Should You Upgrade to Windows 11?

For most people still on Windows 10, the answer is now yes, as long as the PC meets the requirements. Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, so it no longer gets regular security updates. The upgrade to Windows 11 is free for eligible PCs, and you have 10 days to go back if you change your mind. If your PC can't upgrade, there's a paid or free way to keep getting security updates for a while longer. Here's how to decide and what to do.

1. What the End of Windows 10 Support Means

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Your Windows 10 PC didn't stop working on October 14, 2025. But since then, Microsoft no longer provides:

• security updates or fixes,
• other software updates,
• technical support for Windows 10.

Without security updates, new security problems found in Windows 10 won't be fixed on your PC. Microsoft 365 apps still run on Windows 10, and Microsoft says it will keep providing security updates for Microsoft 365 on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028, but it recommends moving to Windows 11.

2. Check Whether Your PC Can Run Windows 11

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The quickest way is Microsoft's PC Health Check app:

1. Search for PC Health Check on the taskbar and open it. If it isn't installed, download it from aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp.
2. Select Check now.
3. Read the result. If your PC isn't eligible, the app tells you why and what you can do.

You can also check Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, which shows whether your PC can upgrade. Microsoft's minimum requirements are:

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
• Memory: 4 GB of RAM
• Storage: 64 GB or larger
• Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
• Graphics: compatible with DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver
• Display: high definition (720p), larger than 9 inches diagonally, 8 bits per color channel

Windows 11 Home, and Windows 11 Pro for personal use, also need an internet connection and a Microsoft account during setup.

Expected result: PC Health Check tells you whether your PC meets the Windows 11 requirements.

3. What's Different in Windows 11

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If you're used to Windows 10, these are the changes you'll notice first:

• A centered Start button and taskbar. If you prefer it on the left, right-click an empty part of the taskbar, open the taskbar settings, expand Taskbar behaviors and set Taskbar alignment to Left.
• Snap layouts. Hover over a window's maximize button, or press Windows key + Z, to arrange several windows side by side. Windows you snap together form a group you can bring back from the taskbar.
• Security built on newer hardware. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot capable firmware, which is why some older PCs can't upgrade. On new Windows 11 installs, Windows Security also includes Smart App Control.

4. Back Up Your Files First

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A backup means you're covered if anything goes wrong during the upgrade. Windows Backup can save your folders and settings to OneDrive:

1. Search the Start menu for Windows Backup and open it. You need to be signed in with a Microsoft account (work or school accounts aren't supported).
2. Expand Folders and turn on the folders you want to back up, such as Desktop, Documents and Pictures.
3. Choose which apps and settings to include, then select Back up.

A free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage, and you can buy more if your files don't fit. You can also copy important files to an external drive yourself.

Expected result: Windows Backup shows your folders as backed up.

5. How to Upgrade to Windows 11 for Free

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Microsoft's end-of-support page says the free upgrade is for PCs running Windows 10, version 22H2, that meet the minimum hardware requirements.

1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Select Check for updates.
3. If Windows 11 is ready for your PC, select Download and install, then Accept and install on the license screen.
4. When it's ready, select Restart now. Your PC restarts a few more times to finish installing Windows 11.
5. Sign in when the sign-in screen appears.

If Windows Update doesn't offer the upgrade yet, Microsoft's software download page has the Windows 11 Installation Assistant. Microsoft recommends waiting for the Windows Update offer first. If the Installation Assistant needs more information, run PC Health Check, then select Refresh in the Installation Assistant window.

Expected result: Settings > System > About shows Windows 11.

6. Changed Your Mind? Go Back Within 10 Days

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In most cases, you have 10 days after upgrading to return to Windows 10.

1. Go to Start > Settings > System > Recovery.
2. Select Go back, if it's available, and follow the steps.

Going back keeps your personal files, but removes apps and drivers installed after the upgrade, and any changes you made in Settings. For it to work, keep the windows.old and $windows.~bt folders, remove any user accounts you added after the upgrade, and have the USB drive you upgraded with, if you used one.

Expected result: your PC restarts into Windows 10.

7. If Your PC Can't Run Windows 11

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You have two main options.

Keep Getting Security Updates With ESU

Microsoft's consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program keeps sending critical and important security updates to Windows 10 PCs until the program ends on October 12, 2027. Your PC must be running Windows 10, version 22H2 (Home, Pro, Pro Education or Workstations). Microsoft lists three ways to enroll:

• at no extra cost, if you sync your PC settings,
• by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or
• with a one-time purchase of $30 USD (or local equivalent) plus tax.

To enroll, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. If your PC qualifies, you'll see a link to enroll there.

Move to a New PC

If your PC doesn't meet the requirements, Microsoft's other recommendation is a new PC that comes with Windows 11. Use Windows Backup first (section 4) so you can bring your files and settings across by signing in with the same Microsoft account.

Whichever you choose, keep your current PC in good shape in the meantime: install updates, clear out files you don't need and turn off apps you don't need at startup. See how to speed up a slow Windows PC.