules, especially for processors. As a result, most PCs and laptops more than eight years old cannot be upgraded to Windows 11, even if they perform perfectly well under Windows 10.

The most restrictive hurdles are the requirement for Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 security hardware and a processor listed on Microsoft’s official compatibility list. This excludes all Intel chips prior to the 8th-generation Core series (“Coffee Lake”) and AMD CPUs predating the Zen architecture. Complete systems meeting these specifications only became widely available in 2018.

For some users, the path forward is possible but not always cost-effective. Intel-based systems often require both a new CPU and a new motherboard due to socket incompatibilities, pushing upgrade costs between $200 and $500. AMD owners fare better: Many older AM4-socket motherboards can be upgraded to compatible Ryzen 5000-series chips with a simple BIOS update, a fix costing as little as $120.

Storage and RAM are rarely the limiting factors; most existing drives and DDR4 modules can be reused. However, replacing an aging power supply unit is recommended for systems older than six years.

The inconsistency of Microsoft’s compatibility lists adds to user uncertainty. Some CPUs from 2017 remain supported, while newer models from 2019 are excluded without clear explanation. Furthermore, inclusion on today’s list offers no guarantee of future compatibility as Windows 11 evolves.

For those unwilling or unable to make hardware changes, unofficial tools exist to bypass Microsoft’s restrictions and install Windows 11 on unsupported devices though such workarounds carry potential risks, including loss of update eligibility.

The clock is now ticking for Windows 10 users. With only 14 months of extended support left, many will face a decision: invest in an upgrade, attempt an unsupported installation, or watch their perfectly functional machines join the growing pile of electronic waste.