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Should You Upgrade to Windows 11? What to Know in 2026

October 9, 2026 · LuxuriousComputers Repair

With Windows 10 reaching end of support in October 2025, many people are deciding whether to upgrade to Windows 11 or stick with what works. The answer depends on your hardware, the software you rely on, and how you use your computer. This guide walks through the practical considerations so you can make an informed decision.

Windows 10 End of Support: What It Means

Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. This means:

• No more free security updates — newly discovered vulnerabilities will not be patched
• Most software vendors will eventually drop Windows 10 support (some already have)
• Your computer will still work, but running an unpatched operating system increases your risk of malware and security breaches over time
• Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) for a fee, but this is a temporary measure, not a long-term solution

Can Your Computer Run Windows 11?

Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than any previous version of Windows. The key requirements are:

To check your computer's compatibility, open Settings, then go to Update and Security, then Windows Update. Microsoft's PC Health Check tool will tell you specifically what passes and what does not.

The TPM 2.0 requirement is the most common barrier. Many computers built before 2018 either lack a TPM chip entirely or have TPM 1.2, which Windows 11 does not accept. Some computers have TPM 2.0 disabled in BIOS — it can be enabled in your UEFI firmware settings under Security or Trusted Computing.

Reasons to Upgrade

• Security updates: This is the most important reason. An unpatched operating system is an increasingly risky operating system
• Software compatibility: New versions of Chrome, Office, creative tools, and games are starting to require Windows 11
• Performance improvements: Windows 11 handles multi-core processors, SSDs, and memory management more efficiently than Windows 10 in many workloads
• New features: Snap Layouts for window management, a cleaner Settings app, better virtual desktop support, and native Android app support (via Amazon Appstore)
• DirectStorage: Games that support DirectStorage load assets faster from NVMe SSDs, reducing load times

Reasons to Wait or Skip

• Hardware does not meet requirements: While there are workarounds to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, Microsoft has warned that unsupported installations may not receive all updates and could have stability issues
• Critical software compatibility: Some older business applications, specialized hardware drivers (CNC machines, medical equipment, legacy printers), and older games may not work correctly on Windows 11. Test before committing
• The computer is near end of life: If your computer is 8 or more years old and barely meets Windows 10 requirements, investing in a Windows 11 upgrade may not make sense. The money may be better spent toward a replacement
• Linux as an alternative: For computers that cannot run Windows 11, Linux distributions like Linux Mint or Ubuntu provide a secure, updated operating system that runs well on older hardware

How to Upgrade Safely

If you decide to upgrade, take these precautions:

1. Back up everything first. Copy your important files to an external drive or cloud storage. The upgrade is designed to keep your files, but problems can occur
2. Check your software. Make sure your critical applications have Windows 11 compatible versions available
3. Check your drivers. Visit your laptop or motherboard manufacturer's support page and confirm Windows 11 drivers are available for your model
4. Run the upgrade from Windows Update if offered — this is the smoothest path. If Windows Update does not offer it, you can download the Installation Assistant from Microsoft's website
5. Allow time. The upgrade typically takes 30 to 60 minutes but can take longer on older hardware or slower drives. Do not interrupt it

What If Your Computer Cannot Run Windows 11?

If your hardware does not meet the requirements, you have several options:

• Pay for Extended Security Updates — Microsoft offers ESU for Windows 10 at $30 per device per year, providing critical security patches only
• Switch to Linux — Linux Mint looks and feels similar to Windows and runs well on hardware from the last 15 years
• Upgrade the hardware — sometimes adding TPM 2.0 is possible via a motherboard header module ($15 to $25), or an SSD and RAM upgrade can make an older machine capable
• Replace the computer — if the machine is old enough that it cannot run Windows 11, it may be approaching the point where repair and upgrade costs exceed the value of a replacement

When to Get Professional Help

If you are unsure whether your computer can handle Windows 11, if you need help enabling TPM in your BIOS, or if you want to make sure your files and applications survive the upgrade, a computer repair shop can assess your hardware, back up your data, perform the upgrade, and verify everything works afterward. This is especially worthwhile for business computers where downtime costs money.