Many of us are facing the tough decision of whether to buy a new PC to upgrade to Windows 11. I understand the pressure, especially with Microsoft’s deadline for Windows 10 support looming in October 2025. But before you rush out to buy a new machine, you should know that there are other options to consider that could save you a lot of money and prevent perfectly good hardware from ending up in a landfill.
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A brand new PC for Windows 11 might come with some great features, but it also comes with a significant price tag. A powerful desktop like the CyberPowerPC Infinity Z890 Air costs £1,739. A more affordable option like the PCSpecialist Frostbyte Elite is still £999. While these are great machines, they might be overkill for your needs, and you might not need to spend that much to keep your PC safe and up-to-date.
💡 Is It Possible to Upgrade an Unsupported PC?
Yes, it is possible! In a past issue, we explained how to upgrade to Windows 11 even if your computer didn’t meet the requirements. Many readers followed this advice and have been running Windows 11 perfectly well on their unsupported PCs. However, this approach can be risky and isn’t for everyone.
We’ve also covered other alternatives, such as buying a refurbished Windows 11 PC or installing a different operating system like Linux. You might also be able to get by with an old Windows 10 PC by using the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for a fee. It’s a good idea to weigh all your options before making a final decision.
🖥️ What About Your Old Laptop?
If you have an old laptop that you’re not using anymore, you might be able to get some extra life out of it. You could use it as a second screen with an app like GlideX. The app is free and lets you turn any PC, phone, or tablet into an extra monitor. You can also explore using it for simple, offline tasks like watching videos, which can still be a great way to use a device you already own.
The Problem with Windows 10. Computeractive – Issue 715, 30 July-12 August 2025.
Will It Be Safe to Use a Windows 10 Laptop with My TV? Computeractive – Issue 715, 30 July-12 August 2025.
Were you too pessimistic about running Windows 11 on unsupported PCs? Computeractive – Issue 715, 30 July-12 August 2025.
Microsoft to stop adding new 365 tools for Windows 10 in 2026. Computeractive – Issue 715, 30 July-12 August 2025.
Microsoft extending Windows 10 support is a ‘blatant trick’. Computeractive – Issue 715, 30 July-12 August 2025.
Easy When You Know How: Turn an old tablet into a monitor. Computeractive – Issue 715, 30 July-12 August 2025.
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