Windows 10 or Windows 11 — which version to choose in 2026
Shari
Until recently, the choice between Windows 10 and Windows 11 was a matter of taste. It no longer is — and the reason is not the design, but the support.
The most important point first: support for Windows 10
Microsoft ended free support for Windows 10 in October 2025. The system carries on working normally and activates without any problem, but new security updates now require a separate extended support programme.
This does not mean Windows 10 is pointless. It means that if your hardware allows Windows 11, there is no reason to stay on 10.
The Windows 11 requirements — this is where many computers fall short
Windows 11 requires:
- a 1 GHz processor with at least 2 cores from Microsoft's approved list;
- 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of free space;
- TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in UEFI;
- graphics with DirectX 12 support.
TPM 2.0 is the most common reason a computer fails the check. Sometimes it is present but switched off in the BIOS — it is worth checking before you give up.
The quickest check is with Microsoft's PC Health Check application — it tells you exactly which component does not meet the requirements.
What you actually gain with Windows 11
- Snap Layouts — arranging windows to a template, useful on a wide monitor.
- Better handling of multiple screens — windows remember their place.
- DirectStorage and Auto HDR — noticeable with modern games and a fast SSD.
- Stricter security requirements — TPM and Secure Boot are mandatory, which raises the bar against some types of attack.
If you mainly work with a browser and Office, the difference in day-to-day use is modest. The main argument is the support, not the features.
When Windows 10 is the right choice
- The computer does not meet the requirements and you are not planning to replace it.
- You use specific software or peripherals whose drivers are only for Windows 10.
- A second computer that is used rarely and mainly offline.
Upgrading — will I lose my files?
When you upgrade over an existing system, your files and programs are kept. Even so, make a backup — always.
Important: a Windows 10 key does not activate Windows 11, and vice versa. The edition also has to match — a Home key does not activate a Pro installation.
What to do now
Run PC Health Check. If your computer meets the requirements, get Windows 11 Pro or Windows 11 Home. If it does not — Windows 10 Pro is the right choice and will serve you for years yet.
For the difference between Home and Pro, see the product descriptions themselves or the frequently asked questions.
