Microsoft is discontinuing support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025

Be careful with adhering to that advice (upgrading an unsupported PC to Windows 11) unless you are a tech geek willing to invest the time.

If you upgrade an “incompatible” Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 using workarounds, just from my minimal research there are very real risks and potential issues to consider - even if there are workarounds today:

•Security Updates: Microsoft has stated that unsupported PCs may not receive security updates, though in practice, many still do. However, there’s no guarantee that this will continue.

•Feature Updates: Major Windows 11 feature updates (e.g., 23H2, 24H2) might require reapplying workarounds or may not install at all.

•Driver Updates: Some drivers may not be available for Windows 11 if your hardware is older.

•Random Crashes or Bugs: If your hardware lacks officially supported drivers, you might encounter instability, crashes, or unexpected behavior.

•Reduced Performance: Older CPUs may struggle with Windows 11 optimizations, leading to lower performance compared to Windows 10.

•Missing Features: Some security features like VBS (Virtualization-Based Security) and HVCI (Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity) might not work correctly on unsupported hardware.

•No Support from Microsoft: If you run into issues, Microsoft won’t provide official support since your system doesn’t meet the requirements.

•App Compatibility: Some future applications or features may enforce compatibility checks, blocking certain functions on unsupported devices.

•If you ever need to reset or reinstall Windows 11, you may have to go through the upgrade process again manually, since official installation methods will still detect your PC as unsupported.

IMHO - buying a Windows 11 PC is the only realistic choice for most.

Never, ever! 😉

Not if you want a Proper Computer 😁

I’m so glad I switched to a Mac Book Pro 3 years ago! It runs smooth and no constant updates every week!

DAL

True. And then it's a forceful onboarding from an older product to a newer one.
Where I come from we call that a scam.
The thing stopping me from Linux is software compatibility. There's nothing that can be done about that. And Apple Mac's are not computers. They are large overly priced heavily marketed smartphones (no offence).

Have people not connected the dots? That windows updates are mandatory. That Windows requires an incredible investment to develop but is free. That the USA, which has the big five tech giants, banned Kaspersky but not Tiktok.

@ASUNDER: "And Apple Mac's are not computers. They are large overly priced heavily marketed smartphones (no offence)."

Ha ha you have a lot to learn about what goes on outside your bubble! (no offense)

from all that have been using Logos, I am mainly a mobile user, but want to start investing in laptop to make use of Logos Desktop. Between Mac and Windows which one of these will Logos be supported the longest. I don’t want to get a new laptop every 3 years or so. All advice will be appreciated.

As for me, I will be paying for the security updates, most likely.

That doesn't extend your Logos support though (and likely support for other software packages than you might own.)

IMHO with the caveat that we never know what's around the corner with technology, you would have equal certainty of either a Windows or Apple laptop being supported the longest. I use both technologies - a lot.

Logos ties their support to the OSes being supported by Apple and Microsoft. I did some checking, right now the oldest Apple computer model currently supported to run macOS Sequoia (current version of MacOS) is the iMac Pro, which was released in December 2017 - over 7 years ago, and no sign of anything happening in the Apple world to stop support of it in the next year.

Microsoft is a slightly different story right now. MS did something very unusual for them, cutting off about 50% of their installed base of computers from officially moving from Windows 10 to 11 - as @Mark Barnes (Logos) OP explained. I have worked professionally with Windows since 1.0, and arguably other than the move to Windows 3.0 in May 1990, support for PCs has typically been in the same 7-8 year timeframe as with Apple, give or take. That Windows 3.0 upgrade required a major hardware boost, with corresponding driver and app upgrade issues. It was quite ugly.

The one exception to this 7-8 year timeframe in the Windows world - if you go that route, get a PC from a reputable manufacturer. Cheap or unknown peripheral manufacturers could cause your PC to be obsolete much earlier. Many PCs have third party disk controllers, video cards, etc. etc. - quickly-obsolete hardware and keeping drivers up to date could be the reason your PC does not last.

So IMHO you can probably count on 7-8 years with either a reputable Windows or Apple PC. Logos will support their bible software running on it, if Apple/MS do. So choose your next computer based on price/performance, display, weight (if you'll move around with it), sother software, your comfort level, and performance per watt - two computers could have the same performance but one uses a whole lot more energy, hence battery life is less (if a laptop), with heat issues, early wear and tear on electronics, and performance throttling.

@Kevin Houghtaling

Why do you say that one should consider the M3 if there is an M1 and M2 version. If you could explain in some more depth so that I can make a better decision, as funds are a bit short and can't afford the top notch stuff.

support for PCs has typically been in the same 7-8 year timeframe as with Apple, give or take.

I just looked up the invoice for the PC I'm in the process of decommissioning: 9 years ago, custom built all with brand components. Fast 3.2 GHz CPU, 500 GB SSD, and for the time whopping 16 GB of RAM. Less than S$ 1000 in total. I had to upgrade the SSD multiple times over time, since it's way too small for today's requirements, but that's the advantage of PCs. Upgrading single components is very easy.

