This article explains how old Windows 11 is, its release date, and age. It compares Windows 11 with Windows 10 and discusses whether you should upgrade now or wait for Windows 12.
Windows 11 is now over 4 years old, having been released on October 5, 2021, after being announced in June of that year. It was the first major Windows upgrade in six years, replacing Windows 10 as Microsoft’s main desktop system. Windows 10 users can upgrade for free if their device is compatible, though not all features, such as Android app support, are available immediately.
Windows 10 reached the end of support on October 14, 2025, so it is time to plan an upgrade or enable BitLocker to maintain security. Windows 11 offers a fresh design, improved security, ongoing updates, and new AI-powered features. The latest update, version 25H2 (released September 2025), adds performance improvements, AI tools, enterprise options like Wi-Fi 7 support, and the ability to remove pre-installed apps. The update installs easily through Settings > Windows Update.
Some users may also hope to skip directly to Windows 12. However, there is no official Windows 12 yet, and most information is news and rumors about Windows 12. Microsoft is currently focused on improving Windows 11 with updates like 25H2. For most users, staying on Windows 11 is the safest and most practical choice, offering a secure, modern, and fully supported system.
To check your current Windows version, go to Settings (Windows + I) > System > About. You will see your Edition (such as Windows 10 or 11) and Version (such as 24H2 or 25H2).
For devices that cannot run Windows 11, continuing to use Windows 10 offline or backing up important data is safer. Microsoft recommends upgrading if your hardware allows or using a new device with Windows 11 pre-installed.
If your device is compatible, it is recommended to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Windows 10 reached the end of support on October 14, 2025, which means it no longer receives security updates. Windows 11 provides improved security and regular updates, including version 25H2.
Waiting for Windows 12 is not advised because it has not been officially announced or released. Most information about it is speculative and it may not be available soon. If your device cannot run Windows 11, enabling BitLocker on Windows 10 is a safer way to protect your data. This section will present different solutions to meet your needs.
Having enough free disk space is essential for system installation because the installer needs room to copy files, create temporary data, and manage updates. Without enough space, the installation can fail with an error code or leave the system unstable. Even after installation, low disk space can slow down Windows and prevent future updates.
If your drive does not have sufficient space, AOMEI Partition Assistant can help you manage disk space effectively. Its 1-Click Adjust Space feature lets you expand a partition by reallocating unused space from other volumes. It works on NTFS and FAT32 drives across Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7, for both 32- and 64-bit versions.
✔️ Windows Disk Management cannot resize partitions due to system file locks
✔️ You need to resize or merge partitions without losing data
✔️ You want to shrink partitions that contain unmovable files
With its intuitive interface, AOMEI Partition Assistant provides a faster and safer way to free up space, making system installation and folder encryption smoother and more reliable.
The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer
Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. Right-click a partition (here is D: partition) you want to adjust space and select "1-Click Adjust Space".
Step 2. If you want to use the space on F: to expand D:, you can simply drag the dot near the partition F: head backward to shrink the partition F: and enlarge the partition D: at the same time. Then click "OK".
Tips: You can simultaneously drag the dot near the partition C: tail forward to shrink the partition C: so the D: will also be enlarged with the space of C: at the same time. In this case, you can adjust all partition space (C:, D:, and F:) on the disk.
Step 3. You can preview the operation by viewing the "Pending Operations". To commit the "Pending Operations", please click "Apply" and "Proceed".
Step 4. The process will start and you can check the progress. It might take time to finish the operation.
Step 5. Wait for the operation to be finished. After it is completed successfully, you will find D: is enlarged and both D: and F: are adjusted.
After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, which increases the risk of malware and data breaches. For users who want to keep using Windows 10 safely, cannot upgrade to Windows 11 or purchase Extended Security Updates, protecting personal data becomes very important. One of the best ways to do this is by encrypting your drives.
Microsoft includes BitLocker, a built-in tool that secures your data from unauthorized access. However, BitLocker is not available in Windows 10 Home. If you use this version, AOMEI Partition Assistant is a reliable alternative. It allows you to encrypt your drives easily, keeping your sensitive files safe. Even after Windows 10 support ends, using encryption software like this can help protect your information and reduce security risks.
The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer
Step 1. Install and open AOMEI Partition Assistant. Go to the "Tools" section and choose "BitLocker".
Step 2. Pick the drive partition you wish to encrypt and tap on "Turn on BitLocker".
Step 3. Create a password, verify it, and press "Next" to proceed.
Step 4. Decide how to back up your recovery key: either "Save to a file" or "Print the recovery key". Then, click Next to start the encryption process.
Windows 11 is a modern and secure operating system that continues to receive updates and new features. If your device supports it, upgrading from Windows 10 is the safest choice. For those who must stay on Windows 10, using tools like BitLocker or AOMEI Partition Assistant can help protect your data. Planning your upgrade and managing your system carefully ensures security, stability, and a better overall experience.