Windows 10 Ends Support: 5 Great Windows 11 Laptops to Upgrade Now

Microsoft has officially ended mainstream support for Windows 10, but for most users the practical fallout is gradual — you won’t wake up to a broken PC tomorrow, and there are sensible upgrade paths that make moving to Windows 11 feel like a genuine improvement rather than an annoying forced migration. The recent roundup that recommends five practical Windows 11 laptops — from an ultra‑cheap Acer Aspire Go 15 to the modular Framework Laptop 13 — is a useful shopping primer for anyone facing the Windows 10 sunset.

Background / Overview​

Microsoft set a firm end‑of‑support date for consumer and business editions of Windows 10: October 14, 2025. After that date Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, non‑security fixes, or official technical support for Windows 10; devices will continue to function, but they become progressively riskier to run online unless you enroll in the limited Extended Security Updates (ESU) program or move to Windows 11. This is Microsoft’s official policy and the practical linchpin behind the recent wave of upgrade advice.
You have three realistic short‑term options:

• Upgrade the existing PC to Windows 11 if it meets Microsoft’s compatibility checks (TPM 2.0, supported CPU family, 4 GB+ RAM, 64 GB+ storage and UEFI Secure Boot).
• Enroll eligible machines in Microsoft’s consumer ESU program for a limited one‑year bridge (various enrollment routes exist, including account‑linked or paid options).
• Replace or repurpose the device (buy a new Windows 11 PC, switch to ChromeOS Flex, or install a Linux distro if you must keep older hardware).

The urgency is real — security updates are the critical factor here — but you don’t need to panic. If you do decide to buy a new Windows 11 laptop, the recent Tom’s Guide roundup highlights five models that make the upgrade feel worthwhile rather than just inevitable.

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What Tom’s Guide recommended — quick summary​

Tom’s Guide framed the choices by user need and budget and singled out five machines that represent smart upgrade paths:

• Acer Aspire Go 15 — the cheapest, “get into Windows 11” option for basic productivity and students.
• Microsoft Surface Pro (Surface Pro 11) — a 2‑in‑1 tablet that plays to Windows 11’s improved touch and pen features.
• LG Gram 17 — a lightweight 17‑inch ultraportable with long battery life for users who want a roomy screen without the weight.
• Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 — a compact gaming laptop that doubles as a powerful productivity machine.
• Framework Laptop 13 — the repairable, upgradable laptop for people who want to own the hardware lifecycle.

Each pick targets a different tradeoff: price, portability, battery life, performance, and repairability. The Tom’s Guide piece is aimed at consumers who must move off Windows 10 and want a device that either minimizes disruption or actually improves day‑to‑day computing.

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Device deep dives and independent verification​

Below are the five picks with verified specs, analysis of strengths and weaknesses, and practical buying guidance. Key claims and specs are cross‑checked against manufacturer pages and independent reviews.

Acer Aspire Go 15 — best budget Windows 11 laptop​

What it is: a very affordable 15.6‑inch Windows 11 laptop that covers the basics — web, email, documents, streaming — at an aggressive price point.
Verified specs: Acer lists multiple Aspire Go 15 SKUs with processors ranging from N‑series to Core i3 variants, commonly shipping with 8 GB RAM and 128–512 GB SSD options and a 15.6" Full HD (1920×1080) display. Configurations vary by region and retailer.
Why it works as a Windows 11 upgrade: Windows 11 runs comfortably on modern low‑power cores for basic productivity tasks, and the Aspire Go’s recent designs meet Microsoft’s baseline hardware requirements (UEFI, TPM, and supported CPU families) for a clean upgrade if you aren’t already locked into older, incompatible hardware. The machine’s value proposition is straightforward: you get a current‑generation, updateable Windows device at a fraction of the cost of premium ultraportables.
Limitations and risks:

• Many Aspire Go configurations use soldered RAM (8 GB) and modest storage — plan to rely on cloud storage or external drives if you keep lots of media or many apps.
• Displays on budget machines are often dimmer and lower in color accuracy than premium models, making outdoor use or color‑critical work harder.
• Price is volatile; the $299 figure shown in some roundups reflects temporary deals rather than manufacturer MSRP. Confirm current pricing before purchase.

Who should buy it: students, older family members, or anyone who only needs a web‑centric, low‑cost Windows 11 machine and can accept tradeoffs in power and display.

