In other words, Microsoft has raised the hardware bar. Unlike past upgrades, where most computers could move to the next version of Windows with little trouble, Windows 11 demands newer and more secure hardware. Here are the three main key limitations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module):<\/strong> This is a security chip that helps protect your system from modern threats. Many older computers either don\u2019t have it or have an older version that Windows 11 doesn\u2019t accept.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Secure Boot:<\/strong> Windows 11 starts every session with UEFI Secure Boot, which checks digital signatures on the bootloader and drivers before a single line of code runs. Older PCs that still boot in legacy BIOS mode can\u2019t pass that test, so the installer blocks them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Supported CPUs:<\/strong> Features such as Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) and Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI) isolate sensitive parts of the OS in a lightweight virtual machine. Those tricks lean on CPU instructions that only shipped reliably from about Intel 8th Gen \/ AMD Zen 2 (2018) onward. If your processor predates that cutoff, Windows 11 can\u2019t switch these shields on without a performance or stability penalty, so Microsoft excludes the chip entirely.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Windows](\"https:\/\/linuxiac.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/win10-eol-switch-to-linux-upgrade-error.jpg\")
<\/a>Windows 10 won’t upgrade to Windows 11 because hardware doesn’t meet the requirements.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n But why did Microsoft do this? They say it\u2019s all about security, performance, and reliability. They want Windows 11 to run only on systems supporting features like virtualization-based security, faster updates, and better protection against malware. Unfortunately, even though that\u2019s great for new machines, it leaves millions of older (yet still functional) PCs behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That naturally leads to the next essential question: Does the fact that Linux doesn\u2019t have these requirements mean it\u2019s less secure? Short answer: No<\/strong>\u2014Linux can<\/em> be just (and in general is more<\/em>) as secure by design as Windows 11, but it doesn\u2019t force<\/em> you to use the same hardware-rooted safeguards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Security is ultimately a matter of how you configure the system and what hardware you give it, not an intrinsic weakness in the operating system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Windows 11 hard-codes a specific security baseline\u2014TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot, and a post-2018 CPU\u2014and simply refuses to install if any part is missing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the flip side, Linux ships with the ability to use every one of those protections but leaves the final decision to the user or the distro installer. Modern kernels understand TPM 2.0, measured-boot, and PCR sealing, and mainstream distributions ship Microsoft-signed \u201cshim\u201d bootloaders so they work fine with Secure Boot when enabled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m trying to say that if you install a modern Linux distro on a recent laptop and keep Secure Boot and TPM enabled, you get essentially the same silicon-anchored defenses that Windows 11 demands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best part is that because Linux doesn\u2019t insist on those components, it will also run more than fine on a 15-year-old Core 2 Duo with legacy BIOS. That\u2019s convenience, not a security bug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Will Happen to Your PC After October 14, 2025?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Let me begin by putting it all in one simple word\u2014nothing<\/strong>. That\u2019s right, nothing at all. And as odd as it might sound, it\u2019s this very \u201cnothing\u201d that actually points to a much bigger problem, which I\u2019ll get to in just a moment. But first, there\u2019s something else I need to make clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ve probably seen headlines or posts trying to make October 14, 2025, sound like some kind of tech doomsday\u2014that after this date, your computer will suddenly stop working or fall apart. But let\u2019s clear things up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s the simple truth: Windows 10 isn\u2019t going to just shut down or break on October 15. It\u2019ll still run just like it does today\u2014on that day, a month later, and even into 2026. You get the idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s no hidden switch inside your PC that flips and makes it unusable the next morning. So don\u2019t let the panic get to you\u2014your files, apps, and system will all still be there, working as usual. The real issue, though, comes down to one thing: security.<\/strong> And that\u2019s where the story starts to change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop releasing updates for Windows 10. And if you’re thinking, \u201cNo big deal,\u201d<\/em>\u2014well, think again. This is actually a very big deal<\/strong>. Without regular security updates, your computer becomes an easy target for malware, hackers, and all kinds of online threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sure, you might not notice any problems right away. Your system will still benefit from the last round of updates for the first few weeks. But after that, it\u2019s not a matter of if<\/em> something goes wrong\u2014it\u2019s when<\/em>. Sooner or later, your PC will be at serious risk of getting infected or compromised, and everything on it, your personal data and files, could be exposed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here is the official Microsoft statement<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
