Windows 11 was released in Australia on October 5, 2021 and, according to its CEO, Satya Nadella, it marks one of the most “significant updates in a decade.” Indeed, Microsoft’s last major change came in 2015, with the launch of Windows 10. 

The new OS sets a new benchmark for performance and security and offers new features that businesses and individuals alike will enjoy. But alas, not all PCs are compatible, and some enterprises might not feel ready to bear the cost of upgrading legacy apps and gear.

So, can you and should you upgrade? But before we begin, here are some facts and considerations you should know.

Frequently asked questions about upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 

Is Windows 11 upgrade free?

Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free – but only if your PC is running the most current version (and meets the minimum requirements, which we’ll cover in more detail below). Free updates are available through Windows Update in Settings>Update and Security.

When will Microsoft stop supporting Windows 10?

Windows 10 support will end in October 2025, so if you’re not ready to upgrade, there’s no need to rush. You can always upgrade to Windows 11 later if you decline now.

Can you rollback to Windows 11 back to Windows 10?

If for some reason you decide to revert to Windows 10, you can do so without fuss within the first 10 days. After 10 days, Microsoft no longer offers this option by default, but it can still be done. However, before attempting this, make sure to backup your PC first – including Office 365. Ideally, you’d speak with your managed service provider and ask them to help you with this. 

Now let’s dig in and find out if Windows 11 will work on your PC. 

Is your PC compatible with Windows 11? 

First off, your device must be running Windows 10, version 2004 or later, to upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft has a list of system requirements, including at least 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, a 1GHz processor and – this is where it gets trickier – a TPM version 2.0. 

What is a TPM?

A TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is a secure (physical) cryptoprocessor that basically prevents hackers or malware from accessing data. It’s hardware security, from the chip to the cloud and Microsoft’s vision for the future of PC OSes, to ensure a more secure system.  

If you have a device that was manufactured before 2014, it most definitely won’t have a TPM 2.0. (check out Craig’s advice on hardware lifecycle), therefore you won’t be able to upgrade just yet. If you want to manually check, Microsoft has a list of supported AMD CPUs and Intel processors. 

Other ways to check if your device has TPM 2.0:

1. Check if your operating system already has TPM 2.0 turned on

• Press Win+R
• Type in “tpm.msc” (without quotation marks) and hit enter
• On the TPM Management on Local Computer, you’ll be able to see whether you have TPM enabled on your system

2. Consult your laptop or motherboard manufacturer
3. Ask your managed service provider

If you don’t have TPM 2.0, you can purchase one to install in the motherboards of some devices. 

How to check if your device meets the Windows 11 requirements

There are two simple ways of checking if your device is compatible with Windows 11:

• Check Microsoft’s full list of system specifications for Windows 11
• Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check app. If your device is already running Windows 10, you can use the PC Health Check app to assess compatibility. Microsoft has enabled auto-install for it, so you will most likely find it on your device. 

Is Windows 11 available for download?

Okay, so your PC is compatible with Windows 11. But is it ready for download? Just go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for Updates. If available, you’ll see a Feature update to Windows 11. 

Microsoft announced that the Windows 11 rollout will be gradual, with all compatible devices expected to receive the upgrade by mid-2022. Microsoft’s recommendation is to wait until you are notified. 

Microsoft 11 key features 

The main differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 are integrations, security and interface. For example, when it comes to entertainment, Windows 11 is good for gaming, with the built-in Xbox app, great for popular games such as Valorant, and it’s also easy to cast Windows 11 to Chromecast. 

Design and interface

Windows 11 features a new design with a centred Start menu and Taskbar, with a more Mac-like interface – including virtual desktops. Everything is simpler and more streamlined. Plus, Widgets are back and accessible via the Taskbar. 

Android apps

Android app support is finally available on Windows 11 PC, via a subset of apps from Amazon Appstore (but no Google Play Store yet).

Integration with Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams has 145 million daily active users, and with the new integration, all these people will be able to boost their productivity. You can now access Teams straight from Windows 11’s redesigned Taskbar. 

Connected experience 

Besides Teams, Windows 11 takes productivity and collaboration in organisations even further for Microsoft 365 subscribers. Just one example is that when you use the search function, it doesn’t just search your PC, but all your OneDrive files too. 

In addition, Snap Layouts are further proof that Windows 11 has been optimised for hybrid working. 

Should You Upgrade to OS Windows 11?

So, should you upgrade to Windows 11 or hold off? If your device meets all the requirements, what should you do? 

Windows 11 comes with better system security, so, in general, we recommend an upgrade. As always, make sure you backup your data and ensure that upgrades are ready for all your software. 

If you use a lot of older specialised apps and gear that will be expensive to upgrade, you might want to wait. And you’ve got until 2025 to make the transition.

But with cyberthreats putting businesses and individuals at risk every day, if you can upgrade, you should do it as soon as possible, as it will give you better protection. 

Find out if your business is ready for Windows 11 upgrade. Contact us today to find out how we can help improve and maintain your IT security.