Should You Upgrade to Windows 11?
Honest Advice from a Repair Shop

We get this question almost every day: "Should I upgrade to Windows 11, or should I stay on Windows 10?" It's a fair question — and the answer isn't the same for everyone.

At PC Medics of NJ, we work on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 machines all day long. We've done hundreds of upgrades, troubleshot compatibility issues, and helped customers who upgraded too soon (and some who waited too long). Here's our honest take based on what we actually see in the shop.

1 The Windows 10 End-of-Support Deadline

Let's start with the most important fact: Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. That means no more free security updates, no more patches, and no more bug fixes. Your computer will still work, but it's now increasingly vulnerable to new threats.

Microsoft does offer a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program that keeps critical security patches coming for a fee, but it's a temporary band-aid, not a long-term solution. For most home users, the writing is on the wall: you need to move to Windows 11 eventually.

2 Can Your Computer Even Run Windows 11?

This is the part that frustrates a lot of people. Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than any previous version of Windows. Not every computer that runs Windows 10 can run Windows 11 — even if the hardware is perfectly fine otherwise.

The key requirements:

• Processor: 8th generation Intel (or newer) or AMD Ryzen 2000 series (or newer). Older CPUs are blocked, even if they're plenty fast.
• TPM 2.0: A security chip that most computers made after 2017-2018 have, but it's sometimes disabled in the BIOS.
• Secure Boot: Must be enabled in BIOS/UEFI settings.
• RAM: 4GB minimum (but realistically you want 8GB or more).
• Storage: 64GB minimum (an SSD is strongly recommended).

If your computer doesn't meet the requirements, you have a few options: keep using Windows 10 (with increasing risk), buy a new computer, or bring it to us and we'll help you figure out the best path forward.

3 What's Better in Windows 11

Windows 11 isn't just a visual refresh — there are genuine improvements under the hood that we've seen make a difference on customer machines:

• Better performance on modern hardware. Windows 11 handles multi-core processors and SSDs more efficiently. Boot times and wake-from-sleep are noticeably faster on compatible hardware.
• Improved security. The TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements aren't arbitrary — they enable real security features like hardware-backed encryption and secure credential storage. Windows 11 is genuinely harder to attack.
• Better window management. Snap Layouts let you organize windows side-by-side with just a hover over the maximize button. Once you get used to this, it's hard to go back.
• Android app support. You can run certain Android apps natively through the Amazon Appstore. It's not a game-changer for most people, but it's a nice bonus.
• Updated interface. The centered taskbar and rounded corners look more modern. The new Settings app is better organized and easier to navigate than Windows 10's.
• Ongoing updates and support. New features, security patches, and driver improvements are all focused on Windows 11 now. It's where Microsoft's attention is.

4 What's Worse (or Just Annoying)

We'll be straight with you — Windows 11 isn't perfect, and there are some things that annoy us (and our customers) on a daily basis:

• The right-click menu. Microsoft simplified it in a way that hides options most people use regularly. You have to click "Show more options" to see the full menu. It's an extra click for no good reason.
• Taskbar limitations. You can't move the taskbar to the side or top of the screen anymore. You can't drag files onto taskbar icons to open them. Small things, but they matter if you relied on them.
• Start Menu changes. No more live tiles (some people miss them, most don't). The pinned apps section is fine, but the "Recommended" section at the bottom is basically useless and can't be fully removed.
• More Microsoft account pushing. Windows 11 really wants you to use a Microsoft account instead of a local account. It's possible to use a local account, but Microsoft makes it harder with every update.
• Compatibility issues with older software. Most modern software works fine, but we occasionally see issues with older specialized programs — particularly niche business software, legacy drivers, or older hardware peripherals.

5 Our Honest Recommendation

Here's what we tell customers based on what we see every day:

If your computer meets the requirements: Upgrade to Windows 11. It's been stable for a while now, security support for Windows 10 is over, and you'll be in better shape going forward. Back up your files first (we can help with that), and the upgrade itself is straightforward.

If your computer doesn't meet the requirements and it's 6+ years old: It's probably time for a new computer. We can help you pick one that fits your budget and needs — you don't have to spend a fortune to get a solid machine.

If your computer doesn't meet the requirements but it's still fast and works well: This is the tricky spot. You've got a few options, and we can walk you through them based on your specific machine. Sometimes a few upgrades (like an SSD or RAM) combined with a workaround can extend its life. Other times, replacement is the smarter investment.

There's no one-size-fits-all answer, and that's exactly why we don't push everyone toward the same solution. We look at your specific computer, what you use it for, and give you honest advice — even if that advice is "don't spend money on this, it's fine as-is."

The Bottom Line

Windows 11 is solid in 2026, and with Windows 10 no longer receiving security updates, the question isn't really if you should upgrade — it's how. Whether that means upgrading your current machine, enabling TPM in your BIOS, or buying something new entirely depends on your situation.

If you're not sure where you stand, bring your computer in or give us a call. We'll tell you exactly what your options are and what makes the most sense for your budget.