Windows 11 vs Windows 10: Should You Upgrade? (2025 Guide)

If you've been using a PC in Saskatoon lately, you've probably seen that persistent little notification in your taskbar: "Windows 11 is ready for your PC." It sits there, waiting, asking the question that many of our clients ask us every week: "Do I really need to upgrade?"

It's a valid question. Windows 10 has been a reliable workhorse for years. It's stable, familiar, and gets the job done. But with Windows 10 support officially ending in October 2025, the clock is ticking. In this guide, we'll break down the real differences between the two operating systems, cut through the marketing hype, and help you decide if it's time to make the switch on your home or business computer.

Did you know? Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After that date, staying on Windows 10 could leave your computer vulnerable to new security threats.

The Main Differences

At first glance, Windows 11 looks like a fresh coat of paint, but there are some significant changes under the hood that affect how your computer performs.

1. Design and Interface

The most obvious change is the visual design. Windows 11 introduces "Mica" material effects, rounded corners on all windows, and a centered Start menu (though you can move it back to the left if you're feeling nostalgic). It feels more like a modern smartphone interface—cleaner, softer, and more consistent.

Snap Layouts are a game-changer for productivity. Hover over the maximize button on any window, and you can instantly snap it into a grid layout. For anyone multitasking on a laptop at a local Saskatoon coffee shop, this feature alone makes managing multiple windows much easier.

2. Performance and Speed

Windows 11 isn't just about looks; it's smarter about how it uses your computer's resources. It prioritizes the apps you're currently using in the foreground, meaning your browser or Word document gets more CPU power than the background tasks you aren't looking at.

Another major improvement is wake-from-sleep time. Windows 11 wakes up almost instantly, similar to how your phone does. Updates are also roughly 40% smaller and happen in the background, so you're less likely to be interrupted by a "Do not turn off your computer" screen when you're trying to get work done.

3. Gaming Features

If you're a gamer, the upgrade is almost a no-brainer. Windows 11 includes Auto HDR, which automatically upgrades the lighting and color of older games (as long as you have an HDR monitor). It also supports DirectStorage, a technology that allows the graphics card to load game data directly from the SSD, drastically reducing load times.

System Requirements & TPM 2.0

This is the biggest hurdle for many Saskatoon PC owners. Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10. The most controversial one is the requirement for a TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) chip.

TPM is a security feature that helps protect your encryption keys and user credentials. Most computers made after 2018 have this built-in, but it might be disabled in the BIOS. If your computer is older than 4-5 years, it might not officially support Windows 11, even if it feels fast enough.

Not sure if your PC is compatible? You can download Microsoft's "PC Health Check" app to find out instantly. If you're confused by the results or need help enabling TPM in your BIOS, our tech support team can check it for you.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Windows 11 Pros:

• Better Security: Built-in hardware security requirements make it harder for malware to attack.
• Modern Look: Cleaner, more consistent design that's easier on the eyes.
• Productivity Boosts: Snap Layouts and better multi-monitor handling.
• Future Proof: Will receive updates and support long after 2025.

Windows 11 Cons:

• Hardware Requirements: Leaves many perfectly good older PCs behind.
• Learning Curve: The new Start menu and right-click context menus take some getting used to.
• Taskbar Limitations: You can't move the taskbar to the side or top of the screen anymore (without third-party tools).

The Verdict for 2025: Should You Switch?

As we approach the 2025 deadline, our advice has shifted.

You SHOULD upgrade to Windows 11 if:

• Your computer supports it officially.
• You want the best security protections available.
• You use multiple monitors or multitask heavily.
• You are a gamer wanting the latest features.

You should STAY on Windows 10 (for now) if:

• Your computer is older and doesn't meet the requirements (don't force it unless you know what you're doing).
• You rely on very specific legacy software that hasn't been updated for Windows 11.
• You absolutely hate the centered taskbar and new design changes.

However, remember that October 2025 is the hard deadline. After that, staying on Windows 10 becomes a security risk. If your current PC can't run Windows 11, you have about a year to plan for a replacement or an upgrade.

How to Upgrade Safely

If you've decided to take the plunge, the process is usually straightforward via Windows Update. But before you click that "Download and Install" button, there is one critical step you must take: Back up your data.

While upgrades usually go smoothly, things can go wrong. Power outages, corrupted files, or driver conflicts can leave you with a computer that won't boot. We always recommend backing up your important photos and documents to an external drive or cloud storage before a major OS upgrade.

Check out our guide on how to backup your data for tips on keeping your files safe.

Need Help Upgrading in Saskatoon?

If the idea of updating your operating system makes you nervous, or if you want to ensure a clean, bloatware-free installation, TechYXE is here to help. We offer a professional Windows OS Installation service that takes the stress out of upgrading.

Our Windows OS Installation & Upgrade service includes:

• Compatibility Check: We verify your hardware is truly ready for Windows 11.
• Data Safety: We ensure your files are safe before starting.
• Clean Install Option: Start fresh without the "junk" files from your old system.
• Driver Updates: We install all the correct drivers for your specific hardware.
• Flat Rate Pricing: Just $49 for a complete installation or upgrade.

Don't risk your data or your sanity. Contact us today to schedule your Windows 11 upgrade with Saskatoon's friendly local tech experts!

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