You may continue to use Windows 10 after support ends; however, it will no longer receive quality updates, new or updated features, security updates, or technical support. We recommend that customers upgrade or transition to a new Windows 11 PC for the best, most secure computing experience.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
And here\u2019s the scary part: cybercriminals are already circling the date. They know that after October 14, any new security holes in Windows 10 won\u2019t be patched by the mass user (look below), and they\u2019ll be ready to take full advantage of that. Bottom line? Sticking with Windows 10 after support ends is not an option.<\/strong> But not all is lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Microsoft Extended Security Updates (ESU) Program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One thing that isn\u2019t mentioned much in the talk about switching from Windows 10 to another operating system (Linux in particular) is that there is<\/em> a safety belt. Like it or not, though, it\u2019s a paid option. I’m talking about Microsoft’s ESU program<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is a paid service offered by Microsoft that allows customers to continue receiving critical security updates for a version of Windows that has officially reached the end of support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In simple terms, even after Microsoft stops supporting Windows 10, ESU customers can keep getting important security patches\u2014for a price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
For individuals or Windows 10 Home customers, Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 will be available for purchase at $30 for one year<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 ESU will be offered for three additional years, from October 2025 through October 2028. The updates included in the ESU program will only be critical and important security updates, not new features or performance improvements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is not a new concept. If you remember, Microsoft previously offered ESU for Windows 7 after it reached end-of-life in 2020. The program proved especially useful for businesses and government agencies that needed more time to transition to a newer OS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In other words, if you\u2019re willing to spend $90, you can keep using Windows 10 safely through October 2028. After that, though\u2014whether you like it or not\u2014you\u2019ll have to either upgrade your hardware or switch to a different operating system, like Linux.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Windows 10 Is Ending\u2014Linux Is Ready When You Are<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now, we\u2019ve arrived at my favorite part of the article\u2014talking about Linux replacing Windows 10. I\u2019ll do my best to stay objective here, even though, as you\u2019ve probably noticed, this site is all about Linux and open source\u2014so yes, we have a bit of a bias.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That said, I won\u2019t pretend otherwise: I genuinely believe Linux is a better alternative to Windows 10 and a better operating system overall. Still, I want to be fair. So, in the spirit of honesty and transparency, I\u2019ll walk you through both the pros and cons you might encounter if you\u2019re considering making the switch. But before that, something fundamental:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What You Need to Make the Switch to Linux<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A change in mindset.<\/strong> Let me say it again: The biggest thing you must do is change your thoughts about the operating system. If you\u2019re coming from Windows 10, the best thing you can do is leave those habits behind. Once you do that, everything else starts to fall into place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just try stepping outside your comfort zone for a moment\u2014you might be surprised by what\u2019s waiting for you. Some of life’s best things happen when we take that leap. Maybe that\u2019s even how you met someone special in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m getting at this: if you\u2019re looking for a one-to-one Windows 10 replacement in Linux, you\u2019re probably setting yourself up for disappointment. But if you come with an open mind, well… then only the sky is the limit. More on that in our article “Linux for Windows Users? There\u2019s No Such Thing!<\/a>“<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pros: Superb Performance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One thing I can say for sure: the first few minutes after booting into Linux, especially after a long run on Windows 10, can really catch you off guard. You might find yourself staring at your screen, wondering if someone secretly upgraded your \u201cold\u201d hardware. The difference is more than noticeable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everything loads instantly\u2014no long waits, no spinning wheels. Your system boots in 20 to 30 seconds and shuts down even faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But here\u2019s the thing\u2014it\u2019s not magic. It\u2019s just how Linux is built. Unlike Windows, which starts off feeling snappy right after installation, and then a year later, you’re wondering if it’s the same operating system, making coffee while you wait for it to boot, Linux stays fast. A year, two\u2014or even more\u2014down the line, it\u2019ll still run as smoothly as on day one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And when you think about all that time spent waiting on a sluggish Windows machine\u2014booting, loading, lagging\u2014those minutes add up. Over the years, it\u2019s literally days of your life spent just watching the screen. Linux gives you that time back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pros: A World Without Viruses, Tracking, or Spyware<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The day you switch to Linux is the day you’ll stop thinking about “antivirus software” altogether\u2014because Linux simply doesn\u2019t need it. It is not magically immune to those. This is due to the design of the operating system itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Linux, ordinary accounts cannot modify system files; the
