FOPL and Digital Inclusion

At a time when budgets are being squeezed, getting a new computer may not be a priority. Yet the upcoming end of support for Windows 10 may suggest a new computer is needed. Don't feel priced out of Digital Inclusion, there are some excellent alternatives to Windows. And for your broadband, if you claim Universal Credit, Pension Credit or equivalent benefits, you may qualify for cheaper 'social tariffs'.

Here are some suggestions for how you can continue using your older PC so you can renew your books online and access LiveWire’s online services. And carry on doing many other things too! Like using free wifi in Penketh Library.

You will be helping the planet too. Reduce e-waste. Reuse your existing computer. Recycle your electricals.

Windows 10 will reach the end of support on 14 October 2025

Windows 10 is coming to the end of support from Microsoft, starting 14 October 2025. This is a Friends of Penketh Library guide to your options to keep using your existing Windows 10 computer when the support runs out and if it hasn’t already updated to Windows 11.

If your older computer is running Windows 10, you may have seen the message 'This PC doesn't meet the Windows 11 system requirements.’ So you won’t be offered an update to Windows 11. And after October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. While your PC will still work, Microsoft recommends moving to Windows 11. If you follow this advice, you’ll need to stop using your computer and get a new one with Windows 11 installed. And there’s a really good reason for not continuing to use your old PC which is stuck on Windows 10 – no more (free) security fixes.

But hang on a moment, why discard your perfectly good, working laptop? You could consider some of the following options to keep using your PC. (These suggestions apply to 64 bit computers. Older machines may be 32 bit for which the options are more limited, e.g. there are some 32 bit Linux versions available such as Linux Mint LMDE.)

If you decide to stop using your PC, don’t just send it to landfill, sell it or recycle it, maybe gift it to someone. Copy your data off the machine first, then do a reset and wipe your data!

The views expressed are the author’s own, based on the software available at the time of writing, January 2025. Be sure you understand the potential benefits and hazards of any chosen option before you go ahead at your own risk. Whatever you do, back up your data! Detailed instructions are outside the scope of this guide, but there's usually a wealth of information to be found on the internet about your machine and any operating system you may choose.

Option 1: Ignore the end-of-support deadline completely

You could do nothing at all - just continue running your unsupported Windows 10 operating system and hope for the best. That's a bad idea that exposes you to the very real possibility that you'll fall victim to a new security exploit. It’s not recommended. Even if you install an anti-virus program, the Operating System itself may be vulnerable to a new threat that won’t be patched. You can bet the bad guys are looking forward to attacking the millions of unprotected PCs which will still be running Windows 10.

Conclusion: It’s risky.

Option 2: Switch off the WiFi

Yes, isolate the PC and never transfer any files to it, and never again connect to the internet. This should be safe, but it’s very restrictive.

Conclusion: Hard to live with.

Option 3: Get Microsoft security updates

Microsoft will continue developing security updates for Windows 10, but they won't be free. Microsoft announced in December 2023 that it will offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10; these subscription-based updates will be available for up to three years. It seems that Extended Security Updates (ESUs) will be free for all Windows 365 customers, so if you have this service, you should be covered. Other ways of getting ESUs should be available.

Conclusion: Stick with Windows 365 or consider subscribing to it or the ESUs for a three year reprieve.

Option 4: Upgrade your old hardware for Windows 11

Changing the relevant components on some desktop computers might be an option if you have the know-how, but upgrading a laptop really isn’t feasible.

Conclusion: For most, an non-starter.

Option 5: Install Windows 11 anyway

You can find details in a Microsoft Support bulletin titled ‘Installing Windows 11 on devices that don't meet minimum system requirements’. ‘Installing Windows 11 on a device that does not meet Windows 11 minimum system requirements is not recommended. If you choose to install Windows 11 on ineligible hardware, you should be comfortable assuming the risk of running into compatibility issues. If you proceed with installing Windows 11, your PC will no longer be supported and won't be entitled to receive updates.’

If this is your chosen option, look for up-to-date information on how to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. Either upgrading from Windows 10 or as a completely new installation of Windows 11.

Conclusion: It might work properly or it might not. It might get updates or it might not. It won’t be supported by Microsoft. Not an option for the risk averse.

