Windows 11 or Windows 10: Is It Worth Switching and What Will Change for You

Many people still run Windows 10 and are in no hurry to move to Windows 11: "everything works, why change?" It's an understandable position, but by 2026 it has serious drawbacks: mainstream Windows 10 support with free security updates for ordinary users ended in October 2025. Let's look at how the two systems differ in practice, what switching gives you, and when it really is worth hurrying.

What the end of Windows 10 support means

A Windows 10 computer won't stop switching on and working. But without security updates, new vulnerabilities in the system stay open, and attackers actively look for exactly these unpatched holes. Over time the makers of browsers, antivirus software and applications also drop support for the outdated system. A paid or conditional extended security updates programme is available for some users and organisations, but it's a temporary measure.

If the computer is used for online banking, work email, accounting or storing client data, running a system without updates is an unjustified risk.

How Windows 11 differs in practice

The interface

The most visible change is the centred Start menu and taskbar, rounded window corners and redesigned settings. The taskbar can be aligned left, as you're used to. The new File Explorer context menu takes getting used to — some commands are tucked under "Show more options". Most users adjust within a week or two.

Working with windows

Handy snap layouts, virtual desktops and tabs in File Explorer make it easier to work with several programs, especially on large monitors.

Security

Windows 11 is designed from the ground up for TPM 2.0, Secure Boot and virtualisation-based security. Many protections against malware, phishing and credential theft are on by default. That's why its hardware requirements are stricter.

Gaming

Windows 11 supports technologies that speed up game loading from NVMe drives and improve the picture on HDR monitors. Performance in most games is comparable with Windows 10, and new games and drivers are optimised for Windows 11 first.

Software compatibility

The vast majority of Windows 10 programs work on Windows 11. Problems can arise with old specialised software, drivers for older printers and scanners, banking clients and electronic-signature software. Before switching a work computer, check that the programs and equipment you need are supported.

Hardware requirements

Windows 11 needs a processor from the compatibility list, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, 4 GB of memory and 64 GB of storage. In practice 8–16 GB of memory and an SSD are better for comfortable use. Many computers "fail" the check only because the TPM or Secure Boot is switched off in the BIOS — that's fixed in the settings.

Who should switch now

• Anyone whose computer meets the requirements — the upgrade is free and usually goes smoothly.
• People who deal with banks, client data or accounting.
• Gamers and anyone buying new hardware.

Who should wait or prepare first

• If a work program or device you need doesn't officially support Windows 11.
• If the computer doesn't meet the requirements — deal with an upgrade or replacement first.
• If the computer is unstable — a new system won't fix hardware problems.

Upgrade or clean install

An in-place upgrade keeps your programs, files and settings and suits a Windows 10 system that ran stably. A clean install followed by a data transfer is better if the system is slow, cluttered with programs or full of errors. Either way, back up important data before switching. Note too that for about ten days after upgrading you can roll back to Windows 10.

What our technician does

1. Checks the compatibility of the computer, software and peripherals with Windows 11.
2. Enables the TPM and Secure Boot and updates the BIOS if needed.
3. Backs up your data and carries out the upgrade or a clean install.
4. Installs drivers and programs and sets up the interface the way you're used to.
5. Checks that banking clients, printers and work software run correctly.

A real example

A notary's office in Vake held out on Windows 10, worried that its registry and electronic-signature software wouldn't work. Before switching we checked compatibility: the program and the token driver officially supported Windows 11, but an old document scanner didn't. We found a compatible driver for the scanner from a universal-driver vendor, made backups, upgraded four computers and set the taskbar to the left, as the staff were used to. The next day the office was working as normal — but on a protected system.

A useful rule of thumb from our visits: if a computer was bought in 2019 or later, it can usually run Windows 11 officially, sometimes after a couple of BIOS settings are changed. If it's older, the question is less about the system and more about whether the hardware is worth investing in at all. In that case we'll give you an honest estimate of an upgrade versus a new machine, so you can decide calmly rather than under the pressure of a warning message.

Call a technician

If you'd like to move to Windows 11 without risking your data or work software, we'll come to any district of Tbilisi around the clock. Learn more on our Windows installation, driver installation and computer setup pages.