The answer depends on what kind of PC you have and what you use it for, but in general, my answer is: Sure, if you're interested. Windows 11 is Microsoft's vision for the future of PC operating systems, and in general it's a simpler, more streamlined and more secure spin on Windows 10.
Not only is Windows 11 considered faster and snappier than Windows 10, it also comes with many new features improving performance, user-friendliness, device compatibility (runs Android apps), and even gaming. It does come with some interface changes which might take some getting used to and also requires a recent CPU.
Will Upgrading Windows 10 to Windows 11 Erase All My Files? Upgrading your system from Windows 10 to Windows 11 will not erase all your files. After the update is completed, you should have access to all user files that were previously available in Windows 10.
As such, you're less likely to run into performance issues and bugs. Upgrade to Windows 11 if security is your priority — If you're someone who prefers to stay updated on security, Windows 11 should serve you well. Windows 10 will continue to get security updates until October 14, 2025.
You Can't Run It
As a new, modern OS, Windows 11 also requires relatively new, modern PCs. If your PC's CPU is older than Intel's 7th generation Core or AMD's Zen 2 processors, you're out of luck. An even bigger problem, though, is TPM 2.0 compatibility.
Windows 11 is worth the update for most people. It comes with a wide range of new features, performance improvements, and design changes. As the latest Windows OS, it usually gets more attention than Windows 10, too. There's not too much risk in upgrading to Windows 11, either.
The answer to the question, “Is Windows 10 or 11 better?” depends on your unique needs. Windows 10 is a solid operating system that can allow you to work, play, and interact with useful apps. And Windows 11 can help you in the same way, but with enhanced features for gaming and interface layouts.
The free upgrade offer does not have a specific end date for eligible systems. However, Microsoft reserves the right to eventually end support for the free offer.
Windows 11 does a lot under the hood to speed up a PC's performance. The same PC will generally run faster on Windows 11 than Windows 10. But no matter how zippy your Windows 11 may be, it can run faster. And keep in mind that PCs tend to slow down over time, and you want to make sure that doesn't happen to yours.
Our review of Windows 11's 2022 Update (aka Windows 11 22H2) indicated some key improvements: Snap Bar/Snap Groups, live captioning of recorded video, Voice Access, and more. Windows 11 itself initially shipped with significant upgrades to the Settings app.
Not only your computer will stay outdated and make your system unstable, it might also put your data at risk. You can wait for a more stable Windows 11 build with more features, but we wouldn't recommend you sticking around with Windows 10 post October 2025.
However, if you don't want to use Windows 11 right now, you can just click Decline upgrade on the interface. This does not affect your computer, nor does it affect your future free upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 later. Some users are forced to install Windows 11 updates.
How Long Does It Take to Install Windows 11? General: Between 10 and 20 minutes. On different devices, Windows 11 is installed at different times. For example, it only takes about 10 minutes to update on the latest SSD.
Yes, and if only for one reason, it should be because Windows 11 offers many improvements over Windows 10 and previous versions of Windows, including better security and performance. However, if you are an experienced user who needs more control over your system, you might prefer Linux or macOS.
Yes, new PCs loaded with Windows 11 can be downgraded to Windows 10 using a clean installation, and here's how. To downgrade from Windows 11 to 10, download and open the Media Creation Tool for Windows 10. Continue with the on-screen directions, choose the “Change what to keep” option, and select the “Nothing” option.
If your Windows 11 computer lags and runs slowly, you're probably straining it beyond its capabilities. Several factors contribute to this, including unnecessary background processes, automatic updates, non-essential third-party services, misconfigured notifications, and privacy settings.
As a result, if your PC has less RAM and CPU power, Windows 11 will enable better performance. The Task Manager has been visually refreshed and includes a new efficiency mode that enables you to limit how many resources can be used by specific apps.
You may notice a performance hit if you're running Windows 11 on older hardware. Perhaps your windows and menus are taking longer to display, or your PC is taking longer to boot up. If you're experiencing a less responsive experience, there are a few things you can do to make Windows 11 faster on old hardware.
Better virtual desktop support
Windows 11 lets you set up virtual desktops in a way that's similar to on a Mac. It allows you to toggle between multiple desktops at once for personal, work, school or gaming. In Windows 10, this feature was harder to set up and use.
If you want to buy a license by itself, the Windows 11 Home edition will cost $139.99, while Pro will cost $199.99. However, most laptops will just come with either one preinstalled.
Review Summary
If you love the fresh look, rounded corners, and a more user-friendly design, then Windows 11 is worth the upgrade over Windows 10. It comes with many new features to enhance multitasking, gaming, productivity, and general day-to-day usage.
Two options are available and you can choose one based on your situation. To be specific, if you want to keep your files, apps, and settings, perform an in-place upgrade. If you want to get better performance and a clean Windows, Windows 11 clean install is a good choice.