Is your computer offering a free upgrade to Windows 11? If so, you may be wondering if it’s a good idea. Some computers don’t handle major upgrades well, especially if the hardware inside is older and the manufacturers are no longer sending updates for it. Also, history has shown new Windows operating systems can be buggy, and early adoption can be frustrating and cause lost work time. Thankfully, Windows 11 has been out for a while now, so the operating system is fairly stable.
Are You Eligible to Upgrade from Windows 10?
Not all machines that run Windows 10 can upgrade to Windows 11. Hardware incompatibilities, inadequate processing speed, and limited storage are among the common reasons machines are left behind. Windows Update can do a preliminary scan to see if your machine is eligible. If not, this message (or one like it) will appear:
The “Get PC Health Check” option will scan to see if you can upgrade memory, storage, or other components to become eligible.
If you are eligible to upgrade, you will be offered the option to download and install it right away. The upgrade will go more smoothly if you prepare your computer for the upgrade first. Thankfully, Tech-Talk has written a step-by-step guide on how to get your computer ready to upgrade.
How Is Windows 11 Different?
Even if your computer can handle an upgrade to Windows 11, you may want to hold off. The user interface has changed significantly, and several popular Windows 10 features are no longer available. Wikipedia has a granular list of features that are gone.
If you are ok with giving those features up, and you’re willing to try a new interface, Windows 11 might be for you. To walk you through the new features in Windows 11, I’d suggest either watching this webinar or reading this quick reference guide from Tech-Talk. Both of these resources show where to find the functions you need and how to customize the new interface for your workflow.
Are You Using Windows 11?
Have you upgraded or purchased a new computer that runs on Windows 11? What are your favorite and least favorite things about it? We’d love to hear about it in the comments.