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My computer tells me that I need to upgrade to W11. <\/b><\/span>Is this important?<\/span> What should I do?<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n There are a number of alternatives:<\/i><\/p>\n 1. Costs money, needs to be set up and all information transferred. For advice, you would need to make an appointment at one of our DropIns. Just call 01727 617359 (Mon, Weds or Fri 10am-1pm) or email <\/i>courses@computerfriendly.org.uk<\/i><\/span><\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n Those more technically proficent may be able to change to using Linux or some other operating system. This requires a certain level of technical knowledge \u2013 just ask. Click<\/i> HERE<\/a><\/strong> to find out more about Linux. It is also possible to turn your laptop into a Chromebook. More information<\/i> HERE.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Other things to consider:
\n<\/b>Yes. Having the latest version of Windows will be more secure and safer.
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\nWhen it checks\u00a0 <\/span>my computer, it says it doesn\u2019t meet the requirement for W11. Why?<\/span>
\n<\/b>Any computer older than about 2018 has parts which are now out-of-date.<\/i><\/p>\n\n
A hopefully helpful analogy:<\/span>
\n<\/em>\u2192\u00a0Your car has not changed but the rules have.
\nThe engine is too out-of-date to go <\/em>into the Low Emission zone (without a fine)
\n<\/em>\u2192 Your computer has not changed but the rules have.
\nThe chips are too out-of-date to <\/em>upgrade to Windows 11 (without risks)<\/em><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
\n<\/b>Not economically.<\/i><\/li>\n
\n<\/b>Microsoft will no longer issue updates to W10. The purpose of updates is to protect you from people trying to get access to your computer.<\/i><\/li>\n
\n<\/b>Definitely not. You will probably get lots reminders encouraging you to upgrade to W11.<\/i><\/li>\n
\n<\/b>Yes BUT you will be more at risk when you use the internet. The level of risk will increase over time.<\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
\n<\/span><\/i>2. That means no internet banking, emails, WhatsApp, shopping etc.
\n<\/i>3. Is unlikely to be able to deal with all vulnerabilities
\n<\/span><\/i>4. Accepting the risks could mean all your online activity is vulnerable, including passwords and on-line accounts.
\n5. This will extend the support you receive for a further year – for free!<\/i><\/p>\n\n
\n<\/b>If your machine meets certain prerequisites, enrol on the ESU program.
\nWe can![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.computerfriendlystalbans.org.uk\/computer-friendly\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-03-at-11.09.26-300x83.png\")
help you with this. Just call us on 01727 617359 (Mon, Weds & Fri 10am-1pm) to book a free 1to1 session at your nearest DropIn Centre<\/strong><\/a> and we’ll assess your machine and help you enrol on the program if possible. The assessment and enrolment are Free.<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
\n<\/b>Yes. It would be useful to know:<\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
\nWe can advise you how to get data off or clean up your Windows 10 device before replacing, recycling or disposing.
\nComputer Friendly would be still happy to take your old Windows 10 device to turn them into non-Windows laptops for others to re-use<\/p>\n