📌 Introduction
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Since then, Microsoft no longer publishes security updates — if you are still on Windows 10, your system is exposed to growing cyber threats.
0%
French machines on Windows 10
Oct 14, 2025
End of support
82%
French organizations affected
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1. Check compatibility
Use PC Health Check to determine if your hardware is compatible with Windows 11. This step is crucial to avoid surprises during installation.
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2. Backup your data
Protect your important files by creating a complete backup. Migration can sometimes lead to data loss in case of problems.
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3. Inventory your applications
List all your software and ensure they are compatible with Windows 11. Note your license keys for easy reinstallation.
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4. Install Windows 11
Choose the installation method that suits your situation: update via Windows Update or clean installation with USB media.
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5. Secure your system
After migration, verify all drivers are up to date, enable security features and optimize performance.
1. 📊 Current Situation: Why migrate now?
1.1 The critical situation in France and worldwide
According to the latest data from CERT-FR (August 2025), 82% of workstations in French organizations under ADS are still running Windows 10. Worldwide, StatCounter indicates that Windows 11 surpassed Windows 10 in July 2025 with 52% market share compared to 44.59%, but France is lagging with 56% of machines on Windows 10.
1.2 🔐 Dangers of an unsupported system
Staying on Windows 10 after October 14, 2025 exposes your PC to:
🚨 Critical vulnerabilities
Targets for ransomware and spyware
Sensitive data exposed
⚖️ Regulatory non-compliance
GDPR sanctions for businesses
Fines up to 4% of turnover
📉 Productivity loss
Growing software incompatibilities
Modern applications not supported
2. 🔍 Compatibility Check: Essential Steps
2.1 🛠️ Using Microsoft's PC Health Check
1
Download
Download PC Health Check from Microsoft website
2
Installation
Install and launch the application
3
Diagnostic
Click "Check now" for a diagnostic
4
Analysis
Analyze the compatibility report
2.2 📋 Windows 11 Minimum Requirements
| Component | Requirement | Notes |
|---|
| Current OS | Windows 10 v2004+ | Via Update |
| Processor | 1 GHz, 2 cores 64-bit | AMD Ryzen 2000+, Intel 8th gen+ |
| RAM | 4 GB (8 GB recommended) | Optimal performance |
| Storage | 64 GB (SSD recommended) | 20 GB free post-install |
| Firmware | UEFI + Secure Boot | BIOS: F2/F12/Del |
| TPM | 2.0 (via `tpm.msc`) | Mandatory |
| Graphics | DirectX 12/WDDM 2.0 | ≥ 2016 |
| Display | HD 720p, > 9" | Full HD recommended |
| Network | Internet + MS account | Home/Pro edition |
2.3 ⚠️ Alternatives for incompatible PCs
🚨 WARNING
Modifying the Registry voids warranty/support, violates cyber insurance clauses, and exposes to vulnerabilities.
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Linux Ubuntu
Free alternative
Click to discover
Free, secure, many applications. Perfect for users looking for a reliable alternative.
Beginner's guide🔧
ChromeOS Flex
Lightweight and simple
Click to discover
🛒
New PC
Investment
Click to discover
Definitive solution with modern hardware compatible with Windows 11. Cost: €400-800.
3. 💾 Preparatory Backup: Secure Your Data
3.1 🗂️ Multi-layer methods
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System image
Control Panel → Backup → "Create system image" (500 GB+, 2-4h)
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Cloud
OneDrive (Settings → Backup) + Google Drive
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Manual copy
Documents, Photos on USB, verify files
3.2 📝 Application inventory
To list all your installed applications:
# Open admin command prompt
Win + X → Command Prompt (Admin)
# Export application list
wmic product get name,version > "%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\software-list.txt"
3.3 📋 Preparations
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Backup your license keys
Take screenshots of your license keys or use software like ProduKey to recover them. Essential to reactivate your software after migration.
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Export favorites and passwords
Export your browser favorites and ensure you have access to your password manager. This will save you precious time.
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Uninstall third-party antivirus
Third-party antivirus can interfere with Windows 11 installation. Uninstall them temporarily and reinstall after migration.
