This article is addressing Windows 10 users whose systems meet Windows 11’s stringent requirements.
With the exception of Windows 7, I cannot remember any release of a new Windows version that wasn’t met with immediate and widespread condemnation. In the case of Windows 10, the majority of complaints were aimed at telemetry (data collection). Conspiracy theorists jumped on board the Microsoft-bashing bandwagon in droves with claims of spyware and all sorts of evil goings on.
The truth of the matter is that telemetry has long been included in Windows operating systems but with Windows 10 it became much more transparent/obvious. Admittedly, the scope of data collection was increased/widened in Windows 10 as Microsoft persisted with its attempt at matching rival mobile platforms – bearing in mind that Windows 10 is installed on mobile devices, laptops, Surface models, and desktop PCs.
Add to that the fact that, for desktop PCs, the amount/scope of telemetry can easily be minimized via the operating system’s own settings and, once again, you have a mountain out of a molehill. What amused me at the time of the outcry against Windows 10’s telemetry was that it was nothing more than Apple and Google had been getting away with for years.
Anyway, all that appears to be a distant memory now as Windows 10 dominates the desktop market share (including laptops) with the majority of users now so enamored with Windows 10 that they are reluctant to upgrade to Windows 11. The fickle public.
Is Windows 11 Really That Bad?
Similarly, Windows 11 was greeted with a mass of criticism, much of which was deserved. However, the vast majority of complaints were over quite minor Use Interface (UI) issues rather than anything substantial or of particular importance. I’ve been running Windows 11 Pro since its initial release and, in my experience, it is a fast, responsive, and thoroughly reliable operating system. Bear in mind too that today’s Windows 11 is vastly superior to that initial release.
Sure, there are things about Windows 11 I do not like, the Start Menu being a prime example – arguably the worst Start Menu ever. However, with desktop shortcuts and shortcuts pinned to the Taskbar providing access to all my most often used programs and folders, I seldom need to open the Start menu anyway. Where there is a will there is a way.
You cannot please all of the people all of the time. So true, and certainly true as far as operating systems are concerned. Imagine trying to produce an operating system that would be happily received by all the millions (if not billions) of Windows users globally. Mission impossible!
Should You Upgrade To Windows 11 Now?
Obviously, that’s a personal decision. However, bearing in mind that an eventual upgrade to Windows 11 is inevitable, I pose the question… why wait? Windows 10 reaches end-of-support in October 2025, a mere 16 months away, at which time users must choose to:
- Upgrade to Windows 11
- Install Linux
- Continue running an out-of-date insecure Windows 10
I’m pretty sure you’d agree that option number one would be far more palatable than option two or three. So why now? My answer to that is… why not now? Considering that, for anyone who wishes to continue running a supported Windows operating system, the upgrade to Windows 11 is inevitable, why not upgrade now, familiarize yourself with the new operating system, and by the time everyone else is forced to upgrade, you’ll have Windows 11 set up exactly how you like it.
BOTTOM LINE:
Sure, Microsoft made a number of pretty weird decisions regarding some of Windows 11’s UI elements but at its core, Windows 11 is a rock-solid operating system that is equally as capable as Windows 10, perhaps even more so.
Are you still hanging on to Windows 10? If so, why? Let us know via the comments.
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I think most of us are just sick and tired of Microsoft dictating as to which hardware one must have just to run their “prized” OS in the name of security just so they can get kickbacks from these hardware makers when most older hardware can run the OS without any problems whatsoever. You don’t need the most modern hardware to have a secure OS .
Your OS is only as secure as the person sitting behind the keyboard.
And now that Microsoft knows that most Windows 11 installs are installed on unsupported hardware, with the release of 24H2 if your cpu does not support SSE4.2 at a minimum if you install 24H2 your system it will not even boot.
The problem is not the OS itself but the tactics Microsoft is now using to do nothing more but needlessly fill junkyards with perfectly good pc’s in the name of the almighty dollar and that is all it really boils down to, it has nothing to do with security , because Windows 11 just as every other Microsoft OS before it will be riddled with holes …. regardless of the hardware used.
Hey Ed,
I agree 100%.
TPM, for example, is a joke. TPM might be somewhat useful in a corporate environment, where multiple networked PCs are operated by multiple users, but for the average home user… no way.
https://davescomputertips.com/the-sinister-truth-about-tpm/
Unless Microsoft does a complete 360 next year there will be no Windows 11 for me although my system can run it slick as snot unsupported, I am not going to be told what I “HAVE TO HAVE” when I don’t really need it.
I have a fifteen year old laptop that is running me most recent version of Zorin and it runs it very well, that is the difference between Linux and Microsoft, when a Linux system is designed and / or updated , those with older hardware are kept in mind.
Microsoft can just go get bent.
Jim. I try to be informed and find it disturbing to read the following article from a trusted source, AdGuard.
“Crossing the line? Microsoft pushes ads into system interface
In the latest Windows 11 update, Microsoft has subtly integrated ads into the Start menu. Third-party apps featuring the “Promoted” tag now appear alongside other apps in the Recommended section. While some users may not have noticed this change, it has the potential to litter the Start menu with unnecessary and unwelcome distractions, and at some point they may not be limited to only 3d-party apps.
Beyond the Start menu, Microsoft’s aggressive advertising tactics have extended to other facets of the Windows 11 experience. The recent introduction of an ad slot on the Settings home page promoting its Game Pass subscription service underscores this trend. This brazen push for ads, even within core system settings, reflects a troubling pattern of Microsoft putting profit ahead of users.”
