Windows 11 has been available since late 2021, but millions of people are still running Windows 10—and wondering whether they should upgrade, whether it’s safe, and whether their laptop can even handle it.
Here’s a straight answer.
Is Windows 11 worth upgrading to?
For most people, yes—eventually. Windows 11 is more secure, has a cleaner look, and Microsoft has committed to supporting it for years to come. More importantly, Windows 10 reaches its end of support in October 2025, after which it will stop receiving security updates.
That said, if Windows 10 is working well for you right now and your laptop isn’t compatible with Windows 11, there’s no need to panic today. A laptop running an unsupported OS isn’t immediately dangerous—it just becomes more vulnerable over time as security patches stop arriving.
Can my laptop run Windows 11?
This is the key question, and the answer depends on your hardware. Windows 11 has stricter requirements than Windows 10—specifically, it requires a chip called TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module), which some older laptops don’t have.
The easiest way to check is to use Microsoft’s PC Health Check app. Type “PC Health Check” into the Windows search bar—if it’s not already installed, Microsoft makes it available as a free download. It runs a quick test and tells you clearly whether your machine qualifies, with an explanation if it doesn’t.
If your laptop is less than five years old, it probably qualifies. Older machines are a mixed picture—some pass, some don’t.
What if my laptop isn’t compatible?
You have a few options:
Continue using Windows 10 until October 2025, then reassess. Microsoft has indicated it will offer paid extended security updates after that, though the details are still being worked out.
Consider whether the time is right for a new laptop. If your laptop is already slow, struggling, or approaching six or seven years old, Windows 11 ineligibility might be a useful signal that a replacement makes more sense than prolonging things. A new laptop will come with Windows 11 already installed.
Stay on Windows 10 and be more security-conscious. Keep your antivirus up to date, be careful with emails and attachments, avoid visiting unfamiliar websites, and consider getting a security check done.
I’ll always give you an honest view—not try to push you into an upgrade or a purchase you don’t need.
How to upgrade if your laptop qualifies
If your laptop passes the health check, upgrading is free. Go to Settings → Windows Update and check for updates. If Windows 11 is available for your device, you’ll see an option to download and install it.
A few things to do first:
- Back up your important files to an external hard drive or cloud storage, just in case
- Make sure your laptop is plugged in to power before starting
- Allow around an hour for the process to complete
The upgrade usually preserves everything—your files, programmes, and settings—but a backup is always worth having.
My honest recommendation
- If your laptop is compatible and generally in good shape: there’s no rush today, but getting it done before October 2025 is sensible.
- If your laptop isn’t compatible and it’s six or more years old: it’s worth thinking about whether a replacement makes more financial sense than patching things together.
- If you’re not sure, or want someone to do it for you: that’s exactly what I’m here for.
I can check whether your laptop qualifies, carry out the upgrade safely, and make sure everything is working properly afterwards. I visit homes across Falkirk and Central Scotland.
Falkirk Tech Help—friendly in-home tech support across Falkirk and Central Scotland.