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Microsoft Surface Pro (Surface Pro 11) — best tablet‑style Windows 11 experience​

What it is: Microsoft’s 13‑inch detachable that emphasizes touch, pen input, battery life, and thin‑and‑light portability while running full Windows 11.
Verified specs: Reviews and Microsoft’s product information show the current Surface Pro (11th generation) in Snapdragon‑powered and Intel Core Ultra variants. Typical specs include 13" 2880×1920 touchscreen (120 Hz) options, Snapdragon X‑series CPU choices (X Plus / X Elite on consumer Copilot+ variants), 16–32 GB RAM options, and 256–1 TB SSD choices. Battery life testing from reviewers often shows long run times (10–14 hours depending on workload and configuration).
Why it’s compelling for Windows 11: Windows 11’s improved touch gestures, tablet UI adjustments, and pen integration are best experienced on a touchscreen device. Microsoft’s own Copilot+ hardware and on‑device AI features are also tuned for Surface hardware, making certain AI tasks and battery efficiency better on Snapdragon variants.
Limitations and risks:

• The Surface ecosystem charges extra for keyboard covers and pens; the base tablet experience can be pricey once you add accessories.
• Recent firmware/UEFI bugs (reported in late 2025 by reviewers) temporarily impacted battery‑related settings on some units — an example of how newly released hardware occasionally shows platform‑firmware issues that get fixed by updates. Buyers should check for updated firmware and reviews of the specific SKU before buying.

Who should buy it: mobile professionals who want the full Windows experience in a tablet form factor and who value pen input or long battery life on a thin device.

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LG Gram 17 — the lightweight large‑screen ultraportable​

What it is: A 17‑inch ultraportable designed to deliver a roomy display without the usual bulk, aimed at power users who prioritize screen real estate and battery life.
Verified specs: LG’s product pages for the Gram 17 list models with Intel Core Ultra7 (Series 2) processors, 32 GB LPDDR5X, 1–2 TB SSD, a WQXGA 17" IPS (2560×1600) display, and a large 77 Wh battery with manufacturer claims of very long video playback time. The Gram 17 typically weighs in the low‑3‑pound range.
Why it’s a meaningful upgrade: You get a genuine 17‑inch workspace that is still easy to carry. For users who edit documents, run spreadsheets with lots of columns, or do creative work on the road, the Gram 17 pairs Windows 11’s productivity features with all‑day battery life in a form that most 17‑inch laptops don’t match.
Limitations and tradeoffs:

• The Gram uses very light materials to achieve low weight, which some find less premium‑feeling than machined aluminum. It is, however, engineered for durability and passes military‑standard testing in many SKUs.
• Price is higher than smaller ultraportables and some MacBook alternatives; consider whether the screen size is genuinely necessary for your workflow.

Who should buy it: road warriors who want a large canvas without lugging a desktop‑class weight.

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Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 — a gaming laptop that doubles as a daily driver​

What it is: A compact 14‑inch gaming laptop with high‑end CPU/GPU options that makes for an excellent hybrid: powerful enough for modern titles and also suitable for productivity.
Verified specs: Retail and review listings for the 2025 Zephyrus G14 show configurations with 14" 2880×1800 (3K) OLED 120 Hz displays, AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX class CPUs, 32 GB LPDDR5X, 1 TB SSD, and discrete NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti (mobile) GPUs in higher‑end SKUs. Battery capacities and thermals vary by SKU, but the G14 remains among the best for performance per pound in a compact chassis.
Why it’s a good dual‑purpose upgrade: If you need a Windows 11 laptop that’s as capable for gaming as it is for heavy productivity, the G14 packs gaming GPU horsepower into a small footprint. Windows 11’s gaming improvements (DirectStorage, AutoHDR, etc.) pair naturally with current GPU rigs.
Limitations and considerations:

• Expect shorter battery life during gaming sessions and elevated surface temperatures after sustained load.
• High‑end SKUs are pricey; the G14 excels when you need both portability and sustained performance.

Who should buy it: students or professionals who both work and game on one portable machine and who need GPU acceleration for creative workloads.

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Framework Laptop 13 — the modular, repairable Windows 11 laptop​

What it is: A laptop engineered for repairability and long‑term upgrades — the parts are designed to be replaced or upgraded by the owner.
Verified specs and modular design: Framework’s modular architecture (user‑replaceable mainboards, SODIMM slots on many models, M.2 storage, and a unique set of expansion cards that snap into the chassis) is well documented in Framework’s own materials and multiple independent reviews. The company ships a magnetic screwdriver and provides step‑by‑step guides and community support for DIY upgrades. The 13.5" 2256×1504 display, Intel Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen AI options, and upgradable memory/storage make Framework an appealing long‑term play.
Why it matters: If sustainability, long‑term ownership, and future upgradability are priorities, Framework is unique among mainstream PC makers. You can buy a modest configuration now and upgrade CPU, RAM, or ports later — a different economic model than disposable thin‑and‑light laptops.
Limitations and warnings:

• Framework’s pricing and SKU availability have been sensitive to tariffs and supply changes in 2025; some models have temporarily paused U.S. sales when tariffs made them uneconomic. Check availability and shipping windows before committing.
• The DIY aspect is empowering but requires willingness to open the chassis and follow instructions; not everyone wants to tinker.

