Windows 10 remains widely used across homes and offices throughout Antalya. However, Microsoft officially concluded free security updates on October 14, 2025, and the extended consumer security update (ESU) period expired on October 13, 2026. As of late 2026, Windows 10 machines no longer receive security patches against newly discovered exploits.
Quick Summary: Run Microsoft’s PC Health Check app to see if your computer meets Windows 11 requirements. If the processor is compatible but TPM is flagged as missing, enable Intel PTT or AMD fTPM in BIOS and upgrade for free. If your computer has a mechanical hard drive, upgrade to an SSD first to ensure responsive performance under Windows 11. If the hardware is too old to support Windows 11, consider a certified refurbished PC or a lightweight Linux alternative.
Why Staying on Windows 10 Is Dangerous in 2026
An operating system past its lifecycle does not abruptly shut down, but:
- Newly discovered zero-day vulnerabilities and ransomware threats will never be patched.
- Modern web browsers (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge) and security suites will phase out Windows 10 support.
- Online banking, corporate VPNs, and accounting suites will block connections from unpatched operating systems.
Step 1: Check Windows 11 Hardware Eligibility
Download and run Microsoft’s free PC Health Check app. The primary hardware requirements are:
| Hardware Requirement | Minimum Specification | Recommended for Smooth Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Processor (CPU) | 8th Gen Intel (Core i3/i5/i7 8000+) or AMD Ryzen 2000+ | 6-core modern processor |
| System Memory | 4 GB RAM | 8 GB to 16 GB RAM |
| Storage | 64 GB capacity | 500 GB NVMe or SATA SSD |
| Firmware | UEFI, Secure Boot capable | UEFI mode enabled |
| Security Module | Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 | TPM 2.0 enabled in BIOS |
Step 2: How to Enable TPM 2.0 in BIOS
Many modern computers meet all hardware requirements, but TPM was left turned off at the factory:
- Restart your computer and press F2, Del, or F10 during startup to access BIOS.
- Navigate to Advanced, Security, or Trusted Computing:
- For Intel Motherboards: Set Intel PTT (Platform Trust Technology) to Enabled.
- For AMD Motherboards: Set AMD fTPM switch to Enabled.
- Enable Secure Boot under the Boot or Security menu.
- Press F10 to save settings and restart. Windows 11 upgrade eligibility will now show as approved.
What If Your Hardware Is Too Old for Windows 11?
If your processor is older (e.g., 6th or 7th Gen Intel Core), you have three practical paths:
- Upgrade to an SSD first: If you must remain on older hardware temporarily, replacing a mechanical HDD with an SSD dramatically boosts security scan speeds and system performance.
- Switch to Linux Mint or Ubuntu: For basic web browsing, YouTube, and office tasks, modern user-friendly Linux distributions provide full security updates on older hardware completely free.
- Upgrade to a Certified Modern PC: Transitioning to a contemporary laptop ensures full Windows 11 support, high-speed Wi-Fi, and extended battery runtime.
Windows 11 Upgrades & Clean Installation in Antalya
At Protech Bilgisayar in Muratpaşa, Antalya:
- We verify hardware compatibility, activate TPM 2.0/Secure Boot, and execute clean, stable Windows 11 installations.
- We perform drive cloning, SSD upgrades, and full data backups before operating system migrations.
- All hardware upgrades include our 90-day warranty.
Call 0850 220 4323 or contact us via WhatsApp at 0533 053 45 41. Learn more about our computer repair services.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Microsoft officially end Windows 10 support?
Microsoft concluded free public security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The one-year Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for individual consumer licenses expired on October 13, 2026. As of late 2026, home Windows 10 systems receive zero new security patches.
What happens if I keep using Windows 10 today?
Your computer will continue to power on and function, but newly discovered vulnerabilities and zero-day exploits will never be patched. Over time, web browsers, banking portals, and accounting software will drop Windows 10 compatibility, creating severe security risks.
How do I check if my computer can run Windows 11?
Download and run Microsoft's official PC Health Check app. Baseline prerequisites include: a compatible 64-bit processor (generally 8th Gen Intel Core / AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer), TPM 2.0 enabled, UEFI Secure Boot, at least 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended), and 64 GB storage.
My PC supports TPM 2.0, but the checker says it is missing. How do I enable it?
TPM is frequently disabled by default in motherboard BIOS settings. Enter your BIOS and look under Security or Advanced settings: enable Intel PTT (Platform Trust Technology) for Intel systems, or AMD fTPM for Ryzen systems. Save changes, exit, and re-run the check.
Will upgrading to Windows 11 delete my files?
An in-place upgrade via Windows Update preserves all personal files, desktop documents, and compatible applications. Nonetheless, we strongly advise backing up files to an external drive or cloud storage before upgrading.