Windows 11 vs Windows 10: Should You Upgrade in 2026?

For most people, yes. Windows 10 reached the end of support on October 14, 2025, which means it no longer receives security updates unless you enroll in Microsoft's Extended Security Updates program, and even that ends on October 12, 2027. If your PC meets Windows 11's requirements, Microsoft offers the upgrade for free through Windows Update. If it doesn't, you have until October 2027 to plan your next move.

Here's how the two versions compare, what staying on Windows 10 really means, and how to decide.

The quick answer

• Windows 10 support has ended. Without Extended Security Updates, a Windows 10 PC no longer gets security fixes.
• Extended Security Updates run through October 12, 2027 for enrolled home PCs, covering critical and important security updates only.
• The upgrade is free through Windows Update if your PC meets the Windows 11 minimum requirements.
• Windows 11 adds features Windows 10 lacks, such as Smart App Control and full restore from Windows Backup on a new PC.
• If your PC can't upgrade, enroll in Extended Security Updates and plan a move to a Windows 11 PC before October 2027.

Windows 11 vs Windows 10 at a glance

What end of support means for Windows 10

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. A Windows 10 PC still works after that date, but without Extended Security Updates it no longer receives security updates or fixes, and Microsoft no longer provides feature updates or technical support. Microsoft's guidance on unsupported versions of Windows is that, without security updates, a PC is at greater risk from viruses and malware.

Extended Security Updates give home users more time. Enrolled PCs receive critical and important security updates through October 12, 2027. You enroll from Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update; it's free if you sync your PC settings with Windows Backup, or costs 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or a one-time $30, and one license covers up to 10 devices. The program covers security only, with no new features.

What Windows 11 adds

Microsoft's own comparison of Windows 11 Home and Windows 10 Home highlights several differences. Two stand out for everyday users:

• Smart App Control, available on Windows 11 but not Windows 10, adds a layer of security by only allowing apps with good reputations to be installed.
• Windows Backup on Windows 11 can restore your files, settings and apps on a new Windows 11 PC, while on Windows 10 it offers backup only.

Windows 11 also continues to receive feature updates, which Windows 10 no longer does.

Reasons to upgrade now

• Ongoing security updates without depending on a program that ends in October 2027.
• It's free if your PC is eligible.
• New features and improvements keep arriving, while Windows 10 is frozen.

Reasons people wait

• Their PC doesn't meet the requirements, most often because of an older processor, TPM 2.0 being switched off, or Secure Boot not being enabled.
• They want time to plan a new PC purchase, which Extended Security Updates provide until October 12, 2027.

How to upgrade to Windows 11

1. Check your PC is eligible. On Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates. Microsoft says eligible PCs should see an option to upgrade for free. You can also run Microsoft's PC Health Check app.
2. Make sure you're on Windows 10 version 2004 or later, which Microsoft requires for the upgrade.
3. Back up your important files before any major upgrade.
4. Free up space if your drive is nearly full. Windows 11 requires at least 64 GB of storage.
5. Select the upgrade option in Windows Update and follow the prompts.

Keep your PC fast on either version

Whichever version you run, performance depends on how well the PC is maintained. System Mechanic® from iolo runs on Windows 11, 10 and 8. Smart ActiveCare® uses AI to detect and repair more than 30,000 different issues while your PC is idle, LiveBoost increases the speed and availability of CPU, RAM and drive resources, and System Mechanic removes more than 50 types of hidden junk files and finds unwanted startup programs. It also patches Windows security vulnerabilities, and the Pro and Ultimate Defense editions add real-time antivirus. One subscription covers up to 10 devices, meaning the personal computers in your home, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Frequently asked questions

Should I upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11?

If your PC is eligible, yes. Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, and Extended Security Updates only run until October 12, 2027. Windows 11 continues to receive security and feature updates, and the upgrade is free for eligible PCs through Windows Update.

Is Windows 10 still safe to use in 2026?

Only with Extended Security Updates. Enrolled PCs receive critical and important security updates through October 12, 2027. Without them, Microsoft's guidance is that a PC without security updates is at greater risk from viruses and malware.

Is upgrading to Windows 11 free?

Yes, if your PC meets the minimum requirements and runs Windows 10 version 2004 or later. Microsoft offers the upgrade through Windows Update.

What does Windows 11 have that Windows 10 doesn't?

Microsoft's comparison highlights features such as Smart App Control, which only allows apps with good reputations to be installed, and Windows Backup restore on a new PC. Windows 11 also keeps receiving feature updates, which Windows 10 no longer does.

What if my PC can't run Windows 11?

Enroll in Extended Security Updates to keep receiving security fixes through October 12, 2027, and plan a move to a new Windows 11 PC before then.

Will Windows 11 run on my old PC?

It depends on the hardware. Windows 11 needs a compatible 64-bit processor, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, UEFI with Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. Check with Windows Update or Microsoft's PC Health Check app.