Upgrading to Windows 11 on an old PC might be easier than you think

Here is a 180-word summary of the news article: The upcoming end of support for Windows 10 in 2025 means many users will soon have to upgrade their older PCs to Windows 11. However, Microsoft has strict hardware requirements for the new OS, which may make upgrading older systems challenging. Most PCs over 8 years old lack the necessary processor, TPM 2.0 security module, and other features required by Windows 11. While some components like RAM and storage may meet the minimum specs, the CPU is often the main obstacle. Upgrading an older Intel-based PC typically requires replacing both the processor and motherboard, at a cost of $200-$500. AMD systems have more upgrade options, as the AM4 socket was used across multiple CPU generations. A Ryzen 5000-series processor can often be installed on existing AMD motherboards after a BIOS update. The article advises using tools like Microsoft's PC Health Check to assess Windows 11 compatibility. It also outlines the steps required to enable features like Secure Boot and TPM. With some hardware upgrades, many older PCs can potentially be made Windows 11-ready.