sudo<\/code> prompt is an unavoidable speed bump. So, when a virus that tricks you into running a malicious attachment still can\u2019t implant itself system-wide without your password.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMoreover, most software comes from the distro\u2019s own servers over HTTPS and is cryptographically verified. That means malware can\u2019t just masquerade as an \u201cupdate\u201d\u2014the signature would fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last but definitely not least, Windows 11 collects extensive device and usage data out of the box and has drawn fresh criticism around AI-driven features such as Recall, which periodically takes screenshots of the entire desktop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conversely, Linux distributions ship without telemetry and are bound by the Linux Foundation\u2019s policy of forbidding data collection without explicit consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because the source code is open, the community would quickly expose any hidden \u201cphone-home\u201d behavior. More than any technical mechanism, that transparency keeps large-scale tracking absent from mainstream Linux.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pros: No Ads, No Distractions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You know what\u2019s always blown my mind about Windows 10\u2014and even more so in Windows 11? It just throws unsolicited stuff at you right out of the box. Ads, notifications, random \u201ctips\u201d\u2014it\u2019s all baked in. And somehow, that\u2019s become totally normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So to you, my friend, still using Windows 10\u2014I salute you. You\u2019ve got more patience than I ever could. Personally, I just can\u2019t deal with the constant stream of pop-ups, suggestions for \u201camazing\u201d features I never asked for, or being told which app I supposedly want<\/em> to open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Linux, none of that exists. The system is just\u2026 there for you. It does what you ask without sneaking in ads or advice you didn\u2019t request. I’m trying to say that W<\/span>indows feels like it\u2019s trying to train you to use it instead of vice versa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the end, it all comes down to this: would you rather be the master of your own computer or let your operating system call the shots? I\u2019ll let you decide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pros: Yes, You Can Game on Linux\u2014And It\u2019s Actually Great<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ll keep it short\u2014back in the day, gaming on Linux felt like a distant dream. But times have changed. Fast forward to today, and it\u2019s barely even a topic anymore\u2014Linux has grown into a fully capable gaming platform that can easily hold its own against Windows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why bring this up? Because for a lot of people, one of the biggest worries about switching away from Windows is: \u201cBut will my games work on Linux?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thanks to tools like Proton, the answer is a confident yes. Most Windows games now run on Linux with little to no hassle. So yeah\u2014that concern? It\u2019s pretty much a thing of the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pros: No Cost, No Catch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Linux is free software, which means you can legally download it, use it, and even modify it if you’re up for it\u2014all without spending a dime. Yep, absolutely free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But here\u2019s the real kicker: it\u2019s not just the operating system that\u2019s free. The apps you install on Linux are free, too\u2014free at no cost and free with no hidden strings attached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plus, don\u2019t confuse this with the kind of \u201cfree\u201d you sometimes see on Windows, where you get a so-called free app bundled with ads, nagging pop-ups, or some sketchy extra software you never asked for. That\u2019s not how things work on Linux. There are no tricks and no catch\u2014just clean, functional software that respects your time, privacy, and choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cons: Learning Curve<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Linux is a whole different world. And to use it comfortably, you\u2019ll need to put in some effort to understand some of the core principles it\u2019s built around. The good news? That learning curve is usually pretty gradual, and most of it happens naturally as you use the system and run into the occasional challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What makes Linux so powerful\u2014its flexibility and the total control it gives you\u2014can also make it a bit intimidating at first. To really feel confident, you need to know what you\u2019re doing. Then again, that\u2019s true for just about anything worth learning