All my software still runs reasonably smoothly on that device, including video editing. I'd gladly keep it if it weren't for the Win 11 hardware requirements. But 9 years is an excellent life span for a PC, and it might even receive a second life as some nerd's Linux device.

Now here's something for Win 10 purists:

How to make Windows 11 look like Windows 10 | PCWorld

One other thought - if you have not used either a Windows or Apple computer much before, or at all - what kind of phone or tablet do you have? If you have an iPhone or iPad and are comfortable with it, you will find getting used to an Apple computer much easier than a Windows PC. If you have not used an Apple device before, I would say either will have a similar up-to-speed time. Although, I will say the macOS user interface is also probably more consistent, as it's a more integrated hardware-software environment with apps that also have to be approved by Apple for user interface guidelines, security, etc. etc. - so if you know how apps work, learning a new one is pretty easy.

The issue has not come up here yet, but probably will. Those who make the decision to go with Windows 11 will also have to choose between Intel and the new ARM version of Windows. At this point in time, Logos is not supporting the ARM version of Windows.

@Lukas If I were you, I'd go with the 70%-ers (Windows/Android worldwide), especially if you don't live in the States and your funds are limited. Personally, I dislike Apple (even though my first IT job was with an Apple Macintosh in the 80's!) so I'd not consider Apple, but it's really personal preference in the end.

@Lukas there is no doubt in my mind that:

1. Both the desktop and mobile (and web version for that matter) of Logos will continue to grow in power and function;
2. The Mobile version will continue to grow closer to what the desktop version offers TODAY - but by then the desktop will be even more powerful tomorrow. The mobile version has continued to grow in power and function as the mobile platform devices have advanced in their technology.
3. The desktop version will grow as well, especially as technology advances.
4. The mobile version will never be equal to the desktop version in power or function, unless mobile devices become more powerful technology platforms - and that does not look even remotely possible due to advantages in size. A bigger device can support more powerful electronics, more storage, better cooling, more power, and more.

So that said - if you want the best Logos offers, go for the desktop + iPhone. The desktop will always be the flagship for feature and function imho.

See also Europe, where there's no monopoly on pop culture in technology, and Apple has a comparably low market share.

I have a laptop with Windows 10 and had not intended to upgrade quite yet (it doesn't qualify for Windows 11) since it still works well. If I don't get another computer with Windows 11, are you saying that I will no longer be able to use a Logos subscription?

I hadn't planned on spending $$$ on a new laptop this year and will need to reconsider the subscription if I need a new computer to run it.

@Magistra Time is running out for the use of Windows 10 with Logos. Perhaps Logos will extend compatibility for a short time beyond their normal processes as suggested in this thread. I would budget for a replacement laptop at or soon after Windows 10 is out of support. Depending upon your Logos library size you might only need a basic Mac M1, 8Gb, 256. Pick one up new or used at a steep discount.

That is interesting. Health sciences prefer mac. Maybe there is something there about how people perceive things; that people who like health things more gravitate to the mac.

Ya, you supported my statement. With less American pop culture dominating the main stream, people choose Windows. Apart from the horrible electric eye, that is the obvious choice.

Macs do have comparable specs. The common person doesn't use these specs to their potential. But they still remind us of these numbers to help soothe the extra thousand dollars they spent for the same result of the benefits they have from using a computer. By that I mean the same result + the Apple logo on their device. So they have a powerful machine running almost idle to perform their daily tasks. Buying a super car to do the speed limit in the city. Buying a yacht not because they care about how nice it is, but because they like being that guy in their social circle that takes them for boat parties.

Apple requirements are stringent. Ya half of the problem with Macs is half the software doesn't work with it. So you spend more to get a worse thing because without the software what do you have.

Macs cannot "retain performance". That's impossible. When a better computer is made, the old one is obsolete, no matter the brand. This is the same math about Microsoft's 365. You could spend more to keep the Office stand alone forever, but after three years the monthly cost is the same as paying for the new standalone Office bundle anyway.

Macs have "superior" retina display and higher peak brightness? Do you really stare at the brightest light possible? I can't suffer anything that's not dark mode anymore, it's annoying. And the colors; I don't think I've ever noticed the 0.005% difference in the various claims of better colour. What is the point of that difference? Are you a professional colour grader for Paramount Pictures? This is similar to the 48kHz vs 44.1kHz sample rate debate with music.

Work is more efficient? You want to run some speed tests against me? Because the point of my post was about customization. That I have nine helper apps running on my taskbar right now for efficiency. None of which I could use on the Mac. And a Corsair macro mouse and keyboard, which can be used for either OS. I've built profiles for basically every app I use, for efficiency sake; and the best MIDI hardware integration with FL Studio in the world. I would love to see someone do with their "Final Cut Pro" what I can do with FL Studio + Bome's MTP (Maybe not Davinci Resolve, but that is free anyway). Adobe is yet another assembly of overly priced scam artistry, but that's a tale for another time.

