Several customers have asked if they need the Windows 11 upgrade now. Microsoft ends its support of Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and people are wondering what this means for them.
Unless you have a compelling need, there’s no reason to upgrade from WIN10 to WIN11 anytime soon. According to an article in The Register,
“The problem is that there is no killer Windows 11 feature to drive the majority of users to upgrade other than “a way to keep the patches flowing.”
The article goes on to say:
“Users are still steering clear of Windows 11, with some customers describing the sales pitch as ‘like trying to sell sand at a beach.'”
What does the end of support for WIN10 mean? Here’s the explanation from Microsoft:
“After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.”
After October 14:
After October 14th, you may need to upgrade to Win11. (Remember that October 14 is Patch Tuesday, so your Win10 machine will get a patch that day.) Here are some things to consider:
- Do you have any older programs or apps vital to your business or personal life? Check to make sure they will work with Windows 11. One customer had a genealogy program that couldn’t work with the upgraded Windows. We had to go in and back out the upgrade.
- Are you waiting for Microsoft to release Windows 12 and don’t want to go through the hassle of two upgrades? While Microsoft hasn’t announced a release date for Win12 yet, it’s unlikely to be before mid-2026, with some saying it won’t come before 2027.
- If you keep Win10 and want to receive regular security patches, you must purchase the Microsoft Extended Security Update programs ($61/year). Be aware that this will only include security patches; no new features or Technical Support.
- If you decide to keep WIN10 without the Extended Security program, practice digital hygiene by using strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and keeping your anti-virus up to date,
If you’ve been considering getting a new PC, do it before next autumn. The new machine will come with Windows 11 already installed.
Bottom Line:
The short answer is No; you don’t need to consider the Windows 11 upgrade until October. Chris says that Windows 10 is the more robust Operating System, with equivalent or better security.
For historical reading, here’s my blog from when Win7 transitioned to Win10.
Let us know if you need help selecting a new computer or upgrading your machine to Win11.
INFORMATION ABOUT GEEK FOR HIRE, INC.
Chris Eddy of Geek For Hire, Inc. has provided computer service to families and small businesses with Mac’s and PCs for the past twenty-plus years. You can find more on our website, or give us a call. Geek For Hire, Inc. provides onsite service (Tier 3 support) to the Denver / Boulder / Front Range area and remote service throughout North America.
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MagSafe Car Mount Charger – Get This One!
The MagSafe Charger lists for $30 and received an average of 4.1 stars from 52 reviewers. It works specifically with the iPhone MagSafe system. This model will also charge your phone while it’s on the magnetic holder, so that’s a plus! The magnetic holder is charged via a USB-C cable that lights it up with pretty colors when the phone isn’t on it.
This one is my favorite and the one I use today. My only knock is that when the car is parked and the windshield gets hot, the holder falls off. Sometimes it lands on the floor and picks up pieces of grit on the sticky side.