If you're still running Windows 10 on your PC, you're now using an unsupported operating system. Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 in October 2025, which means no more security patches, no more bug fixes, and no more protection against newly discovered threats. For Edinburgh households and businesses alike, upgrading to Windows 11 isn't just a nice-to-have — it's essential for keeping your data safe.
The good news is that Windows 11 is a solid, well-rounded operating system and the upgrade process is straightforward for compatible machines. Here's everything you need to know.
Why Windows 10 End of Life Matters
When Microsoft stops supporting an operating system, cybercriminals take notice. Unpatched security vulnerabilities are openly exploited because there's no longer anyone issuing fixes. We've already seen customers from across Edinburgh — including regulars from Musselburgh, Leith, and Portobello — coming to us after their unpatched Windows 10 machines were compromised.
Staying on Windows 10 long-term isn't a neutral choice — it actively increases your risk. If your PC is compatible with Windows 11, upgrading now is the single most impactful thing you can do for your computer's security.
Is Your PC Compatible with Windows 11?
Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than its predecessor. Your PC must meet all of the following minimum specifications:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster, 64-bit, with at least 2 cores — and it must appear on Microsoft's supported CPU list
- RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended for a smooth experience)
- Storage: 64 GB free space
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 — this is the most common sticking point
- Firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot enabled
- Display: 720p or higher, at least 9 inches diagonal
The TPM 2.0 requirement catches many people out. Most PCs built after 2017 have TPM 2.0 hardware, but it's sometimes disabled in the BIOS by default. If the upgrade tool says you're incompatible, this is often the first thing to check — and it's a quick fix for someone who knows where to look.
How to Check Your PC's Compatibility
Microsoft provides an official tool called PC Health Check (available from the Microsoft website) that scans your system and tells you whether it's eligible for Windows 11. Simply download and run it — it takes less than a minute and gives you a clear pass or fail result, along with a reason if your machine doesn't qualify.
Alternatively, you can check your TPM status directly by pressing Win + R, typing tpm.msc, and pressing Enter. If the tool opens and shows "TPM is ready to use" with version 2.0, you're in good shape. If it shows "Compatible TPM cannot be found", your TPM may need to be enabled in your BIOS settings.
How to Upgrade to Windows 11
If your PC passes the compatibility check, upgrading is refreshingly painless:
- Open Settings → Windows Update on your current Windows 10 machine
- If eligible, you should see a prompt to download and install Windows 11
- Download the update (this may take a while depending on your connection speed)
- Follow the on-screen instructions — the process will restart your PC a couple of times
- Once complete, your files, apps, and settings should all be carried over intact
Before upgrading, it's always wise to back up your important data to an external drive or cloud storage. Upgrades rarely go wrong, but it's a sensible precaution. If your PC feels sluggish before the upgrade, check our guide to speeding up a slow Windows PC — a clean system will handle the upgrade better.
What If My PC Isn't Compatible?
This is where things get trickier. If your machine is genuinely too old to run Windows 11, you have a few options:
Enable TPM 2.0 in BIOS
If your PC has TPM 2.0 hardware but it's disabled, enabling it in your BIOS/UEFI settings may be all that's needed to pass the compatibility check. This varies between manufacturers — look for "TPM", "PTT" (Intel), or "fTPM" (AMD) in your BIOS settings. If you're not comfortable in the BIOS, our team can do this quickly during a software troubleshooting appointment.
Upgrade Your Hardware
If your CPU is the limiting factor, a hardware upgrade might be the right move — especially if your PC is otherwise in good condition. Upgrading to a compatible processor and pairing it with an SSD can breathe new life into an ageing machine at a fraction of the cost of a full replacement.
Fresh Windows 11 Installation
For machines where the standard upgrade path is blocked, a clean Windows 11 installation is sometimes possible via a USB installer. This method bypasses the compatibility check but should only be done by someone who understands the implications — Microsoft does not guarantee updates or support on officially unsupported hardware.
Consider a New or Refurbished PC
If your machine is more than seven or eight years old, the most cost-effective solution might simply be replacing it. We regularly help customers across Edinburgh — from Dalkeith to Corstorphine — choose the right replacement and migrate their data seamlessly.
How We Can Help
At PC Repair Services Edinburgh, we handle Windows 11 upgrades every day. Whether it's enabling TPM in the BIOS, performing a clean OS installation, upgrading incompatible hardware, or simply walking you through the process, we'll get you sorted quickly.
We serve customers throughout Edinburgh and the surrounding areas, including Musselburgh, Leith, Portobello, Dalkeith, and Corstorphine. Drop us a message or book a repair online — and stop worrying about your unsupported operating system.