What if I don't upgrade my system to Windows 11?

Like other new operating system versions, Windows 11 launched with a series of tweaks and improvements in terms of interface, features and user experience. However, not everyone has the need to experience the changes, along with the fact that computers must meet some minimum hardware requirements to upgrade to Windows 11, many people plan to "butter" the new update. this and continue to maintain your system on the old operating system version.

So the question is, is it okay for you to decide not to upgrade your system to Windows 11? Especially after Windows 10 ends in 2025. Let's explore the possibilities.

Am I required to upgrade to Windows 11?

Although Windows 11 will officially launch this fall, Microsoft says you won't be required to upgrade your system from Windows 10 to Windows 11 if you don't feel it is absolutely necessary. Most likely Microsoft will consider Windows 11 as a 'feature update' for Windows 10, thereby allowing users to decline or delay system upgrade offers. In other words, the upgrade to Windows 11 will not happen automatically in Windows Update.

Until October 14, 2025, you won't have any trouble sticking with Windows 10, that's for sure. Microsoft will maintain full support packages for Windows 10 until that time. This means you can still safely use this operating system on your current PC, while expecting important security updates to arrive as needed.

But note that after October 14, 2025, continuing to use Windows 10 will become much more risky since the operating system is dead. At that time, Microsoft will stop releasing new security updates for Windows 10, leading to the security risk that you face is extremely large, especially if the system has an internet connection.

Will Windows 10 stop working when Windows 11 comes out?

With that said, when Windows 11 comes out, you can still use Windows 10 as usual. It will not suddenly stop working.

When Windows 11 launches, Microsoft will likely give Windows 10 users the option to upgrade for free in Windows Update. If you refuse to update, you may still see pop-up prompts asking you to upgrade to Windows 11, unless your PC doesn't support it.

What if I can't upgrade to Windows 11?

As mentioned, some of Windows 11's minimum hardware requirements make not all PCs eligible for the upgrade. If you are in this situation, the safest option would be to buy a newer PC and upgrade to Windows 11 before the death date of Windows 10 mentioned above. The other option is to continue using Windows 10, which comes with significant security risks.

What if I continue to use Windows 10?

Every time Microsoft upgrades Windows, there are always some people who prefer to use an older version of Windows, even if the operating system is no longer supported. Even today, some organizations and individuals still use Windows 7, Windows 8 or even older versions like Windows XP on a daily basis. But these people are subject to a significantly greater security risk.

For a simple example, using an unsupported version of Windows can leave you vulnerable to malware, compromise your privacy, or lose your data. For example, ransomware will encrypt your data for ransom, while RAT software will compromise webcams, etc.

After a few years, some applications may also stop supporting older versions of the operating system. This will leave you vulnerable to various exploits.

What is the safest way to continue using Windows 10?

First of all, we recommend that you don't continue using Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. But if the situation requires it, here are a few things you need to do to keep your system safe. :

1. Always update your web browser to the latest version.
2. Always update apps to the latest version.
3. Do not visit suspicious or fraudulent websites above.
4. Maintain the use of specialized antivirus software.
5. Use secure passwords and don't reuse passwords.
6. Use two-factor authentication whenever possible.
7. Keep regular backups, including alternate offline backups.
8. Do not open suspicious email attachments.
9. Do not run programs you download from the Internet unless they are from a trusted, verified source.

Wish you have a good experience with Windows.

Kareem Winters

Update 31 July 2021