Ah, the good old question—every time Microsoft drops a new version of Windows, we get asked “Should I upgrade?” And here we are again with Windows 11. It’s been around for a few years now, and at Manchester PC, we’ve installed it on plenty of laptops and desktops. We’ve seen it in action, we’ve dealt with the quirks, and we’ve heard from customers who love it, hate it, and everything in between.
So, should you upgrade?
Windows 11: What’s the Deal?
Windows 11 comes with some minimum system requirements, and officially, Microsoft insists your device must meet them to install the OS. Yes, there are workarounds, but we don’t recommend forcing the install on unsupported hardware. If Microsoft says your PC isn’t compatible, there’s a reason—they know their system better than we do, and ignoring their guidelines could lead to stability issues, crashes, and lack of security updates.
Here are the minimum system requirements for Windows 11:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster with at least 2 cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC)
- RAM: 4 GB or more
- Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
- Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver
- Display: 720p, greater than 9” diagonally
If your PC meets these specs, then great! But if not, you’ll likely need an upgrade—especially since Windows 10’s support is ending in October 2025.
What Does ‘End of Support’ Mean?
If you’re still running Windows 10, you might think:
“So what if Microsoft stops supporting it? I don’t need their help anyway.”
Here’s why that mindset can be dangerous:
- No More Security Updates – Hackers love an outdated OS because security holes stop getting patched.
- Incompatibility Issues – As software and hardware evolve, you’ll start running into problems with new apps, drivers, and peripherals.
- Online Threats Multiply – A system without updates is a prime target for malware and data breaches.
Think of it like owning a car but never servicing it—you might get away with it for a while, but when something goes wrong, it’s going to hurt.
Windows 11 vs Windows 10: What’s Different?
Let’s be honest—Windows 11 isn’t drastically different from Windows 10, but there are some changes:
- The taskbar is centered (though you can move it back to the left if you prefer)
- The start menu is redesigned (some love it, some hate it)
- Snap layouts make multitasking easier
- Virtual desktops got a big upgrade
- Better performance on newer hardware (but can be slower on older machines)
From our experience, Windows 11 runs smoothly on compatible hardware. However, we did notice it consumes more RAM—so if you’re on 8GB or less, you might feel the slowdown, especially with multiple browser tabs open.
What About Your Windows 10 Product Key?
Initially, Microsoft offered free upgrades from Windows 10 to 11, but that officially ended. However, we’ve found that some Windows 10 keys still work when installing Windows 11. That said, it’s not guaranteed.
We had a case where a customer’s Windows 10 key activated Windows 11, but after logging into a different Microsoft account, Windows deactivated itself. In the end, he had to buy a new key.
So, if you’re upgrading, just be prepared—you might need to purchase a new license. As of today, we sell Windows 11 Home for £119.
Can Your Laptop or PC Handle Windows 11?
For desktop PCs, upgrading is usually straightforward—if your CPU isn’t compatible, you can replace it. If you’re missing TPM 2.0, some motherboards let you add a TPM module. But for laptops, you’re out of luck if your hardware doesn’t meet the requirements.
If your laptop doesn’t have TPM 2.0 or an eligible CPU, your only option is to stick with Windows 10 or buy a new laptop.
The Risks of Forcing Windows 11 on Unsupported Hardware
Yes, there are hacks to bypass the compatibility checks, but doing so comes with risks:
- Windows Updates May Stop Working – Microsoft can block updates at any time.
- Unstable Performance – Crashes, freezes, or slow performance aren’t uncommon.
- Security Risks – If your hardware doesn’t meet Microsoft’s security standards, you might be more vulnerable to cyber threats.
Bottom line? If your hardware isn’t supported, don’t force it. It’s not worth the potential headaches down the road.
Final Thoughts: Should You Upgrade?
If your PC meets the requirements, yes—it’s worth upgrading to Windows 11. If not, stick with Windows 10 for now but start planning for an upgrade before support ends in 2025.
At Manchester PC, we’re happy to help you check compatibility, upgrade your system, or even build you a new PC if needed. Whatever you decide, make sure you’re secure, stable, and ready for the future.
Need help upgrading? Get in touch—we’re here to make it as smooth as possible.
Thanks for reading!
