Windows 11 vs Windows 10 comes down to support and security: Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025, while Windows 11 still receives monthly security updates and new features. Windows 11 needs newer hardware, including TPM 2.0, but in return adds stronger default protections, a redesigned interface and gaming improvements. For most people with a compatible PC, switching is the sensible move.
| Feature | Windows 10 | Windows 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Support status | Ended 14 Oct 2025; security fixes only via Extended Security Updates (ESU) | Supported; current version 26H2 receives updates until 10 Oct 2028 (Home/Pro) |
| Hardware requirements | Runs on older PCs; TPM not required | TPM 2.0, UEFI with Secure Boot, compatible 64-bit CPU, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage |
| Interface | Left-aligned Start menu with Live Tiles | Centred taskbar, simplified Start, Snap Layouts, rounded design |
| Security | VBS and memory integrity optional; Smart App Control not available | Hardware security baseline, VBS on many devices, Smart App Control on clean installs |
| Gaming | DirectStorage supported on legacy storage stack | DirectStorage with optimised storage stack, Auto HDR |
| Android apps | Not available | Windows Subsystem for Android removed from the Store on 5 Mar 2025 |
| Setup | Local account possible on all editions | Home requires internet and a Microsoft account at first setup |
| Performance | Mature, light on older hardware | Similar on modern hardware; better scheduling on hybrid CPUs |
Is Windows 10 still supported in 2026?
No. Windows 10 reached end of support on 14 October 2025, so it no longer receives regular security updates, feature updates or standard technical help. The only route to continued security fixes is the Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme, which Microsoft says runs until 12 October 2027 for consumers on version 22H2.
Microsoft's Windows 10 ESU page lists the enrolment options, including a no-cost route by backing up your PC settings, redeeming Microsoft Rewards points, or a one-off purchase. Enrolment needs Windows 10 version 22H2 and an administrator Microsoft account.
Cause and effect: ESU delivers security patches only. Apps and browsers steadily drop Windows 10 support over time, and new drivers increasingly target Windows 11 first, so ESU buys time rather than a long-term home. Our Windows 10 end of support guide covers every option in detail.
Can my PC run Windows 11?
Your PC can run Windows 11 if it has a compatible 64-bit processor with at least two cores at 1 GHz, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, TPM 2.0 and a DirectX 12 graphics card. The supported processor list is the most common blocker.
The quickest check is the PC Health Check app, or Settings > Windows Update on Windows 10, which shows whether an upgrade is offered. Microsoft's Windows 11 requirements page lists the full specification.
What we commonly see: a PC fails the check only because TPM or Secure Boot is switched off in the firmware settings, not because the hardware lacks it. Our TPM 2.0 and system requirements guide shows how to switch both on.
What are the main differences between Windows 11 and Windows 10?
The biggest differences are support status, hardware-based security, the redesigned interface and gaming features. Windows 11 centres the taskbar, adds Snap Layouts for arranging windows, and builds on TPM 2.0 for protections like Windows Hello and BitLocker. Under the bonnet both share a similar core, so most Windows 10 apps run unchanged on Windows 11.
Day-to-day changes you will notice:
- Start and taskbar: a simpler, centred layout without Live Tiles. You can move it back to the left under Settings > Personalisation > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviours.
- Window management: hover over the maximise button to see Snap Layouts, and use Snap Groups to restore sets of windows together.
- Settings app: more options have moved from Control Panel into Settings, including power button controls from version 24H2.
- File Explorer: tabs, a redesigned command bar and a cleaner context menu.
Advanced nuance: the right-click menu in File Explorer hides some older entries behind Show more options. Pressing Shift + F10 opens the full classic menu directly, which saves a click for power users.
Is Windows 11 more secure than Windows 10?
Yes. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, which let it switch on hardware-backed protections by default on more devices. Features such as virtualisation-based security (VBS), memory integrity and Smart App Control are either more widely enabled or exclusive to Windows 11, and Windows 11 continues to receive security updates that Windows 10 no longer gets.
Key security entities worth knowing:
- TPM 2.0: a security chip that stores encryption keys and supports Windows Hello and BitLocker.
- VBS and memory integrity: isolate critical parts of Windows from the rest of the system. Check under Windows Security > Device security > Core isolation details.
- Smart App Control: blocks untrusted or unsigned apps. Microsoft notes it is only available on clean installs of Windows 11, as explained on its Smart App Control page.
- BitLocker: full drive encryption management is part of Windows 11 Pro; Home offers device encryption on supported hardware.
