My PC works well, so why upgrade to Windows 11?

I can’t help but think that Microsoft is about to shoot itself not just in one foot, but both. The reason Windows 10 has been such a resounding success is that it was made available to everyone for free, without this ‘phased release’ that Microsoft seems so keen on now. The technical requirements seemed to be very limited, which suited people like me who had foregone the dubious pleasures of Windows 8 to stay on Windows 7. I had several ancient (in tech terms) computers that I doubted would run Windows 10. But upgrading them was straightforward, and I’ve had no problems since.

But Windows 11 seems to be a more restricted release. I’ve checked the requirements, and none of my old computers can run it. OK, that’s to be expected – they’re all over 10 years old. But shockingly, nor will Windows 11 run on the PC I bought in 2016 with Windows 10 installed. I know the people who work for Microsoft must consider 2016 to be prehistoric in computing years, but pensioners like me who have to be careful about money need to buy things that last.

I can’t afford to buy a powerful new computer running Windows 11. And why should I, anyway, when my existing Windows 10 PC is still doing a good job? I expect that Microsoft must be hoping there are millions of people with more money who will be happy to buy a new computer. But I suspect that might turn out to be a huge miscalculation. Neil Mannister

CA SAYS Neil’s surely right that there will be many people happy to stick with Windows 10. What matters is how many others see enough that’s new in Windows 11 to make it worth their while upgrading. We explore your options in our Cover Feature – see page 50.