Who should buy it: buyers who plan to hold a laptop for many years, want to reduce e‑waste, or value being able to repair and upgrade components themselves.

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How to choose between upgrading an existing PC vs buying a new Windows 11 laptop​

• Check compatibility first. Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check or the Windows Update / Upgrade path to see if your current device can legitimately upgrade to Windows 11. If your machine meets TPM 2.0 and CPU requirements, you may be able to stay on the existing hardware and upgrade in place.
• Back up everything. Before you run an in‑place upgrade or buy a new device, use Windows Backup, file‑level backups, or a full image. Data migration headaches are the most common regret after an OS or hardware change.
• Consider cost vs longevity. Low‑cost laptops can make the leap for basic tasks, but if you need performance or long battery life, be willing to spend more now to keep the device useful for years. The Framework approach spreads cost over time by letting you buy a base machine and upgrade internals later.
• Plan for accessories. Tablet PCs like Surface require keyboards and pens to fully replace a laptop; include that cost in the evaluation.
• Use ESU intentionally. If you’re not ready to move, Microsoft’s consumer ESU program is a stopgap that buys time, not a final solution; treat it as a planning window, not an excuse to delay forever.

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Notable strengths and potential risks in Tom’s Guide’s recommendations​

Strengths:

• The five picks cover the major buyer profiles: budget, tablet, ultraportable large‑screen, gaming, and repairable modular machines — that’s practical and actionable for readers who need to pick one path.
• The list balances short‑term affordability (Acer) with futureproofing and sustainability (Framework), which aligns with differing user priorities in a post‑Windows‑10 world.
• Each recommendation highlights a clear use case, making it easier to match the purchase to the real work you do rather than buying for specs alone.

Risks and caveats:

• Price and availability are time‑sensitive. Promotional "$299" prices or specific SKUs can vanish quickly; retail listings vary by region and channel. Verify current pricing before you buy.
• Firmware and driver maturity: new hardware can ship with early firmware that needs updates. For example, Surface Pro 11 owners saw battery‑related firmware quirks in 2025 that required Microsoft fixes. That’s normal but worth watching before buying on day one.
• Compatibility hacks that force Windows 11 onto unsupported older hardware may work temporarily but often break Windows Update servicing and leave you unpatched for future vulnerabilities. Use such workarounds only experimentally.
• Ecosystem lock‑in and feature fragmentation: Windows 11 increasingly ties some AI and Copilot+ features to specific hardware classes; buying a compatible device gives the best experience, but you may not get identical capabilities across all devices. Verify that the features you care about are supported on the SKU you plan to buy.

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Practical next steps for Windows 10 users today​

• Run Microsoft’s PC Health Check and confirm whether your current machine qualifies for the free Windows 11 upgrade.
• If it’s eligible and you’re happy with your device, schedule the upgrade after a full backup and ensure you have current driver support from the OEM.
• If it’s not eligible and you cannot replace it immediately, enroll in ESU (or follow the lightweight ESU eligibility path Microsoft published) to buy a planning window. Treat that time as the opportunity to shop and migrate deliberately.
• If buying new, prioritize the single attribute that matters most to you — portability, battery life, gaming horsepower, or repairability — and choose a model that excels at that rather than a jack‑of‑all‑trades compromise. The Acer Aspire Go 15, Surface Pro 11, LG Gram 17, Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, and Framework Laptop 13 each answer a different, specific need.

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Conclusion​

Windows 10’s end of support is a real inflection point that should prompt planning, not panic. The practical reality is that most users can migrate on their schedule: upgrade existing compatible PCs, use ESU as a short bridge, or buy a new Windows 11 device that actually improves daily computing. The five laptops highlighted in the Tom’s Guide roundup represent sensible upgrade paths across budgets and use cases — from the low‑cost Acer Aspire Go 15 for basic needs to the repairable Framework Laptop 13 for longevity and sustainability. Each choice involves tradeoffs. Verify the current SKU specs, firmware maturity, and pricing before you buy, back up your data, and make the move you can live with for the next several years.

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Source: Tom's Guide https://www.tomsguide.com/computing...-laptops-that-actually-feel-like-an-upgradde/