Knowing when or if to upgrade can be difficult. New technology brings new features, fixes old bugs, and other benefits, but upgrades can also create problems, especially if your hardware is more than a few years old. So, we answer the question about upgrading to Windows 11 with, “it depends.
Look at your hardware. We've installed Windows 11 on computers with M.2 Solid-State Drives (SSDs), at least 16 gigabytes of Random-Access Memory (RAM), and multi-core 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) Central Processing Unit (CPUs). If that description sounds like your computers, consider upgrading to Windows 11.
If your hardware doesn't have an M.2 SSD, at least 16GB of RAM, and a CPU running at 2.4 GHz or faster, and you are currently running Windows 10, we recommend waiting on Windows 11 until you upgrade the hardware. For anything older than Windows 10, we recommend upgrading your hardware immediately! The risks of running old hardware with operating systems older than Windows 10 are significant.
Windows 11 is pushing out now, and it’s possible to receive the update without realizing it. In addition, accidentally installing Windows 11 on an old computer could create problems. So why should you consider upgrading hardware to upgrade to Windows 11? Win11 benefits include:
There are cool security features in Win11 Pro that IT groups or Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can use to safeguard employee laptops. You get a very secure device when you combine Win11 + a Microsoft O365's E3 License (for email accounts and Microsoft Apps). People who handle sensitive data such as healthcare, banking, and government should upgrade to Win11.
Enhanced phishing protection is one of Windows 11's new features. Phishing is when thieves masquerade as a trusted brand to trick victims into sharing login, credit card, and other personal information.
Win11 File Explorer gets tabs, suggestions, and a new sidebar. Microsoft is working on a new sidebar called “Home” for an update named Sun Valley 2.
Windows 11 comes with a widgets board where you can read personalized news, get weather updates, and interact with web-based Apps such as the Microsoft Store. Full-screen widgets make computers running Windows 11 similar to Apple’s Mac operating environment. Full-screen widgets are also great if you use multiple monitors.