Recommended reading: Windows 11 in easy steps by Nick Vandome, in Penketh Library

Option 6: Ditch Windows and switch to Google’s ChromeOS Flex

If you have used a Chromebook, you have already used the Chrome Operating System. There is a version of the ChromeOS you can load onto your PC called Google ChromeOS Flex. You could refresh the device that you already own at no cost with a modern, cloud-based operating system that's secure and easy to manage. It is only officially supported on certified models, but perhaps worth a try on others to see if it works on them, too. You will need a Google account. If you have a gmail address, you already have one.

To install or try the operating system you will need a USB Flash Drive, minimum size 8GB. (Make sure you copy any data off this flash drive, as it will be overwritten.) Follow the instructions on the ChromeOS Flex website. The operating system can be installed to the PC by booting from the flash drive. (Make sure you copy any existing data off the PC, as it will be overwritten.) Or you can try it out from your flash drive without needing to install it.

If you have any Windows Apps/Programs you specifically need, bear in mind this isn’t Windows, so they won’t run. Most simple computing needs are covered, so it may meet your requirements. It’s cloud-based computing, so you’ll need a wifi connection.

Hint: If you have two PCs, try ChromeOS Flex on one until you become used to it. Changing to another operating system will involve learning a new system and ways of doing things. The Chrome internet browser comes with ChromeOS Flex, so will be familiar to many users.

Conclusion: Probably the simplest way to save a PC that doesn't meet the Windows 11 system requirements, though it may be too simple for your requirements. A slick user experience as you would expect from Google.

By the way, ChromeOS and ChromeOS Flex are based on Linux.

Option 7: Ditch Windows and switch to Linux

Depending on what you want to do, Linux can involve some more effort on the user’s part. Most of your time will be spent in a windows style environment, but sometimes a command will need to be typed in. (That said, some MS Windows commands have to be typed in at the command prompt, too.) While needing more effort means Linux isn’t for everyone, it can be very rewarding and is an opportunity to try something different. Of course, changing to another OS will involve learning a new system.

Linux is available in hundreds of different versions or ‘distributions’. One that is often suggested for beginners is Linux Mint. Try out the Linux Mint Cinnamon Edition by downloading it from the Linux Mint website. https://linuxmint.com It’s free and you can try it from your flash drive without needing to install it on your PC. While it's good for beginners, there are many experienced users who enjoy using it too. (A 32 bit version is available, Linux Mint LMDE, for older PCs that can’t install the 64 bit version.)

Other popular distributions or ‘distros’ can be seen on https://distrowatch.com To install a Linux OS you will need a USB Flash Drive, minimum size 8GB. (Make sure you copy any data off this flash drive, as it will be overwritten.) You’ll download a large installation file called an ‘iso’. In Windows you’ll need a program such as rufus to transfer the iso to the flash drive and make it bootable. The OS is installed to the PC by booting from the flash drive and following the instructions. (Make sure you copy any existing data off the PC, as it will be overwritten.) Make sure the firewall is activated when you start using Linux.

Many Windows programs have a free equivalent in Linux. For example, LibreOffice is an office suite you can install in Linux. If you have any Windows Apps/Programs you specifically need, bear in mind this isn’t Windows, so they won’t run. (Though some can be persuaded to work using a program called Wine, it’s not for beginners.)

Hint: If you have two PCs, try Linux on one until you become used to it. Changing to another operating system will involve learning a new system and new ways of doing things. If you hit a snag, there’s usually a solution to be found on the internet.

Conclusion: Linux is another way to save a PC that doesn't meet the Windows 11 system requirements. It’s not for everyone. There’s a learning curve. But maybe it’s the right option for you?

Recommended reading: Linux in easy steps by Mike McGrath, in Lymm Library

This guide has been produced using Manjaro Linux with the KDE Plasma desktop environment. It’s excellent and a delight to use. Goodbye Windows!

Option 8: Ditch Windows and switch to FreeBSD

FreeBSD is another alternative operating system. As with Linux, FreeBSD is a UNIX style operating system. It’s mentioned here as it’s an alternative OS you could install to your PC.

Conclusion: Probably not the one to pick if you’re just escaping from Windows, it’s more for advanced users who have a specific reason to choose it.

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