• 1300 885 218
Job Entry Existing Clients
  • 1300 885 218
Job Entry Existing Clients
  • 1300 885 218
Job Entry Existing Clients

Transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11: Your Options Explained

Windows 10 came out in September 2014 and in June 2021, shortly after Microsoft announced Windows 11, they updated to end the lifecycle of Windows 10 by the end of October 14, 2025. Which means that after that date there will be no more security updates for Windows 10, leaving it valuable to new malware and cyber threats. For this reason, it is important to upgrade your device to Windows 11. Many people are facing challenges in upgrading to Windows 11 and these challenges mainly fall under two main categories: Hardware issue and needing more time.

Customer Challenges with Upgrading

  • Hardware compatibility Issue: Currently some Windows 10 users are having problem upgrading to windows 11 due to their device’s hardware not being compatible for windows 11.
  • Need more time: Some consumers just need a bit more time before they shift to Windows 11 especially organization and businesses that are on Windows 10.

Solution: For Hardware Compatibility Issue

Upgrading to Windows 11 is the only long-term solution to the above problem and following are the ways by which the upgrade could be achieved:

Option 1: Hardware Upgrade

Some components of your current device might not be compatible for it to run windows 11 and you may need to upgrade them. Common issues might include insufficient RAM, an outdated processor, or an incompatible hard drive, among others. You can do a quick check yourself of the components that might not be compatible with your device using the windows PC Health Check app.

How to check your device's hardware compatibility with windows 11
  1. Type “PC Health Check” in the search bar located on the taskbar.
  2. From the list of results select “PC Health Check”.
  3. Under the title “Introducing Windows 11” click the button “Check Now”.
  4. The app will scan the system and give you a result with a message telling you whether Windows 11 is compatible or not.
  5. If Windows 11 is not compatible with your device, the app will show you which hardware components are causing the issue.

Option 2: Buy a New Device

In some situations, buying a new device can sometimes be cheaper compared to the cost of hardware upgrade and in many situations, a good option for a long run, as it will remain compatible with future versions of Windows.

If you are considering doing a hardware upgrade or buying a new device. Our team at Little Computer People can help you upgrade your current device hardware to be compatible with Windows 11 and even help you choose the right new device suitable for your needs, one that is built to last and will serve you well for years to come.

Solution: If Needing More Time

Customers who require a bit more time before they can shift to Windows 11 can stay on Windows 10 until 13 October 2026 by enrolling into an Extended Security Update (ESU) program. The ESU program will provide Windows 10 with the important security updates, reducing the risk of malware and cyberattacks.

Cost of Windows 10 ESU for home users

You can enrol in the Windows 10 Consumer ESU program in one of three ways:

  1. FREE: If you sync your PC setting to Microsoft OneDrive the ESU is free of cost.
  2. Microsoft Rewards points: Redeem 1000 points from Microsoft rewards as a payment for ESU program.
  3. $30 USD: You can purchase the ESU licence by paying $30 USD.

Requirements before enrolling into Windows 10 ESU

  1. Windows 10 on the devices needs to be running version 22H2 Home, Professional, Pro Education or Workstations edition.
  2. All Latest Windows update should be installed on the device.
  3. Administrator account is needed to enrol into the ESU program.

How to enrol into Windows 10 ESU

If your Windows 10 meets the above requirements, you can follow the steps bellow to enrol into an ESU program.

  1. In the search bar type “Settings” and open settings.
  2. Click on “Update & security “.
  3. Click on “Windows Update“.
  4. If the device meets the requirement for an ESU, you will see a link to enrol.
  5. Click on the “Enrol now” link, the ESU enrolment setup will start.
  6. The ESU setup will give you three options to choose from:
    • Back up your PC Settings (No extra cost)
    • Redeem Microsoft Rewards points (1000 points)
    • One time purchase ($30.00 plus applicable taxes)
  7. Choose the options that best suits you and you will be enrolled into the ESU program, up until 13 October 2026.

The ESU Licence is linked to your Microsoft account, and the same account can be used to sign in on up to 10 devices to keep them receiving essential security updates as well.

Enroll in Extended Security Updates window

ESU Program is also available for organizations and businesses as well at $61 USD per device for Year one and the price doubles every consecutive year, for a maximum of three years. For Windows 10 virtual machines the ESU is available at no addition costs. For more details you can visit ESU program for Windows 10

If you are having trouble enrolling in the ESU program, feel free to pop into one of our branches at Little Computer People in Penrith, Richmond, Windsor or call us at 1300 885 218 and one of your experienced team members will be able to help you out.