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Update Windows 10
Ensure Windows 10 is completely up to date. This will resolve any issues that might block the update to Windows 11.
4. ⚙️ Windows 11 Installation Methods
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Installation Methods
Click to discover different methods
Click to flip
Several methods are available depending on your configuration: Windows Update for a direct update, creating USB media for a clean installation, or using Rufus for PCs not officially compatible.
Click to return
4.1 🔄 Windows Update
1
Check
Settings → Windows Update → "Check for updates"
2
Download
"Download and install" Windows 11
3
Installation
Restart (60-90 min)
4.2 💿 Official USB
2
Preparation
Choose USB drive ≥ 8 GB
3
Installation
Boot via F12/F2/Del → Follow wizard
4.3 🚀 Rufus (non-compatible)
2
Configuration
Check "Remove TPM/UEFI requirements"
3
Creation
Create media (15-20 min)
5. 🔧 Post-migration: Optimization
5.1 🔄 Drivers/updates
1
Drivers
Device Manager (GPU, network)
3
Manufacturer
Manufacturer website
5.2 📊 Performance
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Use Event Viewer
Open Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc) and check Application and System logs to identify errors or warnings after migration.
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Analyze Task Manager
Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and observe CPU, memory and disk usage to identify resource-intensive processes.
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Test boot time
Measure your system boot time after migration and compare it to Windows 10 to assess performance gains or losses.
5.3 🛡️ Security
✅ BitLocker
Data encryption
✅ TPM
Check with `tpm.msc`
✅ Secure Boot
Boot security
✅ Defender + Firewall
Real-time protection
6. 🤖 Copilot+ PCs
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Copilot+ PCs
The new generation of AI computers
Click to discover specifications
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NPU with 40,000 TOPS required
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Processors: AMD Ryzen AI 300, Intel Core Ultra 200V, Snapdragon X
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Storage: 256 GB SSD minimum
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Advanced AI features: Recall, Cocreator, Live Captions
Click to return
7. 📚 SafeITExperts Topics
📖 8 Essential Criteria to Choose Your OS in 2025
🔍 Microsoft Windows CLI Tools 2025
🔄 Microsoft Fixes the Linux Dual Boot Issue
🎮 Apple AirTag vs Samsung SmartTag 2025 Guide
8. ❓ FAQ
1
Is Windows 11 free?
Click to see answer
Yes, for eligible Windows 10 users. The update is free.
2
Is there extended support?
Click to see answer
Yes, €30/year for individuals, €61/year for businesses. Limited to 3 years maximum.
3
Is my 2018 PC compatible?
Click to see answer
87% of 2018 PCs are compatible with TPM 2.0. Use PC Health Check to verify.
4
What alternatives to Windows?
Click to see answer
Ubuntu, ChromeOS Flex, or purchasing a new PC are viable alternatives.
9. 🌐 Resources
📞 Microsoft Support
support.microsoft.com/en-us
📋 CISA
US cybersecurity guidance
🏢 Microsoft ESU Program
Extended Security Updates
Additional resources:
🔒 CERT-FR Recommendations
📊 Windows 10 cyberthreats report
📈 Windows 11 migration status
10. 📚 SafeITExperts Sources
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External Sources
Official resources and technical articles
Click to discover resources
📝
SafeITExperts Topics
Additional articles and guides
Click to discover articles
11. 📌 Conclusion
⏰ Final reminder — support has ended
✅
Test compatibility
Use PC Health Check to verify if your PC supports Windows 11
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Backup your data
Create a system image and copy your important files
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Plan your migration
Choose the installation method suited to your situation
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Migrate to Windows 11
Proceed with installation and verify everything works correctly
Migrating to Windows 11 isn't just a simple update, it's a necessity to guarantee the security of your data and system. By acting now, you'll protect yourself from cyber threats that will target unsupported Windows 10 systems after October 14, 2025. Take the time to properly plan your migration for a smooth transition to a more secure and performant environment.
💬 Test your PC and comment! Contact us for a personalized audit.
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