Upgrading to Windows 11? Microsoft recommends the more expensive alternative

Microsoft is toughening its tone towards users of older versions of Windows. Instead of offering upgrade paths, the company simply recommends purchasing new hardware.

Windows 11: No more room for old hands

Microsoft has updated its recommendations for users of older versions of Windows. Owners of systems with Windows 8.1, 7, Vista and XP should prefer Buy a new PC with Windows 11. The secondary option is to install Windows 11 on the existing computer – provided that it meets the increasingly strict minimum requirements.

For Windows 10 there is still a grace period until October 14, 2025. After that it also says here: upgrade or switch off. Particularly bitter for loyal Windows fans: you will look in vain for official free upgrade paths from older versions to Windows 10 or 11 – even if they actually still exist.

How do you get your data onto the new computer? This is what Microsoft recommends

As a small consolation, Microsoft recommends using OneDrive or external hard drives for data migration. But that doesn’t change the harsh reality: many older PCs simply don’t meet the high system requirements for Windows 11. The company seems determined to To encourage users to buy new hardware – whatever the cost (source: Microsoft).

The end of support for older versions of Windows means no technical support, no software updates and most importantly no more security patches. Anyone who still sticks with their old system exposes themselves to increased security risks. After all, there are unofficial methods for installing Windows 11 on systems that are actually incompatible – even if Microsoft itself vehemently advises against it.

This is how you get Windows 11 to work on old PCs:

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