Windows 10 Support Ends in October 2025: Use These Built-In Tools to Check Your PC’s Upgrade Readiness Now

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, leaving millions of PCs without security updates unless their owners take action. The first step toward deciding whether to upgrade to Windows 11, pay for extended security patches, or switch to another operating system is knowing exactly what hardware you have. Windows 10 includes several built-in tools that can reveal your PC’s full specifications—and some can even generate detailed reports to help you check compatibility. Here’s what to use, when, and how to interpret the results against Windows 11’s stricter hardware requirements.

The Windows 10 Deadline: Why Specs Matter More Than Ever

After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive regular security updates except for devices enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Microsoft plans to offer a Consumer ESU option for individuals, but pricing and availability remain unclear. Meanwhile, Windows 11’s hardware floor is higher than any previous version: a compatible 64-bit processor on Microsoft’s approved list, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, and a TPM 2.0 chip. Many perfectly functional Windows 10 PCs fail one or more of these checks, often the TPM or CPU requirement.

Checking your specs now accomplishes two things. First, it tells you whether your current hardware can run Windows 11 natively. Second, it gives you a detailed inventory for troubleshooting, driver updates, or planning hardware upgrades if an in-place upgrade isn’t possible. All the tools you need are already on your system—no downloads required.

A Quick Tour of Windows 10’s Built-In Hardware Inspectors

Windows 10 hides a surprising number of ways to peek under the hood. The right tool depends on how much detail you need and what you plan to do with the information.

For Home Users: The Two-Minute Compatibility Check

If all you want to know is whether your PC can run Windows 11, start with Settings > System > About. Look for Processor under Device specifications and RAM. Then, check Windows specifications for Edition, Version, and OS build—these confirm you’re running a genuine, supported Windows 10 release.

To verify the trickier requirements, touch base with msinfo32 (search for it in Start). On the System Summary page, find:
- BIOS Mode: Should say UEFI, not Legacy.
- Secure Boot State: On.
- TPM: Expand the Components branch, click Security, and look for Trusted Platform Module (TPM) details. If it says “TPM is not found,” your TPM may be disabled in the firmware or absent entirely.

Microsoft’s PC Health Check app (downloadable from Microsoft’s website) automates this check, but the built-in tools give you more transparency about why a device fails.

For Power Users and IT Admins: Exportable Reports and Scripts

When you need to inventory multiple machines, document a system for support, or automate hardware audits, the graphical tools aren’t enough. Here’s how to get data out:

• msinfo32 export: Open System Information, click File > Export, and save a .txt file. Run msinfo32 as Administrator to ensure driver caches are current. Exported reports contain serial numbers, model strings, and sometimes MAC addresses—treat them as sensitive. Only share with trusted support channels.
• dxdiag snapshot: Press Win+R, type dxdiag, and click Save All Information. The resulting text file includes GPU, driver, and DirectX version details—handy for graphics-related tickets.
• PowerShell one-liner: Get-ComputerInfo | Out-File -FilePath C:\Temp\computer-info.txt -Encoding utf8 captures a broad property set. Add -Property "bios*" to narrow it. The cmdlet works in PowerShell 5.1 and later; older versions may need different syntax.
• Command Prompt dump: systeminfo /fo CSV > C:\Temp\systeminfo.csv gives you a structured CSV with OS, install date, hotfixes, and more—easy to feed into a spreadsheet.

These exports are invaluable for tracking hardware across a fleet. However, always scrub serial numbers or other identifiers before sharing outside your organization.

Privacy Caveat: What Those Reports Actually Contain

Both msinfo32 and dxdiag reports embed device serial numbers, BIOS versions, OEM identifiers, and network adapter MAC addresses. Posting an unredacted report to a public forum is the equivalent of handing out your device’s fingerprints. Open the text file first, remove or obfuscate anything you wouldn’t want public, and share only the portions a technician actually needs (usually the model, OS version, and driver details).

What to Check Specifically for Windows 11 Compatibility

Microsoft’s official requirements (last updated with version 24H2) boil down to:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64‑bit processor. The company maintains a strict list; older generations, even powerful ones like Intel 7th‑gen Core, are excluded.
- Memory: 4 GB.
- Storage: 64 GB or larger.
- System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
- TPM: Version 2.0.
- Graphics card: DirectX 12 compatible with a WDDM 2.x driver.
- Display: >9 inches with 720p resolution.

Use the tools above to cross‑reference each bullet. If your PC fails the CPU or TPM check, you have a few options: enable TPM 2.0 in the BIOS if your motherboard actually has it but it’s off, consider a hardware upgrade (such as a compatible processor or a TPM module for older boards), sign up for the Consumer ESU program once details are finalized, or migrate to an alternative OS like ChromeOS Flex or a Linux distribution. Microsoft does not support Windows 11 installed on unsupported hardware, and doing so risks losing access to future updates.

Getting Ready: A Practical Checklist Before October 2025

1. Do a quick inventory today: Open Settings > System > About and note your CPU, RAM, and system type. Then run msinfo32 and check BIOS mode, Secure Boot state, and TPM status.
2. Export and save reports: Create an msinfo32 export and a dxdiag text file. Store them in a secure location—they’ll be useful if you contact support during any transition.
3. If you’re on a managed enterprise network: Check with your IT department; they may already have deployment plans or ESU licensing.
4. If your hardware passes: Plan your upgrade timing. You can use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or wait for the phased rollout. Back up your data first, regardless.
5. If your hardware fails: Research whether a TPM chip or BIOS update can bridge the gap. Watch for Microsoft’s ESU pricing announcement; early signals suggest home users will get a one‑year option. Begin budgeting for new hardware if you intend to stay on Windows.

Outlook: What to Watch as the Deadline Nears

Between now and October, Microsoft is likely to release more specifics on the Consumer ESU offering and may refine its approved CPU list—though major changes are unlikely. The company is also pushing its Copilot+ AI features, which demand even newer hardware (Snapdragon X series or latest Intel/AMD chips with NPU). Expect confusion among everyday users as the deadline approaches, especially if ESU pricing feels steep or the upgrade path isn’t obvious. In the meantime, knowing exactly what’s inside your PC gives you the power to make a clear-eyed decision, whether that’s upgrading, paying for more time, or jumping to something completely different.