Tech Tip: Should I upgrade to Windows 11?

Has your computer been prompting you to update to Windows 11?

If you have purchased a new Windows computer or Surface device in the past month, chances are it came shipped with Windows 11 installed. However, newer devices that came with Windows 10 installed can update via Windows Update in your Settings.

Here are some key facts to help you make the decision about upgrading your operating system.

What devices can update to Windows 11?

You can check whether your device is compatible with Microsoft's PC Health Check Tool (scroll to the bottom of the screen to download). This tool will tell you if you can update Windows.

The minimum requirements are:

• At least 4GB RAM

• At least 64GB of available storage

• One of Windows 11's officially approved processors (CPUs)

• A graphics processor that is compatible with DirectX 12 and Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 2.0 or greater

• Trusted Platform Module (TPM) support (physical chip or firmware version) - you can check this in Settings - Update & Security - Windows Security - Device Security

• Internet connection

• Screen size of 9" or greater

What's Different in Windows 11?

Cleaner graphics layout

• The Start menu and app menus resemble Chrome and Mac OS layouts. As well, app menus are more dynamic, so you will need to pin your most-used apps if you prefer to see them in the same spots rather than the last ones opened. You can spend some time customizing the appearance to suit your preferences, like setting up your Start menu to be on the left side instead of centred.

• The timeline feature has been replaced by a virtual desktops feature, which is intuitive enough if you were using timeline view in Windows 10.

Better performance

• Better CPU management means that even if your CPU is running multiple processes (lots of open windows), your apps will open and respond more quickly than in Windows 10.

Better security

• Windows 10 is no less secure than it has been, but Windows 11 is the most secure version of Windows for your computer. It has a new Secure Boot function and TPM support.

Improved support for multiple monitors

• You can create your own screen layouts for multiple monitors to assist you in multitasking, and Windows 11 will remember your layout every time you log in. This is a great change from Windows 10, which did not save your screen layout if the second monitor is unplugged.

Bugs and quirks

• As a new operating system, you can expect Windows 11 to have some extra bugs and quirks. Make sure your computer automatically installs updates to ensure that fixes are delivered to your computer promptly.

What If I Want to Keep Using Windows 10?

Microsoft will continue to support Windows 10 through 2025. Windows 10 will continue to receive updates on an annual basis, with ongoing security updates.

You can tell your computer not to prompt you to upgrade at Settings - Updates & Security - Windows updates. There is a button under the box for updates that will allow you to stop receiving update notifications.

If you have questions about Windows 11 or your device, we are here to help with free, one-on-one tech help. You can book an appointment on our website.