Windows slows down due to bloatware? Haha that's exactly my point. That we have the compatibility with the tools and the know how to deal with these things. While a Mac user says the computer gets slower cause all these things that I have no control over. I agree, you have no control over it, because a Mac is a large overly priced smartphone. You go to Stack Exchange, Github, IFTTT, Geeks For Geeks, Wolfram Alpha, Power User, etc. what do you find there? Mac users? Mac users are primarily concerned with other things in life; they just want their computer to work. Us Windows users are computer enthusiasts.

This is one of the reasons AI has had such strong uptake. The market couldn't care less what's under the hood. They just want to get from point A to point B. Also why trap music and gangster rap compete at the top of the charts, being the worst music humanly possible. The normies don't care about the quality of the music; they just want to have fun and be cool with their friends.

This isn't the hill I want to die on; I was just making some points; I have bigger fish to worry about. But I have nothing to be ashamed about, choosing the best products for my personal requirements.

Well October is still a long way off. 

True, but prices will skyrocket when October approaches, probably earlier than later.

Along the line of @Kevin Houghtaling 's recommendation of a low-cost Mac that could run Logos well, @Magistra , are you familiar with the Apple refurbished store? They take trade ins, completely refurbish them and offer a 1-year limited warranty. They also offer a 14 day return window, no questions asked. So, if you decided to go that route, you have 2 weeks to see how happy you are with desktop Logos running on it. Yu can even purchase AppleCare for the computer, protecting the laptop against damage, loss, failure, theft, etc. depending on the plan chosen.

Plus, you are buying direct from Apple - you can have it shipped or pick it up at a nearby store.

I say all that because I found a laptop on the site with slightly better specs than what @Kevin Houghtaling mentioned, for only $929.

It has a 15.3" display (2880-by-1864 native resolution with support for 1 billion colors), 8GB memory, 256GB SSD, and it's an M2-based Macbook Air - very portable if you want to take it somewhere - it only weighs 3.3 pounds! The battery is great - 15 hours of web browsing, 18 hours of video playback. Sound is very good, it has a 6-speaker sound system, WiFi, and more. It's a very current model, only released June 2023. And by past history, this computer will be fully supported by Apple's MacOS (and thereby for Logos too) until at least 2031, most likely. It has the same architecture as the latest and greatest computer, no hardware/design showstoppers to inhibit compatibility in the near future.

Check it out on the refurbished site here or look around at other models. The Apple Refurbished Store is great, I know many who have purchased from there and been very happy.

I am not sure where you live, but this might be a possibility for you. There are choices that won't break the bank if you want to go in that direction.

Thank you for the advice and ideas for upgrading.

I have an 8-year-old laptop with a 256GB SSD and a 1TB HDD. Fortunately for me the i7-7700HQ processor allowed me to upgrade to Windows 11. Even after seven years Logos still runs very fast on my device. The only issue that I have with it is that the SSD is too small. Most of the time when I am in my office at church I just use the web app because it gives me access to all the resources in my library instead of only a selection in the Windows version – even though the downloaded resources on my laptop would still count as a large theological library.

I had been saving up money last year to buy a new laptop but I never seemed to find a suitable device. In the end I decided I did not need a new laptop after all. Even during the years that this laptop was my main computing device I used it either in my study at home or in my office at church. At home I have a desktop PC (AMD Ryzen 7 3700 8-core, 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD) which I now use as my main device for studying the Bible and writing my sermons.

I just came across an interesting YouTube video how to run Win 11 on incompatible PCs. It's in German, so I won't bother pasting the link. This is not about the workaround to disable the compatibility checks, which Microsoft disabled in the last Windows update.

There's a "light" Windows 11 edition that doesn't have any of those ridiculous requirements called Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC. It's supposed to run on devices like ATMs, advertising screens, ticket machines etc. but it can also run on ordinary PCs. In fact, system requirements are lower than for Win 10.

There are a few downsides:

• Upgrading from Win 10 is not supported. The computer needs to be wiped and installed from scratch.
• Only available in English
• No preinstalled features except four or five very basic ones (browser, paint, snipping tool…)
• No support for Windows Store and Windows Store apps
• Official licenses only available to enterprise customers, but there's a "gray" market on eBay…
• Doesn't receive any feature updates. Just security updates.

On the other hand, this Windows edition is a lot less bloated, has very low requirements, and will be supported for at least 10 years.

If you want to try it, don't forget to back up your documents and any license keys for software and apps that you'd need to re-install.

Windows 11 IoT trial is available here:

Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC

After 90 days, you can activate it with a cheap license from eBay.

I'll do a couple of tests, and will post an update in a few weeks.