What is the best option to continue with Windows 10?

[Dario]

Sorry to open another tread about WIndows 10 or 11.

 

I have scoured through the many messages posted on the other thread and have learned one thing: to continue with Windows 10 as most viewers wouldn't upgrade to Windows 11. BUT: if I want to continue with Windows 10, what is the very best option? Can anyone give me links to purchase an upgrade for W10? Thanks for any help.

 

If anyone believes that it is OK to upgrade to W11, please send me a link to a legitimate version. Thanks. 

[Ralf001]

You can keep using 10, it just wont recieve security updates after October.

 

If you want to upgrade to 11 follow this guide.

 

https://www.pcworld.com/article/2639634/windows-10-support-ends-soon-heres-how-to-upgrade-to-windows-11.html

 

[KhunLA]

If you are on Win 10 now, like myself, you get constant reminders that support will end, and to upgrade to 11.  With clickable link to do just that.

 

I won't be 'down grading' my free features by upgrading to 11.

 

If you stay off sketchy sites, you shouldn't have any issues.  Or, simply use a non Windows security app after support expires.  I used to be a Trend fan, years ago, when Windows security sucked.  Much improved and can't remember last time I had Trend.  A couple version of Windows ago.

 

There's always a few free security apps available.  Better than none, if you think you need one.

[topt]

11 hours ago, Dario said:

BUT: if I want to continue with Windows 10,

Here is a link discussing one option - note that at the moment you can't do anything about it unless you go to Opatch

https://www.askwoody.com/forums/topic/microsoft-extends-windows-10-life-for-consumers-if-they-pay-30/

 

I mentioned another option in one of the threads - moving to the Win 10 Enterprise LTSC IOT version which will receive security updates until 2032

 

https://www.theregister.com/2025/04/22/windows_10_ltsc/

 

Quote

They are not quite the same as the ordinary consumer editions of Windows 10. They don't include the Windows Store or any "modern" apps. Apart from the Edge browser, they have almost nothing else: no OneDrive, no Weather or Contacts apps, and no Windows Mail or whatever it's called this week. For this vulture, all these things sound like significant advantages, although you may disagree. They do include the usual Windows Defender antivirus, though, and the classic accessories such as Notepad and Wordpad.

 

 

[CallumWK]

34 minutes ago, topt said:

They don't include the Windows Store or any "modern" apps. Apart from the Edge browser, they have almost nothing else: no OneDrive, no Weather or Contacts apps, and no Windows Mail or whatever it's called this week.

 

Looks like the way to go. A "clean" version of windows without all the useless Microsoft sh!te

[jacnl2000]

Don't forget a clean install is usually required when moving to Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 🥲

 

The official Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 ISO available for download from Microsoft's Evaluation Center is the IoT Enterprise edition. This version is intended for specialized, embedded devices and offers a 10-year support lifecycle (5 years mainstream + 5 years extended), compared to the standard Enterprise LTSC's 5-year support.

 

IoT stands for Internet of Things.

 

While both editions are functionally identical, the IoT version includes additional features tailored for embedded systems, such as support for smaller storage devices and enhanced device lockdown capabilities. These features are beneficial for devices like ATMs, kiosks, and industrial controllers which need to keep running as stable as possible.

 

ISO = IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 (from Microsoft’s evaluation/download site)

 

Key = determines if it’s IoT Enterprise or regular Enterprise LTSC

 

For a normal PC and full 10-year support, just use the ISO + a standard Enterprise LTSC key.

 

Warning:

For Windows 11, it's a little bit different. Windows 11 Enterprise evaluation ISOs are designed specifically for testing and evaluation, not for direct upgrade or activation. Unlike Windows 10 LTSC evaluation editions, which support a direct key-based activation upgrade, the Windows 11 Enterprise evaluation is more locked down. After the Windows 11 Enterprise evaluation period (typically 90 days) ends, you cannot simply activate it with a product key to make it a permanent installation. Hopefully, the internet shop where you bought the product key provides you also with a proper download link for obtaining a full (non-evaluation) Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC IoT ISO. I was not that lucky.

 

 

 

 

[riclag]

Op i was wondering the same thing!

I had purchased a new hp Win10 with a processor AMD A6 9225 back in 2019 at Walmart . I took it to Thailand, put it in my closet waiting for  the existing one I had to die. That happened a year ago. Its a shame the cpu doesn’t meet

the requirement to run Win 11.

 

I would buy the $ 30  ESU( extended security updates) subscription in a heart beat , but can’t find it.

I’m going to the states next year and I’ll buy another Hp with win 11 , it would be nice to have that extension .

 

 

[Ralf001]

1 hour ago, riclag said:

 

 

I would buy the $ 30  ESU( extended security updates) subscription in a heart beat , but can’t find it.