14 October 2025 marks the end of the road for Windows 10, as support for the operating system will officially end. Although Microsoft introduced its successor, Windows 11, more than three years ago, Windows 10 is still widely used in companies, educational institutions and private households. Sticking with an outdated system can have significant consequences. The security of devices and personal data is particularly affected. This article explains how to successfully switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11, and what to consider.
The risks of staying with Windows 10
If you choose to continue using Windows 10 after its official end-of-support date, you will be taking considerable risks. The biggest of these is the absence of security updates. After all, without security updates, the probability of falling victim to malware or cyberattacks increases. However, Microsoft has announced that security updates for Office applications will be provided for at least another three years, probably until 10 October 2028. Nevertheless, the company warns that performance and stability issues may still arise despite these updates. For this reason, Microsoft strongly recommends switching to Windows 11.
Users should also be aware that changes to technical support are expected. Support for Windows 10 will be significantly restricted. However, support requests can still be submitted. If the problem only occurs with Windows 10, customers will likely be advised to upgrade to Windows 11 to resolve it. If this is not possible, support may be able to help with troubleshooting in certain cases. Nevertheless, these options are limited and may not be available depending on the nature of the problem. Requests to report errors or receive product updates for Microsoft 365 apps will not be processed for Windows 10 systems.
Additionally, bug fixes for errors in the system will no longer be provided in future. This could significantly reduce the stability and security of the operating system. Furthermore, devices with Windows 10 will no longer receive any new functions, which could lead to compatibility issues with current software in the long term. Therefore, staying with Windows 10 harbours more disadvantages than advantages overall, for both private users and companies.
Windows 11 system requirements
With Windows 11, Microsoft is ushering in a new era with a system that is modern, secure and powerful. There are some technical requirements for the upgrade. If you have Windows 10 installed, you will need version 2004 or higher to upgrade. The hardware must also be compatible: The basic requirements are a processor with at least 1 GHz, 2 CPUs, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of free storage space. At first glance, these technical requirements seem unspectacular. But they are crucial for the stability, security and speed of Windows 11.
How to make the switch
Switching from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is generally straightforward. The only requirement is that your current device meets the technical specifications. Only then can the upgrade be installed. The PC Health Check app can help with this. It can be used to check whether the device is compatible with Windows 11 in just a few minutes. If not, a hardware upgrade or new device is strongly recommended.
Innovative and future-proof options from HP
The HP ProBook 440 14-inch G9 notebook PC impresses with its powerful performance, long battery life, and straightforward upgradeability. The latest Intel Core processor and 16 GB of DDR4 RAM provide ample processing power. The HD camera with AI-based noise reduction and automatic lighting adjustment, as well as the high-quality speakers, make this notebook ideal for hybrid working. HP Wolf Pro Security Edition provides advanced protection features, eliminating the need for complex IT infrastructure.
If you are looking for a compact yet powerful desktop PC, look no further than the HP Pro Mini 400 G9 Desktop PC. With a 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD, the system starts up at lightning speed and offers ample storage for projects and data. The versatile Flex ports, including USB-C with speeds of up to 20 Gbit/s, HDMI 2.1 and two DisplayPorts, make it ideal for modern and traditional workplace environments alike. HP Wolf Security for Business also provides comprehensive protection for the Mini PC.
Compact, powerful and AI-ready: the Mini-PC from bluechip
The powerful Barebones and upgrade PCs desktop PC provides the computing power needed for demanding business and AI applications. It comes equipped with an Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 processor, 16 GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 500 GB NVMe SSD. The system impresses with its fast loading times and reliable performance. Thanks to Intel® Arc graphics, the mini PC is also ideal for graphics-intensive applications. A wide range of connection options — including two Thunderbolt™ 4 ports, HDMI with Wake-on-CEC, 2.5 Gb/s LAN, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5 — offer maximum flexibility in any working environment.
With Intel® PTT technology and Intel® AI Boost support, the BUSINESSline M11451 is secure and ideally equipped for future tasks.
Conclusion: Take the next step with Windows 11
The upgrade offers much more than just a new design. It represents real progress for the modern working day. The upgrade process is highly flexible, offering the option to either upgrade your existing device or switch to a new, powerful model. Switching to Windows 11 is a targeted investment in the future viability of your IT infrastructure. Thanks to its significantly improved security, optimised system performance and intuitive user interface, Windows 11 provides the perfect foundation for productive and flexible working, whether in the office, at home or on the go.
Images: Microsoft, Adobe Stock
