How much does it cost to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11?

The Windows 11 upgrade itself is free if your computer meets the hardware requirements. England Tech Solutions charges a flat $100 rate if you need help with the upgrade, including a backup of your files, the upgrade installation, and ensuring everything works.

My computer is 7 years old. Should I upgrade or buy a new one?

If your computer doesn't support Windows 11, it's probably time to start thinking about a new one. Call England Tech Solutions at 360-379-1319 for a free consultation.

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Windows 10 End of Life: What Port Townsend Users Need to Know in 2026

Kyle England May 22, 2026 Security

If you're still using Windows 10, you're not alone. A lot of folks in Port Townsend have perfectly good computers that have been running Windows 10 for years. But here's the problem: Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.

That means no more security updates. No more patches. No more bug fixes. Every new vulnerability discovered in Windows 10 from that point forward will remain unpatched — and hackers know it.

What "End of Life" Actually Means

When a version of Windows reaches end of life (EOL), Microsoft stops providing technical support and, crucially, security updates. Without those monthly patches, any newly discovered security flaw becomes a permanent doorway into your computer.

Think of it like a lock on your front door that never gets updated — except the burglars have a master key and it's posted online.

Your computer won't stop working. The start button will still work, your files will still open. But behind the scenes, your PC is becoming more vulnerable every day.

Your Upgrade Options

Here's what Port Townsend computer users can do:

Upgrade to Windows 11 (free, if your PC supports it). Microsoft offered a free upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. If your computer's hardware is new enough, this is the simplest path — and it's free.
Buy a new computer with Windows 11 pre-installed. If your current PC is more than 5-6 years old, it may not support Windows 11. In many cases, buying a new computer is more cost-effective than trying to upgrade old hardware.
Pay for Extended Security Updates (ESU). Microsoft offers paid security updates for businesses and organizations that aren't ready to upgrade yet. For individuals, there are limited options here.
Switch to a Chromebook or Mac. If most of what you do happens in a web browser, a Chromebook might be simpler and safer. If you already use Apple devices, a Mac could make sense.

Risks of Staying on Windows 10

Every day you stay on an unsupported operating system, you're taking a gamble. Here's what's at stake:

New viruses and malware will specifically target Windows 10 because attackers know it won't be patched.
Your personal data — banking, email, family photos, documents — becomes a target.
Insurance and compliance issues. If you run a business on an unsupported OS, your cyber liability insurance may not cover a breach.
Software compatibility problems. New versions of browsers, banking apps, and other software will eventually stop supporting Windows 10.

How to Check if Your PC Supports Windows 11

Microsoft created a free tool called the PC Health Check app. Download it from Microsoft's website, run it, and it will tell you whether your computer can run Windows 11. The main requirements are:

An 8th-gen Intel processor or AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer
At least 4GB of RAM
64GB of storage
TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) — a security chip on most computers made after 2018

If the Health Check says your PC doesn't support Windows 11, don't panic. A lot of perfectly usable computers from 2017-2019 fall into this gap. That doesn't mean you need to throw it away — but it does mean you should have a plan.

What England Tech Solutions Charges for Upgrade Help

I help Port Townsend residents with Windows upgrades all the time. Here's what that looks like:

Windows 11 upgrade check and installation: $100 flat rate. I check compatibility, back up your important files, run the upgrade, and make sure everything works afterward.
New computer setup and data transfer: $100 flat rate. I transfer your files, install your programs, and set up the new machine so it feels like your old one — only faster.
Consultation — what should I do?: Free. Call me at 360-379-1319 and I'll help you figure out the best path forward for your specific situation. No charge, no obligation.

The bottom line: don't panic, but don't ignore it either. Windows 10 still works, but it's no longer safe. Give me a call and we'll figure out the right next step for you.

Call 360-379-1319 Send a Message

Frequently Asked Questions

No, your computer will still turn on and run your programs. But without security updates, it will become increasingly vulnerable to new viruses, malware, and hacking attempts. It's like leaving your front door unlocked — everything works fine until someone walks in.

The Windows 11 upgrade itself is free if your computer meets the hardware requirements. If you need help doing the upgrade, England Tech Solutions charges a flat $100 rate. That includes a backup of your files, the upgrade installation, and making sure everything works.

If your computer doesn't support Windows 11, it's probably time to start thinking about a new one. You can keep using your current machine, but it won't be getting security updates. Call me at 360-379-1319 and I'll help you decide — no charge for the consultation.

Being careful helps, but it's not enough. Hackers actively target out-of-date operating systems because patches don't exist for newly discovered vulnerabilities. Even visiting a legitimate website that's been compromised could infect your computer.

Yes. For a flat $100 fee, I'll set up your new computer, transfer all your files and programs from the old one, and make sure everything is working. Call 360-379-1319 to schedule.