Should You Upgrade to Windows 11? A Plain-English Guide

Windows 11 launched in 2021 and Microsoft has been offering free upgrades to eligible Windows 10 users ever since. But should you actually do it? Here's an honest assessment from someone who's upgraded hundreds of machines across Okehampton and Devon.

What's actually new in Windows 11?

Windows 11 brings a redesigned Start Menu (centred rather than left-aligned), a refreshed visual style with rounded corners and a more modern look, improved virtual desktops, better integration with Android apps, and improved gaming features. Under the hood, it has tighter security requirements.

Can your computer run Windows 11?

This is where it gets complicated. Windows 11 has strict hardware requirements that exclude many older but perfectly functional machines. The key requirements are:

• A processor from 2017 or later (Intel 8th gen or AMD Ryzen 2000 series minimum)
• At least 4GB of RAM (8GB recommended)
• 64GB of storage
• TPM 2.0 chip (a security chip built into most post-2016 motherboards)
• UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability

Microsoft offers a free tool called PC Health Check that will tell you if your machine is compatible. You can search for it on the Microsoft website.

Should you upgrade?

Upgrade if...

• Your computer is compatible and you want the latest security features
• You game on PC and want DirectStorage and Auto HDR features
• You use a touchscreen laptop — Windows 11 is notably better for touch input
• You want a fresh, modern interface

Don't upgrade yet if...

• Your computer is working perfectly and you rely on specific software — wait until you know it's compatible
• You have specialist or older professional software that may not work on Windows 11
• Your machine doesn't meet the minimum requirements

What about machines that can't run Windows 11?

If your machine doesn't meet the requirements but is otherwise in good working order, you have a few options: continue using Windows 10 (understanding the security implications after October 2025), consider a hardware upgrade if only the TPM chip is the issue, or look at whether a clean reinstall of Windows 10 with an SSD upgrade would give you the performance you need.

Darren can assess your specific machine and give you honest advice about the best path forward.