Windows 11 upgrade — should you do it?

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 in October 2025. That means: no more security updates. But should you upgrade right away? The answer depends on your situation.

What does “end of support” mean?

No support means:

• No security updates — new vulnerabilities won’t be patched
• Software drops support — Chrome, Office and other apps will gradually stop supporting Windows 10
• Your laptop still works — it doesn’t stop from one day to the next

The biggest risk is security. If you do online banking, send emails and share files, keeping your operating system up to date matters.

Can my laptop run Windows 11?

Windows 11 has stricter requirements than Windows 10:

• Processor: 8th generation Intel or newer (2017+), AMD Ryzen 2000+
• RAM: minimum 4 GB (8 GB recommended)
• TPM 2.0: a security chip found in most laptops after 2018
• Storage: minimum 64 GB

Check it yourself: download the PC Health Check app from Microsoft. It tells you straight away if your laptop is compatible.

Not compatible? Your options

If your laptop is too old for Windows 11:

1. Keep using it at your own risk — you can stay on Windows 10, but it becomes less secure over time
2. Buy a new laptop — for working from home, a decent laptop starts from around €400-500
3. Consider Linux — for those who mainly browse and email, Linux Mint can be a free and secure alternative

Compatible? Here’s how to upgrade

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update
2. If Windows 11 is available, you’ll see the option to upgrade
3. First make a backup of your important files
4. Schedule it at a quiet moment — the upgrade takes 30-60 minutes
5. Your files and programs are preserved

My advice

• Laptop from after 2018: upgrade, it’s free and more secure
• Laptop from 2015-2017: check compatibility, consider replacing it if the upgrade isn’t possible
• Laptop from before 2015: probably time for a new one

Need help with the upgrade?

In a 60-minute session I can check if your laptop is compatible, make a backup and run the upgrade. If your laptop isn’t compatible, I’ll help you decide on the best next step.