With Windows 10 reaching end of life in October 2025, many users are weighing up whether to upgrade to Windows 11 or hold off. This guide compares both operating systems across the areas that matter most — so you can make the right decision for your PC.
The Key Differences at a Glance
Windows 11 is the successor to Windows 10, released in October 2021. It is built on the same foundation but introduces a redesigned interface, stricter hardware requirements and a range of new features. For most users, the day-to-day experience is similar — but there are some meaningful differences worth knowing about.
Interface and Design
Windows 10 has a traditional Start menu in the bottom-left corner with a tile-based layout inherited from Windows 8. The taskbar is customisable and the overall look has been consistent since 2015.
Windows 11 centres the Start menu and taskbar by default, with a cleaner, more macOS-like design. Menus are more rounded and the overall interface feels more modern. You can move the taskbar icons back to the left if you prefer the traditional layout.
The main complaint about Windows 11’s interface is that some things are harder to find — right-click menus are shorter by default, and some settings have been relocated. Most users adapt within a few days.
Hardware Requirements
This is the biggest practical difference between the two versions.
Windows 10 runs on almost any PC made in the last 10–15 years. The minimum requirements are modest: 1GHz processor, 2GB RAM, 20GB storage.
Windows 11 requires:
- A 64-bit processor (1GHz or faster with 2+ cores)
- 4GB RAM minimum
- 64GB storage
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) — the main blocker for older PCs
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot
- DirectX 12 compatible graphics
Most PCs made after 2017 meet these requirements, but many older machines do not. Use the free PC Health Check app from Microsoft to check your specific computer. See our guide: Can My PC Run Windows 11?
Performance
On compatible hardware, Windows 11 performs similarly to Windows 10. Microsoft has optimised memory management in Windows 11, which can result in slightly faster app loading and better responsiveness on modern hardware.
On older or lower-spec machines that technically meet the minimum requirements, Windows 11 may feel slightly heavier than Windows 10 due to the updated UI rendering. On a modern PC with an SSD and 8GB+ RAM, the difference is negligible.
Security
Windows 11 has stronger built-in security than Windows 10:
- TPM 2.0 requirement enables hardware-based encryption and secure boot by default
- Windows Hello biometric login is better integrated
- Smart App Control blocks untrusted apps (Windows 11 22H2 and later)
- Phishing protection in Microsoft Defender warns when you enter passwords on suspicious sites
Crucially, Windows 10 stopped receiving security updates in October 2025. This means Windows 10 machines will accumulate unpatched vulnerabilities over time, while Windows 11 continues to receive monthly security patches.
Features
Windows 11 includes several features not available in Windows 10:
- Snap Layouts — quickly arrange windows into preset grid layouts (very useful for productivity)
- Virtual desktops — improved, with custom wallpapers per desktop
- Microsoft Teams integration — built into the taskbar (can be removed)
- Android app support — run Android apps via the Amazon Appstore (limited availability)
- Widgets panel — news and weather panel (can be turned off)
- Auto HDR for compatible games and displays
- DirectStorage — faster game loading on compatible NVMe SSDs
Windows 10 does not have these features and will not receive them.
Compatibility
Almost all software that runs on Windows 10 runs on Windows 11 without changes. This includes Microsoft Office, Adobe apps, browsers, games and most business software. Compatibility issues are rare and usually involve very old or specialist applications.
If you rely on legacy 32-bit software or older hardware drivers, test in a non-production environment before upgrading.
Which Should You Use?
Upgrade to Windows 11 if:
- Your PC meets the hardware requirements
- You want continued security updates
- You want access to the latest features
Stay on Windows 10 temporarily if:
- Your PC does not meet Windows 11 requirements and you are planning a hardware upgrade soon
- You are enrolled in Microsoft’s Extended Security Update (ESU) programme
Consider an alternative if:
- Your PC cannot run Windows 11 and you do not want to buy new hardware — Linux is a strong free alternative
The bottom line is that Windows 11 is the better choice going forward, primarily because it still receives security updates and Windows 10 does not. If your hardware supports it, upgrading is free and recommended.
