Like everyone I'm getting bombarded with Windows 10 is ending update to Windows 11.

I have quite a few computers between me and the rest of my family that don't make the requirements for the new Windows version.
The problem in all of them is the CPU version.

I can get an affordable CPU that will let them meet the requirements but in most cases it's a downgrade for the CPU's actual processing power, to keep it affordable right now.

I don't quite understand the implications of installing Windows 11 on a non-compatible machine so would rather not, unless someone here want's to explain what happens.

So the question is,
"is it worth downgrading the CPU to install windows 11 or should I just leave them as is?"

Let me know your thoughts and share opinions.

I'll Run the vote till just after the Windows end date, in otherwords the end of the month.

 

Just leave everything as it is and ignore these warning messages. Don't let it worry you; your Windows 10 will continue to work.

 

No security updates after October 2025 means...you can still update programs and all,its just that windows update doesnt search for security updates.BUT as all DAW users should know by now..keep your DAW machine offline and only go online if you really really need to get sumthing updated

 

I'm running an older version of Win11 because of a similar CPU compatibility issue, which limits some small features but, 11 is pretty good. Would be worth the upgrade to the newest OS to stay with the times I reckon.

 

The LTS I installed didn't care about the cpu. Buy a LTSC license for a few bucks and use that.
I would definitely not downgrade a CPU for a little more modern driver architecture and a little lower latencies.
Usually I tell people to go for the newer OS (and fix it, like with startallback and stuff), but in your case...
Version 10 is not that old. There are people out there jumping through hoops to keep version 7 alive.
From windows 8 on the architecture is quite similar so...
And security wise, I would put it that way: 99,9% of attacks are fishing.
It is a very low percentage where it was 'not the latest windows patch'.
The highest security risk is not the OS, it's the user.
It's different with companies where it makes sense to create a costum malware just for that one company.
But folks like us... We don't get custom tailored malware just to f us over, there is not enough money to be made from us.
//edit// win 11 runs just fine on 'not supported cpus' its just microsoft being a dick

 

JAHMAN..Microsoft is such a pain in the ass. All kinda bloat warez inna d background running while you no even need it and consuming cpu resources

 

Neither. Get a custom OS like Ghost Spectre or Tiny11

 

Win10 is going to be good for MANY more years regardless of the supposed EOS scare tactic. I was running win7 (almost 1.5 decades) up until last year when a major show-stopper forced me to win10. If that one show-stopper didn't rear its ugly head I'd still be running it. I'm still running win7 on a number of machines except for the day to day inet machine.

The ms updates are a rouse. Don't even bother. In fact you can turn that crap off entirely. Their tech support is a joke - don't even worry about it. Any actual vulnerabilities that occur (regardless of whatever their stupid "world-ending" EOS date is) they are required by law (and have been the whole time) to issue FREE patches/fixes/updates to remedy the situation (if you're in the u.s., not sure about other countries). So no worries there either.

I am curious though as to why you would have to downgrade the CPU in order to go to win11 if that is your desired tac? If you're concerned about the whole TPM requirement garbage, worry not. Any optimized win11 install image (as was mentioned above like GhostSpectre, TinyOS, etc...) will get you running win11 (or win10) without much of the bloat and spyware. Those optimized images don't have any hardware requirements other than the traditional minimum resource requirements that are akin to any windows version. No CPU downgrade required.

 

Last edited: Oct 5, 2025

which cpu? I have zero problems running W11 on my i7-5820K and zero problems running W11 on my i7-4770,

major updates are tricky, yes, but clean install via Ventoy always works, even if CPU/TPM/SecureBoot isn't available

also if you don't want your system be "accidentally" upgraded, you can lock it to specific version (which I highly recommend) by using InControl - https://www.grc.com/incontrol.htm

