You’ve likely heard that Windows 11 will become generally available on October 5th, 2021. If you haven’t this means Windows users can upgrade their operating system from Windows 10 to you guessed it, Windows 11.

While the next new thing sounds exciting, there’s good reason to wait a few more months before upgrading. Ultimately, the choice is yours, however, tech experts have weighed in and many are saying to wait until the spring. But why?

Features of Windows 11

First, what’s so special about Windows 11 to begin with? In Microsoft’s words, Windows 11 was “redesigned for productivity, creativity, and ease.” So, what does that really mean to you? Let’s take a look at the new features of Windows 11:

• Simplified design – The Start menu is centered on the screen for quicker access.

• Simplified user experience - The Start menu shows you your recent M365 files from different platforms and devices you may have been working on.

• Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, and Desktops – Use these features to visually organize your screen and multitask with ease. With Desktops, you can create different desktop themes for work, school, play, different users, or whatever fits your needs.

• Microsoft Teams Upgrade – Teams will now be integrated into the taskbar, so you can easily mute, unmute, and start presenting directly from the taskbar.

• Better gaming experience – With DirectX 12 Ultimate, graphics quality is top-notch and at high frame rates. With DirectStorage, you get faster load times. And a better gaming experience wouldn’t be complete without intensely captivating colors thanks to Auto HDR.

• Widgets – Widgets provide you with a personalized feed right on the side of your desktop. From news, weather, notifications, you can check this when you need to take a break from the task you are working on without leaving your current screen.

• New Microsoft Store – The app store has been updated to improve speed, complete with a simplified design that is easier to use and search for apps, as well as more apps are available for you to download. The new app store also provides users with a better sense of security when downloading apps, as they are tested for security and family safety before you download.

Why Wait to Upgrade

We get it, no one likes waiting longer than they have to for the next new thing. However, we thought you might want to know about the security risks if you choose to upgrade to Windows 11 right away. Along with the increased requirements for device compatibility.

Here they are:

• Glitches and other bugs - Oftentimes, glitches and bugs are uncovered as new operating systems are rolled out to more users. If you are first to jump on the new OS, you could experience issues until they are discovered and fixed by Microsoft.

• Increased compatibility requirements – If your device doesn’t meet the requirements for Windows 11 then you will have to wait to upgrade. Such as an Intel or AMD processor from 2018 or newer, 4GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, TPM 2.0, graphics that support DirectX 12, to name a few of the requirements.

• Windows 11 not supported yet – Many line of business vendors will not support Windows 11 until many months down the road. Your payroll processing, agency management system, or even video-editing software may cease to function properly. Other equipment your PC links up with may not have upgraded software for Windows 11 either, like printers and docking stations.

• There’s no rush – End of life for Windows 10 isn’t until 2025 which means you can wait that long before upgrading to Windows 11 without worrying about the security of your operating system.

To Upgrade or Not To?

To answer the big question of upgrading to Windows 11 right away or waiting, our answer is to wait. The security risks are worth waiting just a few more months to upgrade. And by spring of next year, you shouldn’t encounter glitches or any of the bugs that you may if you upgraded on or around October 5th.