If you are selling or recycling your Windows 10 PC after the switch, our guide to wiping a hard drive securely explains how to remove your data properly.
Is Windows 11 better for gaming?
Windows 11 is the better gaming platform for modern PCs. It supports DirectStorage with an optimised storage stack, which Microsoft says unlocks the technology's full potential on NVMe SSDs, and adds Auto HDR, which can apply HDR to many DirectX 11 and 12 games on an HDR display. Frame rates on the same hardware are broadly similar between the two.
Microsoft's DirectStorage announcement confirms Windows 10 version 1909 and later can run DirectStorage games, but with the older storage stack. Windows 11 gains the further storage optimisations.
Cause and effect: security features such as memory integrity can cost a little performance on older gaming PCs. If a game stutters after upgrading, update your graphics driver first before considering any security changes.
What happened to Android apps on Windows 11?
Android apps are no longer available through Windows 11's official route. Microsoft removed the Windows Subsystem for Android and the Amazon Appstore from the Microsoft Store on 5 March 2025, so new installs are not possible. This feature was never part of Windows 10, so it no longer counts as a reason to choose Windows 11.
For phone integration, the Phone Link app connects Android phones and iPhones to Windows for messages, calls and notifications on both versions.
Should you switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11?
Yes, if your PC meets the requirements. Windows 11 is the supported, actively updated version, offers stronger default security and keeps your apps and files during an in-place upgrade. Staying on Windows 10 only makes sense short term, with ESU enrolment, while you plan a hardware replacement for a PC that cannot run Windows 11.
Your path depends on your situation:
- Compatible PC with an activated Windows 10: upgrade through Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update; an eligible genuine licence normally carries over.
- New build or clean install: you will need a licence. A genuine Windows 11 Home key suits most homes, while Pro adds BitLocker, Group Policy, Hyper-V and Remote Desktop hosting.
- Incompatible PC: enrol in ESU to stay protected until 12 October 2027, then replace the hardware.
Once upgraded, our guide to checking your Windows 11 version and updating to 26H2 makes sure you are on the latest supported release.
Frequently asked questions
Is upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 still free?
If your PC runs a genuine, activated Windows 10 and meets Windows 11's hardware requirements, Windows Update normally offers the upgrade without a new licence. A new PC build, a clean install on a machine without a valid licence, or a change of edition does need a genuine Windows 11 key.
Will I lose my files if I upgrade to Windows 11?
An in-place upgrade through Windows Update keeps your files, apps and most settings. Problems are uncommon, but a backup to an external drive or cloud storage is still essential before any major upgrade. If something goes wrong, Windows 11 offers a short window to roll back under Settings > System > Recovery.
Is Windows 11 slower than Windows 10?
On hardware that meets the requirements, everyday performance is broadly similar, and Windows 11 schedules work better on modern processors with performance and efficiency cores. Older PCs near the minimum specification may feel slower, mostly due to limited RAM or a hard disk rather than Windows 11 itself.
Can I still buy and use Windows 10?
You can still install and activate Windows 10 with a genuine licence, and it continues to work. However, it no longer receives regular security updates, so it is best kept for specific needs, such as legacy software, with ESU enrolment. For new installs, Windows 11 is the recommended choice.
Can I go back to Windows 10 after upgrading?
Yes, for a limited time. Windows 11 keeps your previous installation for a short period after upgrading, and you can roll back under Settings > System > Recovery > Go back. After that window closes, returning to Windows 10 requires a clean install from installation media.
Related guides
- Windows 10 end of support: what to do now
- Windows 11 system requirements and TPM 2.0
- Windows 11 Pro vs Home
- Check your Windows 11 version and update to 26H2
Links in this guide
| Link | Type | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 end of support guide | Internal | Every option after Windows 10 support ended |
| System requirements and TPM 2.0 | Internal | Fix a failed compatibility check |
| Wipe a hard drive | Internal | Securely clear an old PC before selling |
| Version check and update | Internal | Move to the latest supported release |
| Windows 11 Pro | Internal | Edition with BitLocker, Group Policy and Hyper-V |
| Windows 11 Home key | Internal | Licence for new builds and clean installs |
| Windows 10 ESU | External | Official ESU dates and enrolment options |
| Windows 11 requirements | External | Microsoft's full hardware specification |
| Smart App Control | External | How the app-blocking feature works |
| DirectStorage announcement | External | DirectStorage on Windows 10 vs 11 |