Upgrading to Windows 11

Upgrading to Windows 11 on a computer that is just short of the requirements can lead to potential issues, including system instability or crashes. While the upgrade process is designed to keep your files and applications intact, there is always a risk involved, especially if your hardware does not fully meet the minimum system requirements. It's important to consider that if your computer crashes, you may face difficulties in accessing your online courses and other important tasks.

Before proceeding with the upgrade, it might be wise to back up your important data to ensure that you do not lose anything critical in case of a failure. Additionally, you can run the PC Health Check tool to verify compatibility and identify any specific issues that might arise during the upgrade process.

Ultimately, the decision to upgrade should weigh the potential risks against your current needs and situation. If you feel comfortable with the risks and have backed up your data, you can proceed with the upgrade, but be prepared for possible challenges.

Dear Brittany Conte

Thanks for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A Forum.  

I understand your situation—online courses are important, and budget matters. However, Windows 10 reached the end of support on October 14, 2025, along with previous-generation operating systems such as Windows 7 and Windows 8, which no longer receive free security updates. Continuing to use this operating system will increase the risk over time. Here is our public official announcement about it: Windows 10 support has ended on October 14, 2025 - Microsoft Support 

IMPORTANT WARNING: Before any major change, please back up all your course files and personal data to an external drive or cloud storage. This is the best safeguard against any unforeseen incident. 

You can check all sections that related to upgrade to Windows 11 via this article: Windows 11 on devices that don't meet minimum system requirements - Microsoft Support 

To see if a Windows 10 device is eligible to upgrade to Windows 11:

• Download and run the PC Health Check app > Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates button > Install any available 

WARNING: If you do choose to upgrade, remember you have a 10-day window to easily revert to Windows 10 from the Settings app if you encounter any instability issues. 

• Here is Windows 11 IOS that you can download: Download Windows 11 if you cannot update your PC via Settings > Update Security > Windows Update > Check for updates automatically 

Please keep me updated with anything new that you were try to each option. 

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