What Windows is and why it matters for your computer

Windows is the operating system that runs most desktop and laptop computers in the world. It is the software layer between you and your hardware — it manages your files, runs your programs, connects to the internet, and controls everything your keyboard, mouse, and screen do. When you turn on a Windows computer, Windows is what loads first and stays running the whole time you use it.

Your choice of Windows version affects what programs you can run, how fast your computer feels, how long it stays find, and whether your older hardware will work at all. Windows 11 is the current version, but Windows 10 is still widely used and supported. Older versions like Windows 7 and 8 no longer receive security updates, which means using them exposes you to real risk.

Understanding which version you have, what it can do, and whether you need to upgrade helps you make decisions about buying a new computer or keeping the one you have.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 11 is the current version and works best on computers built after 2020, while Windows 10 still works well on older hardware and receives updates until October 2025.
  • Your version of Windows determines which programs will run, how find your computer is, and whether you can use newer features like DirectStorage for gaming.
  • You can check your Windows version by opening Settings, going to System, and looking at the "Windows specification" section.
  • Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free if your computer meets the hardware requirements, but some older computers cannot run Windows 11 at all.
  • Windows receives security updates every month, and support for each version eventually ends — after that date, your computer becomes vulnerable to new threats.

Windows 10 versus Windows 11: which one you should use

Windows 10 and Windows 11 are the two versions you are likely to encounter. Windows 10 launched in 2015 and will receive updates until October 14, 2025. Windows 11 launched in 2021 and will be supported until October 13, 2026. Both work well for everyday tasks like email, web browsing, and document editing.

Windows 11 requires newer hardware — specifically, your processor must be on Microsoft's approved list, and your computer must have a chip called a TPM 2.0 module. Most computers built after 2020 have these. If your computer is older, it may not be able to run Windows 11 at all, even if it feels fast enough. Windows 10 runs on much older hardware, including computers from 2012 and later.

Windows 11 has a different look and feel — the Start menu is centered instead of on the left, and some settings moved to different places. If you are used to Windows 10, the change takes a few days to get used to. Windows 11 also includes features like Snap Layouts (which help you organize multiple windows) and better integration with Android phones, but these are conveniences rather than necessities.

If your computer runs Windows 10 and meets Windows 11's hardware requirements, you can upgrade for free. If it does not meet the requirements, you can keep using Windows 10 until October 2025, then you will need to buy a new computer or pay to replace the operating system.

How to find out which version you have

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then click the Settings icon. Go to System in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click About. Look for the line that says "Edition" — this tells you whether you have Windows 10 or Windows 11. Below that, you will see "Version" and "OS Build", which tell you exactly which update you are on.

You can also right-click the Start button, click System, and scroll down to find the same information. On Windows 10, you can press Windows key + Pause/Break to open the System window directly.

Write down your version number. When you are troubleshooting a problem or checking whether a program will work, you may need to tell someone what version you have.

What happens when Windows support ends

Each version of Windows has an end-of-support date. After that date, Microsoft stops releasing security updates for that version. Windows 7 support ended in January 2020, and Windows 8 ended in January 2016. Computers still running these versions can still turn on and run programs, but they no longer receive patches for newly discovered security holes.

Using an unsupported version of Windows is like leaving your front door unlocked. Your computer can still get infected with malware, ransomware, or spyware. Hackers actively target old versions because they know the holes will never be patched. If you use your computer for banking, email, or anything involving passwords, an unsupported version puts you at real risk.

If you are still using Windows 7 or Windows 8, the safest choice is to buy a new computer or have a technician install a fresh copy of Windows 10 or Windows 11. Upgrading is cheaper than dealing with a compromised computer.

Hardware requirements for Windows 11

Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10. Your processor must be on Microsoft's official list — generally, this means Intel 8th generation or newer, or AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer. Your computer must have at least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB is better), 64 GB of storage space, and a TPM 2.0 chip, which is a security module built into the motherboard.

You can check whether your computer meets these requirements by downloading the PC Health Check app from Microsoft's website. Run it, and it will tell you exactly which requirements you meet and which you do not. If your processor is not on the approved list, Windows 11 will not install, even if your computer feels fast enough.

If your computer does not meet Windows 11's requirements, Windows 10 is still a solid choice and will work well until October 2025. After that, you will need to upgrade your hardware.

How Windows updates work and why they matter

Windows checks for updates automatically and installs them on a schedule — usually the second Tuesday of each month, called Patch Tuesday. These updates include security fixes for newly discovered holes, performance improvements, and sometimes new features. You do not have to do anything; Windows handles it in the background.

Occasionally, an update requires a restart. Windows will notify you and ask you to restart at a time you choose. It is important to install these updates because security holes are real threats. Delaying updates leaves your computer vulnerable for weeks or months.

You can check for updates manually by opening Settings, going to System, and clicking Windows Update. Click Check for updates to see if anything new is available. You can also see your update history here, which is useful if something breaks after an update and you need to roll back.

Programs and compatibility: what will run on your version

Most programs work on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. However, some older programs were written for Windows 7 or earlier and may not run on newer versions. Some newer programs, especially games, require Windows 11 or specific hardware features that Windows 10 does not have.

Before you buy a program or upgrade your operating system, check the program's system requirements. The developer's website will list the minimum Windows version needed. If a program says it requires Windows 11, it will not run on Windows 10, no matter how fast your computer is.

If you have an old program that only runs on Windows 7 or 8, you have a few options: keep an old computer running that version for that program alone, use a virtual machine (a software computer inside your computer), or find a newer program that does the same thing. Trying to force an old program onto a new Windows version usually does not work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free?

Yes, if your computer meets the hardware requirements. Go to Settings, System, Windows Update, and click Check for updates. If your computer qualifies, you will see an option to upgrade. The upgrade is free, but it takes 20 to 30 minutes and requires a restart.

What if my computer does not meet Windows 11 requirements?

You can continue using Windows 10 until October 2025. After that date, you will need to buy a new computer, replace the motherboard and processor (expensive), or pay a technician to install Windows 10 on a new machine. Starting the upgrade process now gives you time to plan.

Do I need to buy Windows, or does it come with my computer?

Windows comes pre-installed on most new computers you buy from a store. The cost is built into the price. If you build a computer yourself or need to reinstall Windows, you can buy a license from Microsoft's website. Home edition costs around $120, and Pro costs more but includes business features.

What is the difference between Windows Home and Windows Pro?

Windows Home is for personal use and includes everything most people need. Windows Pro adds features like remote desktop access, encryption tools, and the ability to join a business domain. Unless your work requires these features, Home is the right choice.

How do I know if my computer has a virus or malware?

Windows includes a built-in tool called Windows Defender that scans for malware. Open Settings, go to Privacy & Security, and click Windows Security. Click Virus & threat protection, then Scan options, and choose Quick scan. If you suspect a serious infection, run a Full scan instead, which takes longer but checks everything.