Check whether your current PC can run Windows 11 before buying a replacement: an eligible computer that still suits your work may be worth keeping. If it cannot upgrade, compare a Windows 11 replacement with Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) as a temporary option, subject to eligibility. Back up and check your files before changing computers.
If your Windows 10 computer still handles home work or personal administration, start by checking its Windows 11 eligibility. Microsoft Support recommends PC Health Check for this decision; eligibility is separate from whether the computer still meets your everyday needs.
If your current computer is ineligible or no longer suits your work, compare laptop and desktop configurations against where you work, the software you use and the peripherals you need to connect.
If documents, photos or work files are stored on the old PC, plan how to copy and check them before an upgrade or replacement. Microsoft Support describes external-storage transfers as one option.
Microsoft Support says Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025. Check the existing PC first, then decide whether a supported upgrade, a temporary transition or a replacement fits your circumstances.
Consider it when: The PC is eligible for Windows 11 and still handles your day-to-day work.
Trade-off: An upgrade keeps the same screen, battery and hardware limitations.
Consider it when: Your personal PC meets Microsoft's Consumer ESU conditions and you need time to move to a supported option.
Trade-off: Microsoft says ESU supplies critical and important security updates through 12 October 2027, but not feature improvements, other fixes or technical support.
Consider it when: The existing PC cannot take a supported upgrade or no longer suits your working setup.
Trade-off: A Windows 11 label does not tell you whether the particular configuration fits your software and peripherals.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Upgrade eligibility | Run Microsoft's PC Health Check and review Windows Update. An eligibility result does not by itself establish that the PC suits your workload. | If my current PC still does what I need, I want to know whether I can keep using it with Windows 11 rather than replace it; around 33% of consumers put upgrade eligibility first. |
| Replacement fit | Choose a laptop or desktop for your workspace, then check the exact Windows edition, memory, storage, screen and connections against your tasks. | When the old PC no longer works well for me, the replacement needs to fit both my workspace and essential software; for around 42% of consumers, that fit is the primary concern. |
| A safe transition | Check that your backup has enough capacity and that copied files open. If considering Consumer ESU, check the device, account and use conditions. | I cannot change computers until my important files are accounted for, and I may need time to arrange the move; protecting that transition comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
The end of Windows 10 support does not mean every Windows 10 computer needs replacing. Microsoft's PC Health Check can identify whether the existing device meets Windows 11 requirements.
Run the check and review Windows Update before shopping. If the PC is eligible, assess whether its condition, applications and peripherals still suit your work.
Microsoft describes Consumer ESU as security-update coverage through 12 October 2027, not a source of new features, other fixes or technical support. Eligibility also depends on the device and how it is used.
Confirm the programme conditions before relying on it, particularly if an employer manages the PC or you use it for work, and plan your move to a supported option.
Moving personal files does not automatically transfer installed applications, account access or peripheral settings.
Copy the folders you need, open a selection of files from the backup to check them, and safely eject an external drive. Make a separate list of software and accounts to set up on the new PC.
PCs with Windows 11 can have different memory, storage, displays and connections, as manufacturer listings from Dell and HP illustrate.
Compare the exact configuration with your software, monitors and other accessories, then decide whether portability or a fixed-desk setup matters more.
Dell's UK range includes Windows 11 laptops presented for everyday work and home use, as well as desktop categories.
HP's UK catalogue includes Windows 11 Home laptops and ProBook configurations listed with Windows 11 Pro.
Microsoft provides the Windows eligibility, Consumer ESU and file-transfer guidance relevant to this decision.
Samsung is relevant if you are considering external storage while preparing to move files, rather than choosing a replacement PC.
These laptop and desktop choices are for replacing a Windows 10 computer. Compare each exact configuration with your work software, workspace and existing accessories; check the installed Windows edition before choosing a PC as your supported replacement.
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Consider this 14-inch laptop if you move your work between rooms; confirm its Windows edition and that essential applications and peripherals work with Snapdragon X.
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This 16-inch Windows 11 Home laptop is a choice to assess if your work calls for the stated memory and storage; check its weight and battery runtime if you will carry it regularly.
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Consider this Windows 11 desktop for a fixed workspace if its stated memory and storage suit your tasks; confirm the peripherals and space needed for your setup.
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This compact Windows 11 mini PC is for a fixed workspace rather than laptop use; check its exact supplied configuration and what you need to complete the desktop setup.
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Consider this Windows 11 Home desktop for a fixed desk, checking whether its 8GB RAM meets your multitasking needs.
No. Microsoft Support says the PC can continue to function, but Windows 10 has no longer received its regular security updates, feature updates or free technical support since 14 October 2025. Check Windows 11 eligibility or the conditions for a temporary Consumer ESU route rather than assuming continued operation means continued support.
Run Microsoft's PC Health Check to assess Windows 11 eligibility, then judge the computer against your actual work. Even an eligible PC may be worth replacing if its condition, screen, connections or application compatibility no longer suit you.
Only if the device and its use meet Microsoft's Consumer ESU conditions. Microsoft lists an eligible Windows 10 version 22H2 edition, current updates including KB5126256, and an administrator Microsoft account among the requirements; domain-joined, MDM-enrolled and other listed commercial scenarios are excluded. Check whether an employer manages your PC and whether your use is eligible before relying on Consumer ESU.
Microsoft says eligible Consumer ESU coverage runs through 12 October 2027. It supplies critical and important security updates, not feature improvements, other fixes or technical support, so allow time to arrange an eligible upgrade or replacement.
Copy the documents, photos and work files you need, then check that the copies open before changing PCs. Microsoft Support describes transferring files with an external USB drive, SD card or hard drive; keep a separate note of applications and accounts you will need to set up again.