Hope Microsoft will keep a paid subscription for a three year period once 10 expires next year. I tend to hold onto operating systems till the last second, Mindblower!
Hey MB,
I’m running a Windows 11 insider preview build so am receiving the latest updates as soon as they are available. There is an option to disable the “Recommended” section of the Start Menu, which I have done, and I see no ads at all. I just checked the Settings home page too and there are no ads.
I’ve been reading similar reports about these supposed ads but, in my Windows 11, I have never seen an ad. It might perhaps be a location thing whereby MS is initially introducing ads in certain countries only.
“Microsoft putting profit ahead of users”
Is a really stupid statement to make. Microsoft is a public company and, as such, has a duty to its shareholders to maintain reasonable profits.
The two PC’s I have that still run Windows 10 cannot run 11. However, they already dual-boot to Ubuntu, and all common software I use either is available in Linux version (e.g., LibreOffice, Thunderbird, Firefox, Brave) or work quite well in wine on Ubuntu (e.g., PDF-XChange Editor, IrfanView, 7-Zip). When Windows 10 loses security updates, they’ll be full-time Linux machines.
Hey Adelaide,
Sounds like you have a plan, and a fine plan it is too. Thanks for sharing, appreciated.
can all windows 10 get windows. 11
Hey Peter,
No. Only those PCs that meet Windows 11’s requirements can upgrade. The PC must include an 8th generation or later CPU (7th generation and earlier do not qualify) and must support TPM and secure boot.
To check out the full requirements visit: https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/windows-11-specifications?r=1
Any PC currently running Windows 10 that meets those requirements can be upgraded to Windows 11 for free.
Adelaide, did you steal my PC?! The software you listed,, except for Libre, are exactly the ones I am using.
I like your plan.
I would be fine with upgrading to Windows 11, but Microsoft has made it impossible because I cannot meet the requirements of the OS to upgrade. If they would design a way to satisfy those requirements without making me buy a new computer, I would be happy to, alas, that is not likely!
Hey Terry,
Yes, yours is an all too common story. Many machines that are perfectly capable of running Windows 11 are unable to do so simply because of MS’s ridiculous requirements. One of my machines is in the same boat.
Your article is targeting those who can but won’t. I’m one of those who can’t but would.
My father could and he did, so I had to learn quickly, as I’m his usual backup technician when he’s struggling with issues.
Hey Tony,
Great comment, love it.
I agree with all of the comments above. Apparently (I am going to try it shortly) you can use options in Rufus with the Windows ISO to install Windows 11 and disregard TPM and the minimum memory requirements and also to turn off Bitlocker which is to be installed as ,”enabled” by default after 24H2. We haven’t even started talking about Microsoft’s latest gem to screenshot your screen every minute or so !
I have never seen so many people talking about moving to Linux. Perhaps time for Dave’s Computer Tips to be running beginners’ guides to Linux !
Cheers
Reg
Hey Reg,
Bitlocker is only enabled by default on clean/fresh installs. When a user upgrades from any earlier Windows version, Bitlocker is not enabled.
We have covered Linux for beginners mate, we published an article in three parts late last year written by yours truly. Here’s a link to Part 1 which includes links to the other 2 parts: https://davescomputertips.com/getting-started-with-linux-part-1/
The series covers choosing a distro, installing a distro, and finally, a brief tour around a distro.
Cheers now… Jim
I am not going to purchase a new pc because my PC is non compliant. I think Microsoft is using this a a technique to gain more revenue concerning the fees they earn that OEMs must pay them when WIN 11 is sold. I have tried Chrome OSFLEX and it is going to be my system on 10/25/2025. To hell with Microsoft.
me, an ancient guy (72) and my ancient dinosaur machine, myself, usually pretty s-l-o-w at learning these new things, and I, will have PLENTY of time to ‘switch’ over to Linux (appreciate the ‘link’) by WIN 10 ‘doomsday’, eh? lol 🙂
Hey Chris,
Welcome to the club mate (I’m 78). Linux would be a great option for you. Most of the popular distros (operating systems) are quite similar to Windows and easy to work with – Linux Mint (Cinnamon) is my favorite.
Thanks Jim – yes I was particularly only talking about a clean install hence mentioned using Rufus. However if you do a Google search you can find instances where Windows 10 and 11 users have had issues with Bitlocker being turned on after ordinary updates and then being asked for a Bitlocker key on boot. I don’t know how widespread or just an unlucky few. And it is not turned on only by default in fresh installs but also re-installs. I don’t know if a re-install would also include the built-in PC reset option. Anyway if you somehow get to that point and don’t have Bitlocker key and important data where you haven’t got an image (as most likely won’t have) I should imagine it’s time for clean underwear.
I must have missed the Linux guides last year whilst travelling so will check them out and thanks.
Cheers
Reg
https://www.tomshardware.com/software/windows/windows-11-24h2-will-enable-bitlocker-encryption-for-everyone-happens-on-both-clean-installs-and-reinstalls
Fair enough Reg. I guess the main point here is that MS has no right to enforce Bitlocker encryption, under any circumstances. It’s a decision that should always be left up to the user.
BTW: disabling encryption during a fresh install or reinstall is a pretty simple process. I might write a guide on how to do that.
Cheers mate… Jim
Doomsday? What doomsday? I will keep running Win 10 till hell freezes over. My PC doesn’t meet their silly requirements, and I ain’t gonna buy another one to placate Microsoft. I detest someone else telling me what hardware I can use. I have taken all steps to keep my PC secure.. That’s enough. Of course, I may even switch to Linux.
You mentioned Start Menu. I have been using the awesome Classic Start Menu software and enjoying the retro look for years.