You don’t really need to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 (not yet, anyway)


Windows 11 update on a laptop

Do you have to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11? Here’s what to know.


Sarah Tew/CNET

Windows 11 began its rollout to eligible devices on Oct. 5, meaning that Windows 10 is slowly on the way out. Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 support will end in 2025, so you still have a few years before you’ll stop getting security patches. And Microsoft’s phased rollout of Windows 11 means you might not even be prompted to make the switch until next year. But all those details can make it hard to tell whether you should upgrade now or if it’s better to wait until later.

If you’re wondering how long you actually have to make the switch to Windows 11 and how long you can safely wait before updating, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll also explain how to download Windows 11, how to tell whether your computer is compatible and who gets the update for free. Read on for everything you need to know about the end of Windows 10 support and prepping for Windows 11. 

Read more: Windows 11: What to know about the download, new features, device compatibility, price and more

When is Microsoft ending support for Windows 10, and why?

Support for Windows 10 will end on Oct. 14, 2025. That means Microsoft will no longer provide security patches or feature updates for the Home, Pro, Enterprise, Pro Education and Pro for Workstations editions at this time — affecting virtually all Windows 10 users. (The only people who have until 2029 are the few Windows 10 Enterprise Long Term Support Channel users.) 

This doesn’t come as a surprise: Microsoft has a long-established Fixed Lifestyle Policy for many of its products. For each version…

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