Windows 11 – What you need to know

Microsoft made a big thing about Windows 10 being their last version of Windows. The truth is the Windows 10 we use now looks markedly different to what was first released in 2015. Nevertheless, it is confusing that they have announced the launch of Windows 11 and an end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025. What does it mean for us, the end user?

Windows 11 will launch later this year, on a yet to be specified date. There will be the option to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 next year, BUT this will be based on the specification of the laptop or computer, which will allow only new equipment bought since 2019 to be upgraded (as a rough rule of thumb).

Windows 11 will look different to Windows 10, but still holds true to what we’ve seen before, with a Taskbar and Desktop icons. The ‘feel’ will be different, to set it apart from previous Windows versions, but the functionality should be pretty much the same.

A word of warning would be not to expect older pieces of equipment to work with Windows 11. Microsoft will not want to have to support too old a back catalogue of drivers, while the manufactures of things like printers and scanners will see it as an opportunity to have people buy new equipment.

To upgrade or not to upgrade will be the question. For many there will be no choice but to carry on with Windows 10. For others it will probably be a matter of timing in order that they get the full life expectancy out of their laptop or computer.