Windows 11 has been out for a while now, and I still get asked the same question almost every week: "Should I upgrade?" The honest answer is: it depends. Here's everything you need to know to make the right decision for your computer.
What's New in Windows 11?
Windows 11 brings a refreshed look, a centred Start menu, improved performance on compatible hardware, better support for touchscreens, and tighter integration with Microsoft Teams and Android apps. For most home users, the day-to-day experience is similar to Windows 10 but feels more modern.
Is Your PC Compatible?
This is the big one. Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10. Your computer needs:
- A 64-bit processor (1GHz or faster)
- 4GB RAM minimum (8GB recommended)
- 64GB storage minimum
- TPM 2.0 chip (most PCs from 2017 onwards have this)
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot
To check if your PC is compatible, Microsoft offers a free tool called PC Health Check. Download it from Microsoft's website and it'll tell you instantly whether your computer can run Windows 11.
Should You Upgrade?
Yes, upgrade if:
- Your PC is compatible and less than 5 years old
- You want the latest security updates and features
- You're buying a new PC (it will come with Windows 11 anyway)
Wait or stick with Windows 10 if:
- Your PC isn't compatible — forcing an incompatible upgrade can cause serious problems
- You rely on older software that may not work on Windows 11
- Your computer is already slow — upgrading won't speed it up
What About Windows 10 Support?
Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025. After that date, it won't receive security updates, which means it'll become increasingly vulnerable over time. If your PC can't run Windows 11, it may be time to think about a replacement.
Not Sure Whether to Upgrade?
My Windows Safety & Upgrade Check takes the guesswork out of it — I'll check your PC's compatibility, back up your files, and walk you through the upgrade process remotely so you don't risk losing anything.
Or 👉 get in touch at bytova.co.uk and I'll advise on the best next step for your specific computer.