877-GEEK-AID®
(877-433-5243)

Will Windows 11 Work On My Computer? It Depends

Summary: This concise article explores whether your PC can be upgraded to Windows 11. Learn about what your PC needs in order to be compatible with Windows 11. If you are unsure whether to upgrade to Windows 11, contact your computer set-up and installation specialists, GEEK-AID Computer and Network Support, at www.GEEKAID.com.

Over the years, many computer users have faced the frustrating consequences of updating to new software versions only to find that the new app has many bugs that the developers need to fix. Also, depending on your machine, new versions of programs and operating systems might not be compatible with your dated hardware. Upgrading a PC's operating system is not without risk and, in the worst case, can cause a complete loss of functionality. Therefore, you must understand the pros and cons of keeping your Windows 10 OS versus upgrading to Windows 11.

Should I Get Windows 11?

The good news is that Windows 10 will still be fully functional for a long time. Although Microsoft won’t be adding any new features to Windows 10, they will continue to patch security and support it until 2025. It has proven to be a robust, stable and reliable operating system. If it works well for you and you’re happy with it, you should feel comfortable remaining with Windows 10. For now, there are no pressing reasons to upgrade. In fact, Windows 10 is the best it’s ever been since it was released in 2015. It has received many fixes, security patches and improvements over the years. Although Microsoft won’t be releasing many new updates to Windows 10, that can be a benefit. A constant flow of updates means that the operating system still needs many fixes and tweaks to the original software release. Because Windows 10 has been around for more than eight years, the developers have fixed most of the problems, leaving it functioning at peak performance.

The upgraded Windows 11 comes packed with new features and functionality that are not available with Windows 10. It’s also fast and efficient. In the few years since its release, Windows 11 has significantly improved as developers have rolled out great new features and fixed many of the original bugs and security vulnerabilities.

Okay, So What’s The Difference?

Microsoft originally planned on continuing to update Windows 10 for a much longer period. However, the OS became too cumbersome for developers to continue adding features. Hence, Windows 11 was created. When customers ask if they should get Windows 11, it is not always a straightforward answer. Here are some of the main improvements (and requirements) afforded by Windows 11:

The features above are all pretty enticing. However, don't rush to upgrade if you are happy with your Windows 10 OS. There are some differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 that will make some users hesitant to upgrade. One of the most common negative reviews from users of Windows 11 mentions that the new taskbar is inferior to the old design in Windows 10. One would think a newly developed taskbar would have more features, building upon the previous version. But in this case, Microsoft removed some features. Since Windows 11’s release, some deleted features have been written back in. Another taskbar issue is that the developers have moved the taskbar to the bottom of the screen with no option to position it on a different edge.

Although upgrading and updating are essential parts of IT maintenance, many users are uncertain how and when to do so. As computers become more complex, extra care must be taken when deciding whether to upgrade. Some users lack advanced IT knowledge and are uncomfortable performing those tasks. Many users are unsure if Windows 11 will work on their computer. Before getting lost and frustrated with the decision of whether to stay with Windows 10 or upgrade to Windows 11, you should consider engaging a professional IT consulting service for assistance.