PC Assistance Ltd

The latest build.

The other day a client came to me enquiring about his PC.

He wanted Windows 11, and he wanted a good gaming machine.

His current PC was a gaming machine when purchased but that was some time back.

I advised that we could potentially upgrade his current PC.
The PC was an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU on a ASRock B550 motherboard, with DDR4-3600 RAM.

Very nice hardware, back in 2020, It was time for an upgrade.

I came up with an upgrade option. A Ryzen 7 9700X CPU on a ROG STRIX X870-A Gaming motherboard, with 32GB of DDR5 - 6000Mhz RAM.

This coupled perfectly with his ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 3060 Graphics card, M2 1TB Solid-State Drive, NZXT Kraken Liquid CPU cooler and NZXT Case.

The build was clean, and the PC is now very, very fast – With the latest technology.

If you think It’s time to look at your options, perhaps an upgrade of your current PC, call me.

Jon Pattison
PC ASSISTANCE LTD
0800 PCSETUP (72 73 88)

Windows 10 - End Of Life

Windows 10 will reach its end of life (EOL) on October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for Windows 10. This will make the operating system more vulnerable to security risks and other issues over time, so it’s recommended to upgrade to Windows 11, before then.
However, if you want to keep using Windows 10 securely, Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, but it comes at a cost.
Microsoft hasn’t officially released pricing yet, but based on past ESU programs (like for Windows 7), here’s what you might expect:
• For Businesses & Enterprises (per device, per year):
o Year 1 (2025–2026): Around $50 per device
o Year 2 (2026–2027): Around $100 per device
o Year 3 (2027–2028): Around $200 per device
o Prices could increase each year, as they did with Windows 7.
• For Regular Home Users?
o Microsoft hasn’t confirmed if home users can buy ESU directly.
o If they follow the Windows 7 model, ESUs may only be available to businesses.
Alternatives to Paid ESUs
If you don’t want to pay for ESUs, your options include:
1. Keep Using Windows 10 Without Updates (Risky: No security fixes)
2. Upgrade to Windows 11 (Free if your hardware supports it)
3. Switch to a Different OS (Like Linux, if you want a free alternative)
You can continue using Windows 10 after its expiration on October 14, 2025, but there are some risks and limitations:
What Happens After Windows 10 Expires?
• Your PC Will Still Work – Windows 10 won’t suddenly stop running.
• No More Free Security Updates – Your system becomes more vulnerable to viruses and cyber threats.
• No More Bug Fixes or Support – Microsoft won’t fix any issues you encounter.
• Software & Hardware Compatibility Issues – New apps, games, and hardware may stop supporting Windows 10 over time.
How to Keep Using Windows 10 Safely After Expiration
1. Use Strong Security Software – Install third-party antivirus and firewall protection.
2. Be Cautious Online – Avoid downloading files from unknown sources and clicking suspicious links.
3. Use an Isolated PC – If possible, keep it offline or limit its internet access.
4. Enable Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) (If Available) – Businesses might have a paid option for continued security updates.
Long-Term Risks
Over time, running an unsupported OS can lead to major security risks and software incompatibilities. Eventually, upgrading or switching to a supported system (like Windows 11 or Linux) may become necessary.
If your PC is too old for Windows 11, you might be better off:
✔ Staying on Windows 10 (until 2025).
✔ Switching to Linux (if you want a free & secure OS).
✔ Buying a Newer PC (for the best Windows 11 experience).
For support in upgrading your PC to Windows 11 or purchasing a new laptop or custom bult PC that is compatible with Windows 11 please get in touch with PC Assistance.