Should I Upgrade to Windows 11? (Answered)

Many Windows users wonder if they should upgrade their operating system to the newest version, Windows 11, because of all the new features advertised. The answer is not so simple.

There are a lot of factors to consider when making this decision, such as how well your current system is running and what specific features you might need for the upgrade. 

Should I Upgrade To Windows 11?

Windows 11 offers many new features and updates such as an intuitive interface that improve the operating system’s overall performance. If your system is new and powerful enough to handle the update, then it’s worth upgrading to Windows.

Windows 11 offers updated versions of popular Microsoft programs like Teams, which has been enhanced with new all-new features to make it even more beneficial for business users.

The Start menu has also been redesigned with a more modern and customizable look that makes it easier to access all of your files, apps, and other content.

Overall, Windows 11 is an impressive update that offers many improvements over earlier versions.

Why You Should Upgrade To Windows 11

There are plenty of reasons to upgrade to Windows 11, such as its new interface, redesigns, and modernized apps. Even novice users will find it easy to navigate and get the most out of their system.

We have listed a few of the top reasons you should upgrade to Windows 11.

New Interface

Windows 11 features a more modern and visually appealing interface with clean aesthetics that includes rounded corners and pastel colors. The new interface is intuitive and easy to use, perfect for first-time users.

Redesigned Start Menu and Taskbar

The Start Menu is now placed at the button center of the screen. The Taskbar has also been updated to view the news and interests feature, which will help you stay up to date with the latest news.

Pinned Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is now pinned in the Taskbar, making it easy to access and join a chat or call. This is an excellent new feature for the many businesses who use Teams in their workplace.

Virtual Desktop Feature

Windows 11 features a virtual desktop option to help you organize your work and give yourself more space. This is particularly helpful for those who need an extra organization to allow users to switch between different desktops easily.

Snap Groups and Snap Layouts

Windows 11 OS introduces Snap Groups and Snap Layouts to customize your screen for efficient multitasking. It also lets you organize windows and apps by the group for quick and easy navigation of apps.

Why You Should Not Upgrade To Windows 11

As with any operating system update, there will always be some downsides and risks associated with updates such as Windows 11. Note that the new OS is still in its early stage, and you may encounter bugs and compatibility issues.

Bugs and Compatibility Issues

There could be compatibility issues with hardware and software, which may cause bugs, errors, crashes, and slow performance.

Loss of Data

Be aware that upgrading to Windows 11 may lead you to lose data. This is true if your upgrade will require a fresh install or an in-place installation, which means all the files on your system will be deleted and lost forever.

New System Requirements

To enjoy the full features of Windows 11, your hardware must meet the minimum system requirements, which include a certain amount of RAM and CPU speed.

Too Much Change

Some users may find the new interface and feature too overwhelming or just not necessary. There is a lot of change in Windows 11, so if you’re someone who prefers things to stay the same, then upgrading to this OS might not be for you.

Windows 11 Pros & Cons

Windows 11 Pros
  • New Interface
  • Built-in store for Android Apps
  • Better Multitasking
  • Quick Access to Information
  • Familiarity
Windows 11 Cons
  • No Cortana
  • No Skype
  • Immovable Taskbar
  • Constant Update Cycle
  • New System Requirements

Pros:

  • New Interface: The new interface is visually appealing and easy to use, making it perfect for first-time users.
  • Built-in store for Android Apps: Windows 11 introduces Microsoft Store that allows you to download and install Android apps directly on your PC.
  • Better Multitasking: Windows 11 has several features, such as the virtual desktop, Snap Groups, and Snap Layouts, to help you organize your work and multitask more efficiently.
  • Quick Access to Information: Another great feature in Windows 11 is the addition of widgets, and the news and interests feature on the Taskbar.
  • Familiarity: If you’re used to earlier versions of Windows, then upgrading to Windows 11 will be a breeze because it retains many of the same features and functions.

Cons:

  • No Cortana: In previous versions of Windows, Cortana was a handy tool for helping you stay organized and on top of things. If you’re used to using it in your daily life, then this will be one of the most notable changes that come with updating to Windows 11.
  • No Skype: Skype is no longer available in Windows 11. If you use Skype for work or personal reasons, this could be a significant inconvenience.
  • Immovable Taskbar: Windows 11 will be a pain because you will not be able to move the Taskbar around.
  • Constant Update Cycle: There could always be updates and changes that can cause inconveniences such as system slowdowns and errors.
  • New System Requirements: The minimum system requirements to run Windows 11 are slightly higher than those required by previous versions, so if your computer does not meet these requirements, you may struggle to keep up.

Windows 11 vs Windows 10

Visual Design

The Windows 11 interface is relatively new, similar to the Mac interface that is clean and modern. It is easy to use and navigate, with everything a user would need easily accessible.

Features

Windows 11 has many features not available in Windows 10, such as the Microsoft Store, Snap Groups, Snap Layouts, and Widgets. However, take note that there are also features of Windows 10 that are not anymore available in Windows 11, such as Skype and Cortana.

Performance

Windows 11 has advanced performance compared to its predecessor, Windows 10. When you open the Task Manager in Windows 11, you’ll notice how quickly it handles system processes.

Price

Windows 11 is a free upgrade to users of Windows 10. However, only computers running the most up-to-date version of Windows 10 and having the necessary hardware requirements will be able to upgrade.

Compatibility

Windows 11 requires higher specifications than Windows 10, making it difficult to run on older computers.

User-friendly

Both Windows 10 and 11 are user-friendly; however, Windows 11 takes it one step further with a new and improved interface.

Bugs

Still a work in progress, expect Windows 11 to have some bugs not fixed yet. Additionally, as new features are added to the operating system, security patches and updates need to be installed.

How To Upgrade to Windows 11

On October 5, 2021, Microsoft launched Windows 11 to the general public. The new OS can be easily downloaded through the Microsoft website and installed on your computer.

However, before starting the installation process, it is important to check if your computer meets the minimum system requirements, such as RAM of 4 GB RAM; CPU of 1 GHz or higher; HDD of 64 GB; GPU that is compatible with DirectX 12 or latest; system firmware of UEFI and Secure Boot capable; Trusted Platform Module version 2.0 and Display of 720p or higher.

To upgrade, make sure you’ve completed the compatibility check on your computer before Windows may let you continue with the installation.

After the compatibility check, there are three ways of downloading Windows 11 to your computer.

The first way is through the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, by clicking the “Download Now” button where a .exe file will download immediately.

The second way is by creating Windows 11 Installation Media if you opt to reinstall or clean install the OS on a personal computer. This is good for producing bootable installation media (USB or DVD) to install Windows 11 on your computer.

The third and final way is by downloading the Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for those who want to produce a bootable installation media or create a virtual machine to install Windows 11. 

Is Windows 11 Worth It?

Windows 11 is worth upgrading if you’re ready for a new operating system on your computer by meeting the system requirements, completing the compatibility check, and being comfortable with using the new OS.

On the other hand, if you are uncomfortable with change or have a low-end computer that cannot meet the system requirements, it is best to stick with Windows 10 as of the moment.

Windows announced that the end date of Windows 10 is up until October 14, 2025, so there is still plenty of time to stick with it.