At this point in the game, we all know that Windows 10’s days are numbered. On October 14th of this year, users can say goodbye to official Microsoft support for the Windows 10 operating system. Therefore, it seems that our only option is to migrate to Windows 11 if we want to remain safely in the Redmond company’s environment.
And not content with the end of Windows 10 support, Microsoft seems to be laughing at users. The reason for this can be found in the publication of a list of “instructions” for migrating to Windows 11. Among other things, it suggests the purchase of new computers (surprise). What’s more, it doesn’t address Extended Security Updates, or ESU, through which we can continue to securely access Windows 10. In short, its intentions are directed toward the dollar and the euro with every word of the statement.
Microsoft Checklist Highlights
According to Bill Gates’ own company, these are the most important points to keep in mind if we want to safely migrate to Windows 11:
- Check for Windows updates. We’ll need to make sure our Windows 10 operating system is up to date with all official updates and security patches.
- Back up data. That is, we should protect our personal files, whether on external devices or in the cloud (obviously, this only refers to Google Drive).
- Securely erase data. According to Microsoft, we should erase all information from the device before disposing of it.
- Recycle your PC responsibly. And this is where Microsoft has tried to play it cool, but it has angered the community. According to them, we could consider recycling options for our PCs. Or, “trade in” the old device for a new one. And this is just their strategy to keep hardware manufacturers’ demand growing.
Criticisms and omissions of the checklist
Users on social media have lashed out at the list for a variety of reasons.
First of all, although it mentions that we can upgrade to Windows 11 if our hardware allows it, it doesn’t specifically tell us how to do it. It leaves it up in the air for us to figure out how to do it ourselves. On the other hand, it strongly emphasizes that we buy another PC. As we’ve said, this is nothing more than a sales strategy for new hardware and to continue its own profit cycle.
And, of course, no other options that offer less or no benefit are mentioned. Even Extended Security Updates have been left out of this announcement, as they don’t provide enough benefit to Redmond.
From here, we users have to think things over a bit to figure out how to act.
- We can upgrade to Windows 11, as the vast majority will, and if possible, with our own PC.
- We’ll also be able to buy a new PC, just the way they want.
- Another option would be to opt for ESU, to stay on Windows 10 safely.
- Or, and this may be the most interesting, we can look at alternatives like Linux, which are completely free.