in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, a lot of things will work right out of the box. But once you start exploring and customizing the system to make it your own, you\u2019ll eventually bump into something tricky to figure out. That\u2019s when it helps to dig a little deeper and better grasp how Linux actually works behind the scenes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As tempting as it may be to believe the promises from various Linux distros that they\u2019ll give you everything you need for a smooth transition from Windows 10, the truth is\u2014it\u2019s not quite that simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Linux is an operating system made for the free-spirited, curious, and the kind of person who sees challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities to grow. If you\u2019re just looking for a simple point-and-click experience, Linux might not be the right fit. As nice as that sounds, it doesn’t exist in Linux.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cons: New Software Habits – Adapting to Life After Windows<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re considering switching from Windows to Linux, one of the biggest hurdles you\u2019ll likely face is getting used to a whole new set of applications. The reality is simple: the programs you relied on in Windows usually won\u2019t run natively on Linux.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sure, there are<\/em> ways to run Windows apps on Linux, and many work surprisingly well. But the truth is, for a new user, that route often creates more headaches than it’s worth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead, it\u2019s better to embrace the new ecosystem. You\u2019ll soon find that instead of familiar tools like Microsoft Office or your favorite image editor, you\u2019ll be using programs with names like LibreOffice and GIMP. These aren\u2019t just knockoffs or replacements\u2014they\u2019re full-fledged applications in their own right, trusted by millions of users worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether they\u2019re \u201cbetter\u201d or \u201cworse\u201d than their Windows counterparts is a debate for another day. The key is approaching the change with an open mind\u2014you might be surprised by how quickly you adapt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Top Linux Distros for Windows Users Making the Switch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Alright, we\u2019re getting close to the end of this article. If you\u2019ve already decided to give your \u201cold\u201d Windows 10 PC a new lease on life by installing Linux, I\u2019ve got three key suggestions you\u2019ll want to keep in mind. But before I get to those, I want to clarify something important first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Linux, there\u2019s something called a desktop environment<\/em>. You can think of it as the user interface in Windows\u2014the part where you use your mouse to click around, open windows, and interact with apps. But here\u2019s the key difference: the desktop environment isn\u2019t a built-in, unchangeable part of the Linux system. It\u2019s optional\u2014a separate layer on top of the core operating system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I know that might sound a little odd at first. And to make things even more interesting, Linux doesn\u2019t just have one desktop environment\u2014it has lots of them. Each has its own style, features, and approach to how things should work and look. Some are sleek and modern, others are lightweight and minimal, and they can look completely different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And yes, it gets even better: you\u2019re not limited to just one. On Linux, you can install multiple desktop environments side by side and switch between them whenever you like. Like I said earlier, Linux is a whole different (and honestly better) world. One where you\u2019re free to shape your experience however you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why did I bring all of this up? Because for most new users, the desktop environment is their very first experience with Linux, and as we all know, first impressions matter. They often decide whether you’ll stick with it or give up right away. That\u2019s why I want to make this next point crystal clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re coming from Windows, KDE Plasma is the best desktop environment to help you feel at home and ease into Linux with minimal stress.<\/strong> Another great option is Cinnamon, which checks many of the same boxes and might work just as well for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why KDE?<\/a> Well, that\u2019s a big topic\u2014but to keep it simple, if you’re coming from Windows, KDE will probably feel the most familiar. It\u2019s actively maintained, with stable and predictable development, so you\u2019re not in for wild surprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another big factor that makes KDE shine is its balance. On the surface, it has a clean, well-organized interface that makes sense\u2014no confusing layouts, missing functionalities, or odd design decisions. But under the hood, it offers nearly endless customization options for power users who want to fine-tune every setup detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So whether you\u2019re brand new to Linux or a seasoned pro, KDE is flexible enough to meet you where you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With that in mind\u2014and following the advice from our article “New to Linux? Stick to These Rules When Picking a Distro<\/a>“\u2014here are the top three picks I\u2019d recommend for anyone switching from Windows 10 to Linux.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
