Is Windows 11 Worth the Upgrade in 2026?
March 17, 2023
Last Modified On: October 30, 2026
Yes. For almost every business and home user, Windows 11 is worth the upgrade in 2026 because Windows 10 lost free security updates on October 14, 2025. If your PC meets the requirements, the upgrade is free. If it doesn’t, plan a hardware replacement rather than paying for extended Windows 10 updates.
What changed when Windows 10 support ended?
Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 PCs still turn on, but they no longer get free security fixes or technical support. Businesses can buy Extended Security Updates, starting at US$61 per device for the first year and doubling each year, as a short-term bridge.
That makes year two, which began this month, US$122 per device (TechRepublic). For most businesses, that money is better spent toward new hardware.
How many people use Windows 11 now?
Most Windows users have already switched. Windows 11 ran on 68.9% of Windows PCs worldwide in July 2026, against 29.9% for Windows 10, according to StatCounter. Adoption jumped after Windows 10’s end of support, when Windows 11 went from about 51% in December 2025 to over 72% by February 2026.
Sources: StatCounter worldwide Windows version share for July 2026; Neowin for the December to February jump. StatCounter measures web traffic, so treat these as usage share, not install counts.
Can your PC run Windows 11?
Your PC can run Windows 11 if it has an Intel 8th-generation or AMD Ryzen 2000 processor or newer, at least 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage and TPM 2.0 security chip support. Microsoft calls the TPM 2.0 requirement non-negotiable. Run the free PC Health Check app to test any Windows 10 computer.
Requirements per Windows Latest; Microsoft’s “non-negotiable” stance per Petri. A supported CPU with TPM switched off in the BIOS can often be fixed by enabling it, no new PC needed.
What are the main benefits of Windows 11?
The main benefits are continued security updates, stronger built-in protection through TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, Snap Layouts for multitasking, a cleaner Start menu and taskbar, and Copilot AI built into the system. For businesses, the biggest benefit is simply staying on a supported, patched operating system.
What are the downsides of Windows 11?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free security updates continue | Older PCs may need replacing |
| TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot protection | Start menu and taskbar take getting used to |
| Snap Layouts for multitasking | No more Android apps (Thurrott) |
| Copilot built in | Some old business apps need testing first |
| Free upgrade on eligible PCs |
|
How should a business upgrade to Windows 11?
Check every PC with PC Health Check or your management tool, back up data, test key business apps on one machine first, then upgrade in batches outside work hours. Replace PCs that fail the requirements instead of buying extended Windows 10 updates. An IT support partner can run the whole rollout.
- Inventory: list every PC and whether it passes.
- Back up: files and settings, tested.
- Pilot: upgrade one PC and test accounting, design and line-of-business apps.
- Roll out in batches after hours.
- Replace failing PCs through planned IT lifecycle management.
Keeping PCs patched after the upgrade matters just as much; see why computer maintenance is important.
Frequently asked questions about upgrading to Windows 11
Is the Windows 11 upgrade free?
Yes, for Windows 10 PCs that meet the Windows 11 hardware requirements. The upgrade is offered through Windows Update at no cost. PCs that don’t meet the requirements need new hardware, and a new PC usually comes with Windows 11 already installed.
Can I still use Windows 10 in 2026?
It still works, but it no longer gets free security updates after October 14, 2025. Businesses can pay for Extended Security Updates, which started at US$61 per device and double each year. For most users, upgrading or replacing the PC is the safer choice.
Can I install Windows 11 without TPM 2.0?
Workarounds exist, but Microsoft does not support them. Unsupported PCs show a warning and may not receive updates, which defeats the main reason to upgrade. If your processor is supported, check whether TPM can simply be switched on in the BIOS.
Can Windows 11 run Android apps?
Not anymore. Microsoft retired the Windows Subsystem for Android, and with it the Amazon Appstore on Windows 11, on March 5, 2025. Android apps now need a third-party emulator or your phone.
Need help moving your office to Windows 11?
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