Which is superior? Is Windows 11 being upgraded from Windows 10 or is it being installed from scratch?
February 14, 2025, will be the date when Microsoft will end official support for Windows 10. From that moment on, the system will no longer receive security updates and technical assistance, which will significantly increase the risks to computers that continue to use it. Making them vulnerable to threats such as malware or viruses.
In the face of this situation, the company encourages users to move to Windows 11 as soon as possible, highlighting the improvements in interface, security, stability, and performance that the latest platform offers.
If you’re still running Windows 10 and considering upgrading, you’re probably wondering which option is better: upgrading directly from Windows 10 to Windows 11 or doing a clean install from scratch? Both options have pros and cons, and your decision will depend on the current state of your computer and your specific needs.
The best way to upgrade to Windows 11
It's worth noting that upgrading directly from Windows 10 is the quickest and easiest option. This process keeps your programs, files, and settings intact, meaning you won't need to reinstall anything or configure your PC from scratch.
However, it may carry previous issues from the previous version, such as corrupted files or wrong settings that affect the performance of the new system.
On the other hand, a clean install of Windows 11 means starting from scratch. This method involves formatting the hard drive and reinstalling the operating system from scratch. Although it may be more difficult, it has the advantage of eliminating any pre-existing issues with the computer.
Of course, when installing Windows 11 from scratch, you'll need to back up your data and keep your essential software installers handy if you want to recover all the information you had in the previous version.
In general, if your computer is running fine and you aren’t experiencing any major issues, a direct update from Windows 10 to Windows 11 may be sufficient. However, if you’ve noticed that your computer is running slow, experiencing errors, or you simply want to make sure your Windows 11 experience is optimal, a clean install is the better option.
What if your computer is not compatible with Windows 11?
If your computer doesn’t meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11, you have several options. One option is to upgrade your computer’s hardware, such as the processor or RAM, to make it compatible, but this ultimately results in additional costs that you may not be able to afford.
Another option is to stick with Windows 10, although this is not recommended in the long run due to the lack of official support. You might also consider installing an alternative operating system, such as a Linux distribution, which is free, secure, and has a large support community.
Upgrading to Windows 11 is an important step in keeping your PC secure and performing. Whether you choose a direct upgrade or a clean install, make sure you prepare your PC properly to ensure a smooth transition.