Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. That date has passed. If you're still running Windows 10, you're no longer receiving security updates. That doesn't mean your computer will stop working tomorrow, but it does mean you need to think about what comes next.
This guide compares Windows 10 and Windows 11 across the things that actually matter: features, hardware requirements, pricing, and whether upgrading makes sense for your situation.
What Windows 10 end of support means
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft no longer releases security patches for Windows 10. Your computer won't shut itself off. Applications will keep running. But any new vulnerability discovered after that date will never be fixed.
For a home computer used for browsing and email, that risk is manageable in the short term. For a work computer handling sensitive data, it's a compliance problem. Most businesses need to be off Windows 10 by now.
Microsoft offered an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10, but that's a temporary measure, not a permanent solution. The clock is ticking.
Feature differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11
Windows 11 looks different from Windows 10. The taskbar is centered by default. The Start menu moved. But the real differences go deeper than cosmetics.
Snap Layouts and Snap Groups
Windows 11 introduced Snap Layouts, which let you arrange multiple windows on screen by hovering over the maximize button. You pick a layout, and windows snap into position. Snap Groups remember those arrangements in the taskbar, so you can switch between whole sets of windows at once.
Windows 10 has basic snap (drag a window to the edge of the screen), but nothing as flexible. If you work with multiple windows open, this is one of the most practical improvements in Windows 11.
Virtual desktops
Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 have virtual desktops, but Windows 11 makes them easier to use. You can set different wallpapers for each desktop, rearrange them by dragging, and access them with a three-finger swipe on a trackpad. It's the kind of feature that sounds minor until you start using it daily.
Android app support
Windows 11 originally supported Android apps through the Amazon Appstore. Microsoft removed this feature in March 2025. So this is no longer a reason to choose Windows 11 over Windows 10.
Copilot and AI features
Windows 11 includes Microsoft Copilot, an AI assistant built into the operating system. You can ask it questions, generate text, edit images, and control system settings through a chat interface. Windows 10 does not have this.
Whether Copilot is useful depends on how you work. Some people use it daily. Others turn it off. But it's only available on Windows 11.
File Explorer tabs
Windows 11 added tabs to File Explorer. You can open multiple folders in a single window, like a web browser. Windows 10 requires a separate window for each folder. Once you get used to tabs, going back feels tedious.
Phone integration
The Phone Link app works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, but Windows 11 has deeper integration. You can mirror your phone screen, access mobile apps from the taskbar, and get notifications more reliably. Android phones work best, but iPhone support has improved.
Gaming improvements
Windows 11 supports Auto HDR, which automatically adds high dynamic range to older games. DirectStorage lets games load assets directly from your NVMe SSD to your GPU, reducing load times. Both features require specific hardware, and not all games take advantage of them yet.
For most gamers, the difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11 is small. Games run fine on both. The performance gap is usually within a few frames per second.
System requirements comparison
This is where Windows 11 gets controversial. Microsoft set strict hardware requirements that cut off millions of working computers.
TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot
Windows 11 requires a TPM 2.0 chip and Secure Boot enabled in your BIOS. TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is a security chip that stores encryption keys and verifies your system hasn't been tampered with.
Most computers made after 2016 have a TPM chip, but it might be disabled by default. You can check in Windows by searching for 'Security processor settings' or by running 'tpm.msc' from the Run dialog.
Processor requirements
Windows 11 officially supports 8th-gen Intel processors (2017) and AMD Ryzen 2000 series (2017) or newer. Windows 10 supports much older hardware, going back to some processors from 2009.
Microsoft has tools to check compatibility. Download the PC Health Check app from Microsoft's website, and it will tell you whether your hardware qualifies.
RAM and storage
Windows 11 requires 4 GB of RAM minimum (8 GB recommended) and 64 GB of storage. Windows 10 requires 1 GB for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit, with 16 GB of storage. In practice, both run better with at least 8 GB of RAM and an SSD.
Quick comparison
Windows 10: runs on older hardware, lower RAM and storage needs, no TPM requirement. Windows 11: needs newer CPU, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, more RAM, more storage. If your computer is from 2017 or earlier, there's a good chance it won't officially support Windows 11.
