The Beginning of the End...for Windows 10
This is important because Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates after October 2025, which are an absolute must-have. This leaves Windows 10 users vulnerable to potential security threats and compatibility issues with new software and hardware. As a result, there are compelling reasons to finally upgrade to Windows 11 or invest in a new laptop or desktop that comes with Windows 11 pre-installed.
The easy answer for many of us running Windows 10 is to upgrade to Windows 11. It's free, reasonably easy, and offers a lot of features not found in Windows 10, from Copilot AI to Android app support.
But not every PC running Windows 10 can make the leap. The system requirements for Windows 11 are tighter, as some people discovered in 2021 when Windows 11 was released, including the need for a TPM (trusted platform module) chip. You'll have to run a compatibility checker first to see if your hardware is compatible. (If it's not, there are still workarounds, but it's not an ideal choice).
Windows 11 Minimum System Requirements
- CPU: 1GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a 64-bit processor
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB
- Graphics: DirectX 12 capable
- Display: At least 720p, connected to a 9-inch or larger display
- TPM: TPM 2.0
Even if your Windows 10 PC can upgrade to 11, if you haven't done so yet, maybe there's a good reason. A laptop from somewhere between 2015 and 2021 is already going to be getting old, and a laptop that's hitting four or more years in age is probably ready for an upgrade.
How to get started with Windows 11
- Check System Requirements: Ensure your current PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11.
- Check for Compatibility: Use the PC Health Check tool provided by Microsoft to determine if your current PC is eligible for the upgrade.
- Upgrade via Windows Update: If your PC is eligible, you can upgrade to Windows 11 through Windows Update -- you may have to run the PC Health check tool first to get the upgrade. Or if you're having trouble with that, the Windows 11 installation assistant can be found here.
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Micro Center Editor-in-Chief Dan Ackerman is a veteran tech reporter and has served as Editor-in-Chief of Gizmodo and Editorial Director at CNET. He's been testing and reviewing laptops and other consumer tech for almost 20 years and is the author of The Tetris Effect, a Cold War history of the world's most influential video game. Contact Dan at dackerman@microcenter.com.
