Windows 10 or Windows 11 in 2026: should you upgrade?

Windows 10 no longer gets regular security updates, so for most people the answer is to upgrade if the PC allows it.

What end of support means

Windows 10 keeps working, but regular updates stopped on 14 October 2025. The paid consumer update extension ran for one more year.

Main differences

• Windows 11 gets all new features and security updates.
• It needs TPM 2.0, Secure Boot and a supported processor.
• The interface is different but easy to learn.

How to check your PC

Open the PC Health Check app from Microsoft, or see how to enable TPM and Secure Boot.

What happens to your licence

A valid Windows 10 licence normally carries over to the same edition of Windows 11. See will a Windows 10 key work on Windows 11.

When Windows 10 still makes sense

Old hardware or software tied to Windows 10, ideally kept off risky tasks.