Windows 10 Vs. Windows 11. Should I upgrade?

Microsoft has announced that the current version of Windows 10 (version 22H2) is the final

version of windows 10. Windows 10's End of Life (EoL) is slated for October 14th, 2025. For users currently running Windows 10, the question of whether to upgrade to Windows 11 is a big one. In this post, we'll explore the pros and cons of upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

Pros:

1. New Features: Windows 11 has a number of new features and improvements, including a new user interface, better integration with mobile devices, and improved performance. Some users find the new "focused view" of Windows 11 appealing as it centers your workspace on your computer instead of relying on the edges of your screen

2. Improved Productivity: Windows 11 offers a number of productivity enhancements, such as virtual desktops that can help users work more efficiently. for users of the Microsoft office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) the direct integration makes those programs use and productivity much more efficient.

3. Better Security: Windows 11 includes several new security features, such as Windows Hello and Microsoft Defender, that can help protect users from online threats and cyber attacks. Given that there are so many choices of Anti-virus/Malware programs out there, having an effective built in security suite that actually works well is a major bonus.

4. Improved Multitasking: Windows 11 introduces Snap Layouts and Snap Groups, which allow users to organize their open windows and applications more easily. This can improve productivity and make multitasking more efficient, especially for users who work with multiple programs or documents at the same time, or use multiple monitors in their daily work.

Cons:

1. Hardware Requirements: Windows 11 has higher hardware requirements than Windows 10, which means that some older computers may not be able to upgrade to the new operating system. In fact with the higher requirements from Microsoft of Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 being enabled on a computer and only allowing an approved list of CPUs upgrade, only an estimated 57% of computer in circulation today are eligible for the upgrade.

2. Potential Compatibility Issues: As with any new operating system, there may be compatibility issues with older software or hardware. Users should check with software and hardware manufacturers to ensure that their devices are compatible with Windows 11 before upgrading.

3. Learning Curve: Windows 11 introduces a new user interface, which means that users will need to learn how to use the new system. This may take some time and could cause some frustration.

4. Need to Replace Older Computers: As mentioned earlier, Windows 11 has higher hardware requirements than Windows 10. This means that some older computers may not be able to ever upgrade to the new operating system, or may not run it well even if they do upgrade. This could require users to purchase a new computer that meets the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, which can be a significant cost for some users. Additionally, the cost of migrating data and settings from an old computer to a new one can also be a time-consuming and potentially costly process.

In conclusion, upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 has its pros and cons. While the new features, improved productivity, and better security are enticing, users should consider the potential hardware requirements, compatibility issues, learning curve, and cost before deciding whether to upgrade. Ultimately, the decision should be based on a user's specific needs, preferences, and budget.