 

this really depends on hardware spec:
if it's not that old (= fully supported by Windows 10), then there's a high chance of flawless experience,
if the hardware is weak (less than 8 GB ram or less than 4 cpu cores or HDD as system drive...) then it will be pain to use daily,
if it's old enough to lack functional drivers (for wifi, touchpad, printers, audio interface, graphics card) then it's a dead end,

if you manage to install Windows 11 on "unsupported" hardware and it will work fine, then updates will work too, only hiccup will be major feature version upgrade (24H2, 25H2...) which may fail, so better avoid it unless needing the newest features,

Windows 10 by now is still a very functional system with all the software and hardware supported, if you don't need Windows 11 then you can of course wait until software devs start requiring Windows 11 as minimum for apps and devices (and given the fact EU effectively enforced Microsoft into extending Windows 10 lifespan by another year, I don't expect any compatibility problems before 2027)

 

Thats what i use

 

I used 98, XP, Win7 / Win8 until there was serious problems with driver support of the hardware. I went Win10 because my graphics card drivers weren't compatible with Win8 anymore (thanks for nothing, nvidia).
CPU support wasn't even a thing, although Intel retracted their full-featured driver. Still worked with OS integrated drivers.
Nowadays I am using my second Win10 workstation, and don't plan to update to 11 until I have serious problems with the software I use. It's a 5750x/3080 monster, so I don't fear any performance issues anytime soon.
A studio PC shouldn't be the client's workplace, it shouldn't be the main internet surfing device for shady websites, I think this is common sense. And then, the security updates aren't bothering me. Even if Defender would stop working, you could always try a 3rd party virus scanner, like Malwarebytes, which btw. has a much better detection IMHO.
If you don't take any serious risks with behavior, it is totally OK to run an older OS. In Linux you have backports, this is something MS will not do. But actually, there are still computers with OSes like Win95 in use, even in the internet.
Now, AFAIK, MS just announced to support Win10 with security updates for one more year.
So no pressure to decide what to do...

 

(Meant 5950x, typo.)

 

I completely deleted Defender last year and said goodbye to antivirus software. I rely on good backup software with an emergency disk, so that in an emergency, it can restore the entire C:\ drive. When I was younger, I had antivirus software, but it couldn't protect me from three viruses/trojans. Thankfully, I always had backups, and I was able to restore my PC.

 

the script kiddies and malware programmers are focussed on vulnerabilities in w11 so i recommend browsing with win7, better experience no antivirus needed

 

How to get rid of the defender:

ionuttbara/windows-defender-remover
- A tool which is uses to remove Windows Defender in Windows 8.x, Windows 10 (every version) and Windows 11.
https://github.com/ionuttbara/windows-defender-remover

 

Thanks everyone.

This is heading in the direction I thought it would.
Still it's good to have the confirmation.

 

random shit that happens since i am on windows 11:

- renaming something using F2 randomly doesnt work; requires restart of the file explorer
- windows + shift + s shortcut randomly stops working; (takes the screenshot, cant open it, cant save it, cant paste it, its like it doesnt exist)
- file explorer hangs for no reason for 3-4 seconds, usually once/week (still didnt figure out why)
- when opening the start, sometimes its empty (even tho i have permanent shortcuts in it)
- when on the integrated realtek audio out, when muting, it clicks - when unmutin, it clicks (like a 0 crossing); again, this didnt happen with windows 10 so no, its not a hardware thing

and many more that i dont remember

 

I am not planning to upgrade to Windows 11 unless two conditions are met: the DAW update stops supporting Windows 10, AND the new features are a demonstrable game-changer. Simply put, if the functions aren't revolutionary, the effort and downtime required to change operating systems are not worthwhile.

 

First, please install and run O&O ShutUp10, then restart your PC. Then, run the Run System File Checker.

1. O&O ShutUp10++:Free antispy tool for Windows 10 and 11
www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10
In reality, Windows 11 works perfectly and without problems once you have configured it correctly.

2. Run System File Checker
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command, and press ENTER:
sfc /scannow
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...em-files-79aa86cb-ca52-166a-92a3-966e85d4094e

3. How to enable Administrator account on Windows
https://blog.wijman.net/how-to-enable-administrator-account-on-windows/

 

Last edited: Oct 6, 2025