Pricing: Windows 10 vs Windows 11
Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 are available as one-time purchases with lifetime licenses. Here's what you can expect to pay:
Windows 10 Home (1 PC): around $57. Windows 10 Pro (1 PC): around $78. Windows 11 Home (1 PC): around $55. Windows 11 Pro (1 PC): around $50. Windows 11 Pro (5 PCs): around $130.
Notice that Windows 11 Pro is often cheaper than Windows 10 Pro. That's because Microsoft wants people on the newer version. If you're buying a Pro key today, Windows 11 Pro is the better deal.
All keys are delivered digitally within 24 hours and activate online. You get a download link and a product key. No physical media involved.
Can you upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11?
If your hardware meets Windows 11 requirements, the upgrade is free through Windows Update. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates. If your PC qualifies, you'll see an option to upgrade.
The upgrade keeps your files, settings, and installed applications. You don't need to reinstall anything. It takes about 30 to 60 minutes depending on your hardware.
If your hardware doesn't meet the requirements, you can't upgrade through Windows Update. Some people use workarounds to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, but Microsoft doesn't guarantee updates for those installations.
Who should stick with Windows 10?
There are a few situations where staying on Windows 10 still makes sense:
Your hardware doesn't support Windows 11. If your computer fails the compatibility check, buying a new operating system won't fix the underlying hardware limitation. Keep using Windows 10, plan your next computer purchase, and migrate when you're ready.
You run software that only works on Windows 10. Some legacy applications, particularly in industrial or specialized environments, have compatibility issues with Windows 11. Check with your software vendors before upgrading.
You're comfortable with the security risk. For a computer that stays offline or handles non-sensitive tasks, Windows 10 without updates is a calculated risk, not a disaster. Just know what you're accepting.
Who should upgrade to Windows 11?
Most people, honestly. Here's why:
Your hardware supports it. If the PC Health Check app says you're good, upgrading is free and takes less than an hour. There's no reason not to.
You need ongoing security updates. Windows 11 receives regular patches. Windows 10 doesn't. For any computer connected to the internet, this matters.
You want the productivity features. Snap Layouts, virtual desktops, and File Explorer tabs are genuinely useful. They save time once you build them into your workflow.
Buying a new Windows license
If you're buying a fresh license rather than upgrading, you'll need to choose between Home and Pro. The main differences are in security and management features. BitLocker encryption, Remote Desktop hosting, and Hyper-V virtualization are only in Pro. For most home users, Home is enough.
All licenses we sell are lifetime keys. You buy once, activate once, and use it forever on that computer. The key ties to your hardware. If you replace your motherboard, you may need a new key.
If you need multiple licenses for a team or family, multi-PC packs bring the per-device cost down significantly. A 5-pack of Windows 11 Pro keys costs less than buying three individual ones.
How to activate Windows
Once you have your product key, activation takes a few minutes. Open Settings, go to System > Activation, and enter your key. Windows verifies it online and activates your copy. No phone call, no waiting period.
If you run into errors, the most common causes are entering the wrong edition key (a Windows 10 Home key won't activate Windows 11 Pro), reaching the activation limit, or having an unstable internet connection during activation.
Frequently asked questions
Is Windows 11 faster than Windows 10?
Not noticeably. Both operating systems perform similarly on the same hardware. Windows 11 has some under-the-hood optimizations, but you won't feel a speed difference in daily use. The real performance gains come from newer hardware, not the operating system.
Can I run Windows 11 on my old PC?
Download the PC Health Check app from Microsoft. It takes 10 seconds to scan your hardware and tell you whether you qualify. If you don't, your options are staying on Windows 10 or buying a newer computer.
Will Windows 10 keep working after support ends?
Yes. Your computer won't stop working. Applications will continue to run. The difference is that new security vulnerabilities won't be patched. For a computer used offline or for non-sensitive tasks, that's manageable. For a computer used for banking, work, or handling personal data, it's a risk.
Is Windows 11 free to upgrade from Windows 10?
Yes, if your hardware meets the requirements. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates. The upgrade downloads and installs without deleting your files or programs.
Should I buy Windows 10 or Windows 11?
Buy Windows 11 unless your hardware can't run it. Windows 10 is end-of-life, Windows 11 is actively maintained, and Windows 11 Pro currently costs less than Windows 10 Pro. The only reason to buy Windows 10 today is if you need to run it on older hardware that doesn't support Windows 11.