Windows 11—the sleek, modern, and, dare I say, sometimes polarizing operating system from Microsoft—is here, but not everyone is invited to the party. As of now, all Windows 10 PCs will stop receiving crucial security updates in October 2025, marking the end of its road for keeping up to date without paying extra. The simplest future-proofing strategy? Upgrade to Windows 11.
But hold up! Not every PC is up to Microsoft’s stringent standards. If you're wondering whether your trusty old machine has what it takes, let's break it down together. Stick with me as we explore how to figure out if your old rig can handle the slick new operating system—and what you might do if it can't!
While you might say, “I bought this alongside my 2020 New Year resolution to exercise!” that’s not quite what matters. Age, with respect to Windows 11 compatibility, is measured by the design year of the internal components, not just your purchase date. Your processor (CPU) plays the starring role in determining whether you can upgrade. Here's how to find out what you're working with:
Let’s turn the comments into a confessional booth: What year was your PC processor born in, and what are you planning to do—upgrade, retire, or rebel? Join the discussion below!
Source: ZDNET Can your old PC even handle the Windows 11 upgrade? Here's how to tell
But hold up! Not every PC is up to Microsoft’s stringent standards. If you're wondering whether your trusty old machine has what it takes, let's break it down together. Stick with me as we explore how to figure out if your old rig can handle the slick new operating system—and what you might do if it can't!
Age is More Than Just a Number—It’s All in the Design
Here’s the first step to determine compatibility: Ask yourself, how old is your PC really?While you might say, “I bought this alongside my 2020 New Year resolution to exercise!” that’s not quite what matters. Age, with respect to Windows 11 compatibility, is measured by the design year of the internal components, not just your purchase date. Your processor (CPU) plays the starring role in determining whether you can upgrade. Here's how to find out what you're working with:
Finding Your PC’s CPU Details
- Press Win + R to open the Run command.
- Type
Msinfo32, which opens the System Information utility. - Look for the section labeled Processor—this tells you what type of CPU powers your machine.
The Elite Contenders (Built 2019 or Later)
If your PC was built in 2019 or later, you’re in a prime position to make the leap to Windows 11 without breaking a sweat. Machines in this category boast hardware that was tailor-made with future-proofing in mind. Here’s the deal:- Intel Processors: Windows 11 officially supports Intel’s 8th Gen Core processors (released early 2019) and beyond. There are exceptions for a few high-end 7th Gen chips found mostly in business computers.
- AMD Processors: AMD Ryzen or Epyc CPUs from 2019 onwards meet the mark.
- Qualcomm Processors: If you’re rocking a Snapdragon 850 or newer on an ARM-based system, you’re good to go.
Pro Tip: If your PC falls in this category, a straightforward upgrade via "Windows Update" or the Windows 11 Installation Assistant is all you’ll need. Your system will likely be solid for another decade.
Middle-Aged Mavericks: Machines Built Between 2016-2019
These PCs are like the Gen Xers of the tech world—still highly capable, but likely not officially supported. CPUs from this era include:- Intel Skylake/7th Gen Core chips or older AMD Ryzen models.
- Systems that meet the Windows 10 Hardware Compatibility Program—which usually means they have TPM 2.0 installed.
The Catch: No Official Love
The processors here typically don’t make it to Microsoft’s list of “blessed” CPUs. Are you out of luck? Not necessarily! Microsoft allows you to bypass restrictions by tweaking some registry settings. Just know:- You lose Microsoft-supported security updates for your Windows 11 installation.
- Still, for most tasks, these PCs will perform admirably well under Windows 11 and could last another five years or so.
You can tweak your registry to enable the upgrade:
- Open RegEdit.
- Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup - Create a new DWORD value named “AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU” and set it to
1.
Golden Oldies: Pre-2016 Machines but Post-2010
PCs in this range are like your grandparents—they’ve still got stories to tell, but their heyday may be behind them. If you’re holding onto anything built between 2010 and 2015, you’ll need to carefully evaluate your PC's insides.First Question: Does it have a TPM?
- Yes: If it has TPM 1.2 or newer, you can work around Microsoft’s requirements using tools like Rufus to create an upgrade-ready bootable USB.
- No: Without TPM, moving to Windows 11 is trickier and nearly unsupported, although there are third-party hacks available.
Intel CPUs: Machines powered by Intel processors from this era (like second-gen Core i5s and i7s) often work well enough for Windows 11 installation, provided you use a compatibility bypass.
AMD CPUs: Sorry, folks, these are where things get rough. Many AMD processors from this era won’t run Windows 11 because they lack support for modern SSE3.2 and beyond.
Ancient Relics: PCs from 2009 and Earlier
Ah, the dinosaurs—systems built in the XP or Vista eras. These machines probably don’t even know what the cloud is. Unless you have a bizarre compulsion to spend hours rewriting the rules of computing, you’re better off not attempting a Windows 11 upgrade here.- TPC-less Architecture: Almost no machine from this time includes a TPM chip.
- CPU Limitations: Windows 10 and Intel or AMD processors from this period simply won’t fit the bill for the necessary instruction sets.
Next Steps: Can’t Upgrade? Here’s Your Plan B
So, you’ve assessed, and maybe Windows 11 isn’t in your future. What now?Your Options:
- Stick To Windows 10... But Brace for Paid Updates (Post-2025):
Microsoft will introduce sun-setting fees if you demand updates after October 2025. - Consider Upgrading to a New PC:
Modern laptops and desktops are more affordable and energy-efficient. - Embrace Linux:
For browsing, media, and light office use, switching to something like Linux might even improve your aging PC’s performance.
In Summary
Windows 11 is a leap forward in security, design, and features—but it’s picky about who gets in the door. Use the guide above to evaluate your PC’s readiness for the upgrade. If you’re stuck on Windows 10, that’s not the worst place to be—at least until Microsoft shuts the lights off in 2025! And if your machine truly is a relic? Might be time to shop for your next PC before the holidays roll in.Let’s turn the comments into a confessional booth: What year was your PC processor born in, and what are you planning to do—upgrade, retire, or rebel? Join the discussion below!
Source: ZDNET Can your old PC even handle the Windows 11 upgrade? Here's how to tell
