Windows 10 End-of-Life: What to Expect with Windows 11

Windows 10 End-of-Life: What to Expect with Windows 11

Microsoft’s longest running Windows version is finally inching to a close as the company announced its End-of-Life (EOL) date. The plug is set to be pulled on October 14, 2025. This decision was reached after investing in newer technology to develop a faster and more secure operating system (OS) for users to enjoy. This is natural with Windows versions; we’ve all said goodbye our beloved XP, Vista, and other past versions (or you should have) in favor of newer enhanced ones.

For some users, they’ve only ever used Windows 10. When Windows 11 was first launched and available to the masses it wasn’t long before the flaws surfaced. Menus and their options were slow to appear, some options moved locations, and not to mention the hardware requirements to run the new OS. The change didn’t seem like a friendly one in the beginning, but as Microsoft pushed more updates to optimize Windows 11, things have started turning around.

What happens when you don’t upgrade your OS?

As more of Microsoft’s focus shifts to Windows 11, Windows 10 is making its way to the back burner for now. Until the EOL date, it will still receive updates. However there isn’t nearly as much pressure to optimize it much further. Gradually 10 will start becoming slower and slower and not all around user friendly, through network connectivity or software compatibility.

Once support is fully dropped for Windows 10 and users still haven’t upgraded, that’s when they should start worrying a little more. There are special cases of users having to keep old Windows versions, usually being companies utilizing software that is only accessible through that version. When your system is on an unsupported OS, that means the security patches keeping it safe from attackers are no longer available. Especially when using the Internet, your device is wide open to attacks.

Even if you have an antivirus, eventually software like that will start losing support for their Windows 10 versions too. That means software you use on the daily will eventually lose support on your device as well. Your system will be more susceptible to crashes, data corruption, bugs, and other issues that stop being patched. The safest route is to keep your OS up-to-date, along with your installed software. The next best part about Windows 11 besides the enhanced security and faster technology, is that it is completely free. Users don’t have to pay for a license – how can you resist?

What to expect with Windows 11

That leaves users with little to no choice than to upgrade their OS. First and foremost, that could mean upgrading your whole system. As mentioned earlier, installing Windows 11 is available to systems that can handle the processing power it needs.

These requirements include a processor that is no older than 2017 (few exceptions), and TPM 2.0 support on your motherboard. For some users, this is not a problem, but for others buying a new system or new components for one isn’t on their bucket list this year. If you aren’t sure if your system can make the upgrade, you can always check your settings under “Check for Updates” – there should be a pop-up to check your eligibility. You can also look up your processor to ensure it isn’t older than the cutoff date at cpu-world.com. You can find your processor under “System” in the About section.

In regards to the visual display, there are a few notable differences in key areas. The taskbar, Start menu, and context menus are the areas that have changed the most. Instead of being aligned on the bottom left, the taskbar has moved to the middle, where the Start menu will appear as well. The Start menu no longer displays a list of your apps and pinned apps have been set in the center. The user profile and power buttons have moved to the bottom left and right corners respectively.

As for context menus (options that appear when you right click something), they have become more icon-based. Each option has a respective icon at the beginning. Common options, like Copy, Paste, Rename, Share, etc. show as an icon alone. However, if the user clicks “Show More Options” a menu more similar to the Windows 10 style will appear.

Conclusion

All in all, it is about time to say goodbye to Windows 10. At this point in time 11 is more optimized than Windows 10 and we suggest it’s better sooner rather than later to get your system’s operating system upgraded. Despite the minor changes to the overall look, Windows 11 is not vastly different than 10.

There are options for users to make Windows 11 look as same-old as possible, for example Microsoft added the option to move your taskbar back to the left. There are 3rd party applications such as Start11 to customize the Start menu, including a design to mirror Windows 10. However, users should stay cautious of 3rd party options when looking to customize their operating system. Make sure to do a bit of research to ensure you use a secure and reputable option before installing anything to customize your operating system.

Reach out with any questions regarding Windows 10 end-of-life, Windows 11 or rolling over!