openSUSE Leap<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"openSUSE](\"https:\/\/linuxiac.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/win10-eol-switch-to-linux-opensuse-1024x640.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a Windows 10 user wondering what to do after support ends\u2014and you’re thinking about switching to Linux\u2014my top recommendation is openSUSE<\/a> Leap. To be clear, I mean Leap<\/em>, not the rolling release<\/a> version called Tumbleweed, which can overwhelm newcomers with frequent updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can’t go wrong with openSUSE Leap, which is built using the source code of SUSE Linux Enterprise. It’s rock-solid, user-friendly, everything just works, and it’s known for its long-standing stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You won\u2019t run into any sudden changes or unexpected surprises. Best of all, it\u2019s backed by SUSE \u2014 one of the major names in the enterprise Linux world \u2014 so you\u2019re in good hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s the kind of setup that gives new Linux users exactly what they need: peace of mind, predictability, and the confidence that they\u2019re using a system they can truly rely on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Linux Mint<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Linux](\"https:\/\/linuxiac.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/win10-eol-switch-to-linux-mint-1024x640.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMy second recommendation is Linux Mint<\/a>\u2014a distribution that\u2019s truly earned its reputation as one of the best options for desktop Linux in recent years. Everything about it is designed with one clear goal in mind: making life easier for the end user.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It uses the Cinnamon desktop environment, which was developed by the Linux Mint team itself\u2014so naturally, it’s the best version you\u2019ll find anywhere. Everything feels thoughtfully refined and polished to a shine. Using it is a real pleasure: it\u2019s lightweight, straightforward, and\u2014just as important\u2014comfortable and familiar, especially for anyone coming from Windows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fedora KDE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Fedora](\"https:\/\/linuxiac.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/win10-eol-switch-to-linux-fedora-1024x640.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMy last suggestion is Fedora<\/a>, but the KDE version of the distribution. Here again, you can trust another leading player in the desktop segment, this time backed by the giant Red Hat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Needless to say, you get a reliable and stable desktop system, with the added bonus that the software versions are the most up-to-date available. If it can be considered a disadvantage, you will have to upgrade to a new version every six months, but this is not something you should worry about\u2014the process is completely routine and hassle-free<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Well, that\u2019s all from me. If you\u2019re a Windows 10 user wondering what to do after October 14, 2025, I hope this helps clarify things for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re considering trying Linux, I genuinely believe it\u2019ll pay off in the long run. Just go into it with realistic expectations\u2014everything I\u2019ve mentioned above should give you a solid starting point. With the right mindset, you have everything you need for a smooth and rewarding Linux journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wish upon Linux, and you may just find the freedom you’ve been dreaming of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thanks so much for your time and trust. It\u2019s been a real pleasure!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As Windows 10 nears end-of-life, should you upgrade or switch? Here\u2019s a practical look at life after support\u2014and how Linux compares.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":172224,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4420,4417],"tags":[2040,4359,82,4695,973],"class_list":["post-172221","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general","category-linux-knowledge","tag-fedora","tag-linux-mint","tag-opensuse","tag-upgrade","tag-windows"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/linuxiac.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/172221","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/linuxiac.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/linuxiac.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/linuxiac.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/linuxiac.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=172221"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/linuxiac.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/172221\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/linuxiac.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/172224"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/linuxiac.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=172221"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/linuxiac.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=172221"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/linuxiac.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=172221"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- Secure Boot:<\/strong> Windows 11 starts every session with UEFI Secure Boot, which checks digital signatures on the bootloader and drivers before a single line of code runs. Older PCs that still boot in legacy BIOS mode can\u2019t pass that test, so the installer blocks them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n