When a Windows 10 Pro key still makes sense
Windows 10 continues to work even after the end of support, but it no longer receives any regular security updates. For a main computer used in production, that is a real risk. However, there are situations in which a Windows 10 Pro key remains a sensible choice.
This applies above all to older hardware that does not meet the requirements of Windows 11, for example due to a missing TPM 2.0. For offline devices, isolated specialised applications or test systems, Windows 10 can also remain the pragmatic choice.
When Windows 11 is the better choice
- Compatible hardware available. If your device meets the Windows 11 requirements, switching to Windows 11 Pro is the future-proof path.
- Main computer used in production. On a device used every day, ongoing security updates are important, which speaks in favour of Windows 11.
- New purchase planned. For a new PC, always go straight to Windows 11; a Windows 10 key would be the wrong investment here.
- Not sure? Check your hardware. Microsoft's PC Health Check shows in just a few minutes whether Windows 11 is possible.