Windows 11 vs Windows 10: Should You Upgrade?

The short answer: why this decision matters now

For a decade, Windows 10 was the default operating system on hundreds of millions of PCs. That era is over. Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Your computer still turns on and works exactly as before, but Microsoft no longer ships free security patches, bug fixes, or feature updates to it. Over time, an unpatched operating system becomes a growing security risk as new vulnerabilities are discovered and left unfixed.

That leaves you with three realistic paths: upgrade to Windows 11 (free if your PC qualifies), keep Windows 10 running but enroll it in Extended Security Updates to keep receiving patches, or buy a new Windows 11 PC. The right choice depends almost entirely on your current hardware. Let’s break down the real differences and requirements so you can decide with confidence.

Windows 11 vs Windows 10: side-by-side comparison

Under the hood, the two systems share a lot of DNA — Windows 11 is built on the same core as Windows 10. The biggest changes are in the interface, security baseline, and, crucially, the hardware Microsoft requires to run it.

Windows 11 system requirements (the make-or-break part)

Most upgrade frustration comes down to one thing: hardware eligibility. Microsoft set a stricter baseline for Windows 11 than any Windows release before it. Here are the official minimums.

What is TPM 2.0, and how do I check for it?

TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module — a small security chip (or firmware feature) that safely stores encryption keys, credentials, and other sensitive data. Windows 11 uses it to power features like BitLocker drive encryption and Windows Hello sign-in. It’s the single requirement that trips up the most people, largely because many older PCs shipped with TPM disabled in the BIOS rather than absent entirely.

To check your PC: press the Windows key + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter. If the window reports “The TPM is ready for use” and specification version 2.0, you’re set. If it says a compatible TPM cannot be found, it may simply be switched off — look for “TPM,” “PTT” (Intel Platform Trust Technology), or “fTPM” (AMD) in your BIOS/UEFI settings and enable it. The easiest check overall is Microsoft’s free PC Health Check app, which tells you in one click whether your machine is eligible and, if not, exactly why.

Should you upgrade? A quick decision guide

Upgrade to Windows 11 if…

Your PC passes the PC Health Check, you want the longest runway of security and feature updates, and you like the idea of Snap Layouts, a modern interface, and built-in AI tools. Most PCs sold from roughly 2018 onward meet the requirements. The upgrade is free from Windows Update for eligible Windows 10 (version 22H2) machines, and your files and most apps carry over. Back up your data first, then go to Settings > Windows Update and look for the Windows 11 offer.

Stay on Windows 10 (with ESU) if…

Your hardware fails the requirements and you’re not ready to buy a new PC. Thanks to the consumer Extended Security Updates program, you can keep getting critical and important security patches without upgrading. This is the sensible path for an otherwise perfectly good laptop that only lacks TPM 2.0 or a supported CPU.

Buy a new PC if…

Your computer is genuinely old, slow, or failing. A machine from 2016 or earlier will feel every bit its age under either operating system, and a modern Windows 11 laptop with an SSD, 16 GB of RAM, and a current CPU will transform the experience far more than any software update can.

The Extended Security Updates (ESU) safety net

Microsoft’s consumer ESU program is the key reason no one needs to panic. It lets individuals keep receiving security updates on Windows 10 after end of support. There are three ways to enroll, and one of them is free:

• Free: turn on Windows Backup to sync your PC settings to your Microsoft account (OneDrive).
• Free-ish: redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
• Paid: a one-time purchase of $30 USD (plus tax). One license covers up to 10 devices.

Your PC must be running Windows 10 version 22H2 and signed in with an administrator Microsoft account. Originally, consumer ESU was scheduled to end on October 13, 2026. In mid-2026, Microsoft quietly extended it by an additional year, so enrolled consumer devices are now covered with security updates through October 12, 2027. Enrolled machines get the extension automatically. Note that ESU delivers security patches only — not new features or general technical support.

What you gain (and give up) by moving to Windows 11

Day to day, Windows 11 feels familiar. The Start menu is centered but still searchable, the settings are reorganized but complete, and the same apps run. The genuine wins are Snap Layouts (hover the maximize button to drop windows into tidy grids), a calmer visual design, a stronger security baseline that’s harder for malware to bypass, and Copilot for quick AI assistance. Gamers benefit from DirectStorage and Auto HDR on supported hardware.

The trade-offs are minor for most users: a few interface habits change, the taskbar is less customizable than in Windows 10, and setup nudges you toward a Microsoft account. Performance between the two is close on the same hardware, so don’t expect a dramatic speed change from the upgrade alone — the real performance jump comes from having an SSD and enough RAM.

A note on staying secure either way

Whichever path you pick, treat security as layered rather than something the operating system handles alone. Keep your browser current, use a reputable password manager, and consider a content blocker to cut down on malicious ads — our guide to setting up uBlock Origin on Brave is a good starting point. Good habits matter more than any single version number on your login screen.

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