Windows 10 Expiry – you don't need to bin your computer

Windows 10 Expiry – you don't need to bin your computer

People may be aware that support by Microsoft for Windows 10 expires in October.

A lot of people may also be receiving warnings that their computers cannot receive the free upgrade to Windows 11 as it fails to meet the minimum hardware requirements for the new operating system – generally older systems. Some have questioned the motives for this policy and in reality it is perfectly possible to upgrade many machines by using some workarounds. So far I've managed to do nine successfully – some dating back to 2012. As long as the machine has a minimum of 4gb memory (preferably 8) and a decent processor they can be upgraded – I know of at least three ways to do this. One involves a simple registry edit, one using a tool called Flyby11 and the one I use myself involves using a utility called Rufus. A Google search will quickly show you loads of guides to the process.

It can be worth upgrading the hard drive to a solid state drive which can be had for about £25 and memory for older machines can be picked up cheaply on eBay if required. You can avoid consigning perfectly good hardware to landfill and likely find your machine is a tad faster responding too.

If anyone doesn't have the confidence to try this themselves, get a computer savvy friend to help, or if necessary contact me through AOL and I'm happy to assist for a coffee and biscuit.