The Windows 11 upgrade: what you need to know

You may have heard that the Windows 11 upgrade is coming, following Microsoft’s recent announcement. If you’re wondering whether to upgrade or stay on Windows 10, here are some key facts, including system requirements and remaining support for Windows 10 users.

Is the Windows 11 upgrade free?

The short answer to this is, yes, it’s free, if you have a Windows 10 legal licence already. The Windows 11 upgrade is completely free for Windows users. Just as the Windows 10 upgrade was a free upgrade to Windows 8.1 and Windows 7, the Windows 11 upgrade will be to Windows 10.

But it’s not quite that simple, as the upgrade will only be applicable to PCs that pass the health test of Microsoft.

What is the Windows 11 health test and will my PC pass it?

The Microsoft health test for Windows 11 can be found here: PC Health Check app. You’ll need to download the app from Microsoft and run the test to see if your system has the requirements for the Windows 11 upgrade.

Here are the basics of the system requirements:

• Processor: 1 GHz or more, with 2 cores or more, on a 64-bit processor 
• Memory: 4GB RAM 
• Storage: 64 GB or larger

For the full rundown of requirements, you can check the Windows 11 MS page. And keep in mind that some features may require further system capabilities.

Do I have to upgrade to Windows 11? Can’t I just keep on using Windows 10?

Good question.

It’s expected that Microsoft will be advising everyone to upgrade to Windows 11, either on an existing compatible PC or new. However, you don’t have to. And there is an argument for hanging on to upgrade until the new version is well and truly up and running, with as many fixes as possible sorted out.

However, Windows 10 will continue to be supported, according to current announcements until October 14th 2025. So, you don’t have to upgrade straightaway. Unless you’re dying to get going with the new features.

What’s the difference between Windows 10 and 11?

A lot more than we can explain in this blog. But we’ll give you the basics:

• Updates for Windows 11 will be annually, instead of the previous bi-annual updates 
• Simplified Start menu with static apps  
• The Task bar will be different, with Search as a centralised icon 
• No Cortana, unless you download it  
• Increased multitasking with Windows 11, with Snap Layouts

The main differences in Windows 10 and 11 are in the look and feel. Many will say that Windows 11 is going in the direction of looking more like MacOS or ChromeOS.

We’ll keep you posted in IT Academy with the main announcements. But if you have any further queries about how Windows 11 may affect or enhance your operation, you should speak to your IT support provider for reassurance.

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