The end of Windows 10 is nigh, with Microsoft ending support for its older OS on October 14, 2025. That's one month from now, and it means now's the time to start preparing to move to Windows 11.
While many have already started to install Microsoft's latest operating system, with Windows 11 now overtaking Windows 10 in being the most-used desktop OS according to StatCounter, there are other options out there.
You can keep Windows 10 by enrolling in Microsoft's Windows 10 Extender Security Updates (ESU) program before the deadline to keep getting security updates for another year, or try a custom, lightweight version like Tiny11 Build that can save your old PC.
Due to Windows 11's strict requirements, though, you may find yourself in the situation where your older PC won't be able to keep up. While there may be ways to upgrade your "unsupported" Windows 10 PC to run Windows 11, this isn't ideal since your PC won't be able to receive crucial security updates. If all else fails, an upgrade is needed.
The clock's ticking, and if you're ready to upgrade to Windows 11 with a new machine, I've picked our top recommendations across different devices to help you find the right PC for you — whether that be a laptop, desktop, mini PC, all-in-one or even a tablet! Most importantly, these options won't break the bank, offering plenty of value while still being able to run Microsoft's latest operating system at its finest.
Windows 11 laptop
The Acer Aspire Go 15 is a fine example of a Windows 11 laptop bargain. With its Intel Core i3-N305 CPU, the Aspire Go 15 is a solid option for day-to-day tasks, from scrolling through websites and working on documents to binge-watching shows.
Speaking of which, it's 15.6-inch (1920 x 1080) display is roomy enough to make the most of what's on screen, and it offers a surprisingly good keyboard to comfortably type away on.
Check out our list of the best laptops right now based on our full reviews.
It isn't anywhere near the most powerful on the market, nor does it boast any premium features (expect a blurry 720p webcam), but for under $300, it makes for the best wallet-friendly upgrade to Windows 11.
Plus, you'll find all the ports you'll need to connect extra peripherals, including two USB-A ports for a keyboard, mouse or USB stick, an HDMI for connecting to other monitors or a TV, a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones and a USB-C port for good measure. Even better, it comes with a tested 10 hours of battery life, which is a rare find in a laptop so cheap.
If you're just after a simple PC that can run Windows 11, then the Acer Aspire Go 15 makes for a fantastic pick, as it's hard to go wrong at this price. Of course, if you're after more cheap options, our list of the best budget laptops will point you in the right direction.
Windows 11 desktop
If you've already got a monitor, mouse and keyboard from your older machine and all you need is a PC to power it all, try checking out a desktop like the Dell XPS 8950.
While it may look like your average office desktop, it's actually hiding performance gamers will enjoy, especially if you find one sporting an Nvidia RTX GPU.
For even more options, find the best computer for you based on our testing.
You're getting plenty of ports here, and that's right, it will even come with an optical drive for CDs! Not bad if you're keen on booting up some old games or programs lying around.
For those after a more gamer-ready desktop, one that will also shine for productivity, try out one of the best gaming PCs. These will cost you closer to $2,000, but a value pick like the Acer Predator Orion 5000 from $1,799 (or much less during a sale) still offers plenty of performance worth the investment.
Windows 11 Mini PC
Not only do mini PCs have a small footprint that gives your desk ample room for a clean workspace, but they also offer nearly everything a desktop does, including full-sized ports and upgradeable components. If that suits your fancy, and you want an affordable device ready for Windows 11, then the Geekom A5 2025 Edition should be your go-to choice.
You don't need a towering box to gain excellent performance, and the best mini PCs around prove it.
At just $299 when on sale (which happens frequently), the Geekom A5 delivers an incredible array of features to take advantage of. That includes a fantastic selection of ports along its front, back and sides, such as an SD card reader, 2.5G Ethernet for wired internet, HDMI outputs and all those USB-A and USB-C ports. In fact, it even allows for a quad-monitor setup. That's right, this tiny box can support up to four monitors at once.
Even more impressively, it's easy to open up its case and upgrade its storage and memory, adding more to its in-the-box 512GB SSD and up to 64GB of RAM. Oh, and it comes in a premium, stylish rose gold to elevate your setup.
It's a fantastic pick for most, and it's great for browsing the web, office work and even some very light gaming. It's a new way of computing, and if you give it a chance, you'll find some wicked ways to use it, like pairing a pocketable mini PC and a pair of AR glasses.
Windows 11 All-in-One PC
An all-in-one PC is great for anyone who loves the idea of a permanent setup with a desktop but can't be bothered with all the other components needed to make it all work — especially when you just need a PC that can run Windows 11.
They can be a tad pricey, considering they come packed with a whole computer, a monitor and even extra accessories like a mouse and keyboard, but they offer an extremely easy way to set up a PC without taking up too much desk real estate.
Prefer your PC to come with all the works? See the best all-in-one PCs.
For the most value-driven of the bunch, the MSI Modern AM271P 11M should be your top choice. This is an affordable and easy-to-use Windows 11 PC with the right kind of specs, even if it won't be able to play the most demanding games (but still runs light, 2D, or indie titles just fine).
This MSI Modern fortunately comes bundled with a solid keyboard and mouse, and even a 1080p webcam. And while they may not be top-grade peripherals of their kind, they will do the job they're given without issue.
But the best part of this AIO is its brilliantly colorful 27-inch (1920 x 1080) display, which is great to look at when navigating around the web or streaming shows on Netflix. It's well up for the task of multi-tasking, too, even if its Intel i7-1165G7 CPU is getting a tad old.
It was priced at over $1,000 before, but these days, you can find one for well under that. If that's a tad too aged and you're willing to spend more, then I'll point you in the direction of the HP OmniStudio X 32, although expect to pay a tad more for this.
Windows 11 2-in-1
Your Windows 10 PC may not be able to upgrade to Windows 11, but you'll find a tablet can! Well, some of them, and that's where 2-in-1 laptops shine. Combining the easy usability of a tablet with a touchscreen and the productivity of a laptop, you're getting the best of both worlds here.
We particularly like the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, sporting a mighty Snapdragon X-series chip that kicked off the boom of Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs. So, you know this laptop will leave you in good hands when it comes to shifting to Windows 11.
If you want a tablet and PC in one, check out all the best 2-in-1 laptops we've tested.
It's arguably the best version of what a Windows 2-in-1 laptop can be, and even touts an OLED display if you pay a tad extra. It's a tablet first, as the fantastic Surface Pro Flex keyboard isn't bundled in, but there are deals out there (especially during sales) that will throw it in as well.
Regardless, this is for those who love to flick between shows and websites at a touch, along with being able to put your creative mind to work by doodling on it, and easily transition to work by adding a keyboard and bringing all the benefits of a touchscreen.
Believe it or not, these 2-in-1 laptops can also be made to game on the fly, and no other says that like the Asus ROG Flow Z13. It comes with a hefty cost at over $2,000, but imagine combining a gaming laptop with a gaming handheld? Now that's a device well worth checking out.
More from Tom's Guide
- 5 things to look for when buying a laptop, from someone who reviews them for a living
- I spent a week with this AI-powered mini PC and the buttons on the front earned it a permanent spot on my desk
- 5 questions to ask yourself when buying a PC, from someone who reviews them for a living
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