Windows 11 was released in October 2021, and Microsoft has been steadily fixing bugs and improving it ever since.
Should I upgrade and move up to Windows 11?
Yes, sure, the early adopters of Windows 11 appeared to have a seemingly endless list of problems at first, but Microsoft has been working to fix Windows 11’s flaws. Even though Windows 11 is still not the operating system, I believe it could be—heck; it isn’t even the operating System Microsoft promised us—better it’s than it’s ever been.
Windows 11 is Microsoft’s futuristic computer operating system.
In general, it’s a simpler, cleaner, and safer version of Windows 10.
However, if your PC does not meet the minimum hardware requirements, you may want to wait a little longer before upgrading.
System requirements for Windows 11
Microsoft has some pretty stringent system requirements for Windows 11. The most important thing is that your computer has a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 installed.
See: for a more detailed explanation of what these modules do and how to find out if you have one. Microsoft has some pretty stringent system requirements for Windows 11.
The most important thing is that your computer has a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 installed. See: for a more detailed explanation of what these modules do and how to find out if you have one.
• CPU: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: at least 64GB
• System firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot capability
- TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0.
• Graphics card must be DirectX 12 or later compatible with the WDDM 2.0 driver.
• Display: 8 bits per color channel, high definition (720p), more than 9″ diagonally
• Internet: The first time you use Windows 11 Home Edition, you must be connected to the internet and have a Microsoft account.
Yes, you can upgrade to Windows 11 without a TPM 2.0 if you want to, but the hassle & d risk are rarely worth it because the difference between Windows 10 and 11 is so minor.
How to Check if Your Computer Can Run Windows 11
There is a way to find out what hardware your PC has or to double-check that you will be able to upgrade to Windows 11 when the time comes. Go to the official Windows 11 page and download the Windows PC Health Check app.
Once the app is installed and open, find the Windows 11 banner at the top of the page and click Check Now.
The Health Check app will tell you whether your computer can run Windows 11. The app wasn’t handy when it first came out, so Microsoft took it offline for a while.
PC Health Check is back and better at telling you why your computer isn’t ready for Windows 11.
Windows 11 over Windows 10
Before we get into whether or not you should upgrade, let’s look at some of Windows 11’s best new features.
Even though there are nearly an infinite number of minor changes that affect everything from the look of menus to the location of certain settings, here are the most major ones:
• Visual design overhauled: Almost every aspect of Windows 11 has been altered to conform to Microsoft’s Fluent Design language.
However, much of the interface is easier to use with a touchscreen, & it does a much better, intelligently adapting when you connect or disconnect displays. And, hey, apps like Notepad now have a Dark Mode.
• The New Widgets menu in Windows 11 allows users to create a pane of widgets and news stories that automatically update and fly out of the left side of the screen. It’s cool, but in my experience, it’s mostly useless.
• New Start menu: By default, the Windows 11 Start button is now in the middle of the taskbar, but you can move it back to the left side using the Taskbar settings menu.
It also opens a simpler, more streamlined Start menu. There’s now a clear search bar above two simple, customizable sections: one for pinned apps and the other for files and apps that Windows 11 recommends for you (like recently-opened files).
• New desktop management tools: The new Snap Assist feature makes arranging windows on your desktop much more accessible. You can also use the new Task View button on the taskbar to help organize & switch between different Desktops. This can be an excellent way to keep work and play separately in separate windows.
• Native Android app support: Windows 11 users can now try out Android apps in a limited way. Microsoft has promised that Windows 11 will support Android apps natively; even though this feature did not work at launch, Microsoft is closer to providing full support for Android apps with Windows 11.
Upgrade to Windows 11 if
…both you and your computer are willing and ready.
That’s all there is to it for most of us. Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 should be free if your computer meets the requirements. So the only thing that could hold you back is your fear of change.
There are some significant changes to the desktop and taskbar, including a new way to arrange windows on the desktop. Windows 11’s cool new features are also available in Windows 10, so there’s no need to upgrade.
The Widgets menu isn’t handy unless you enjoy auto-updating modules that display local weather, stock updates, and news stories. In addition, Microsoft has committed to supporting Windows 10 with updates plus security patches until 2025.
You really shouldn’t upgrade to Windows 11 right away if…
…your PC isn’t up to date, or you prefer to use outdated software and hardware.
If your computer does not meet the minimum system requirements, don’t worry about upgrading to Windows 11.
You can get around Windows 11’s system requirements in ways that allow you to upgrade anyway, but in my experience, it’s not worth it. You don’t get many unique features, and Microsoft warns that upgrading older PCs is risky.
Microsoft will support Windows 10 until 2025, and advertisements are being tested in Windows 11. If your computer isn’t ready, don’t feel obligated to switch to Windows 11.
However, if you have older specialized apps and equipment, such as cameras for streaming or audio/video transcoding, you may want to hold off on upgrading. If you’re not sure, consult the maker or creator.
Should I upgrade to Windows 11? Roundup
As it stands, Windows 11 is a perfectly adequate operating system that you should install while Microsoft is still providing free upgrades.
As long as you’re running Windows 10, you’ll be able to use many of Windows 11’s best features, such as Auto HDR and virtual desktops, until 2025. Windows 11 should be in a better time than now, but who knows? So we might start thinking about how Windows 12 might look.
